The November 1 deadline has passed with over 160 players coming off-contract free to negotiate with rival NRL clubs, including the Perth Bears, for 2027 and beyond.<\/p>\n
The new franchise are on the lookout to fill their top 30, while other clubs are on notice as they scramble to lock up their off-contract stars and replace those that opt to switch clubs.<\/p>\n
Read on for the all the latest player movement and signings.<\/p>\n
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ROOSTERS LOCK DOWN EMERGING FORWARD<\/p>\n
The Roosters have taken one of the game\u2019s best young locks off the market.<\/p>\n
Roosters academy product Blake Steep has inked a two-year extension with the club, which will keep him in the eastern suburbs at least until the end of 2028. <\/p>\n
After debuting and playing just three NRL games in 2024, the 20-year-old was relied upon often this past season, playing 22 games for a Roosters team who lost several experienced players in the off-season. <\/p>\n
Steep represented NSW under 19s last year and won selection in the Indigenous All Star squad earlier this year. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really proud to be part of the Roosters. The Club means a lot to me; it\u2019s helped me grow as a player and as a person,\u201d Steep said via a club-issued statement.<\/a><\/p>\n SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 06: Blake Steep of the Roosters passes during the round one NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Brisbane Broncos at Allianz Stadium, on March 06, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King\/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n TEDDY EARMARKS FUTURE NO.1<\/p>\n Dally M Winner James Tedesco is technically a free agent with his current Roosters\u2019 deal set to run out at the end of this year.<\/p>\n Although Tedesco didn\u2019t ink an extension with the club before the November 1 transfer deadline, it\u2019s expected the veteran fullback will sign a new deal at some stage.<\/p>\n While it isn\u2019t known how many more seasons the 32-year-old will lace the boots up for, the fullback is looking ahead, endorsing a Roosters young gun as his potential replacement.<\/p>\n Teen talent Rex Bassingthwaighte is a dual sport star who is set to join the Roosters\u2019 top 30 squad in 2027.<\/p>\n Impressively, Bassingthwaighte has represented the Wallabies\u2019 under 18s and has a Roosters\u2019 Harold Matthews Cup (u17s) Player of the Year on his CV.<\/p>\n Tedesco sung the praises of the 17-year-old Bassingthwaighte, who is set to train with the Roosters this pre-season. <\/p>\n \u201cHe trained with us in the pre-season last year. We got along really well. He\u2019s an exciting young talent,\u201d Tedesco told Zero Tackle.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s fast, agile, got good hands, and I think he\u2019s going to be a real talent.<\/p>\n \u201cHe can fit in anywhere in the backs to sort of start off his career, but fullback definitely for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Rex Bassingthwaighte is the man James Tedesco believes could take over his No.1 jersey.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n BULLDOGS\u2019 MOVE FOR TIGERS ENFORCER<\/p>\n The Bulldogs are reportedly set to hand Tigers gun Justin Matamua an NRL lifeline, giving him the opportunity to trial for a contract during pre-season.<\/p>\n According to WWOS<\/a>, the 22-year-old will be given a chance to train with Cameron Ciraldo\u2019s squad over summer and take part in club trials.<\/p>\n The Bulldogs will reportedly then make a decision on whether they will sign the talented forward, who has played 14 NRL games to date.<\/p>\n Matamua was released by the Tigers at the conclusion of the 2025 season, but Bulldogs officials believe he may need a change of scenery to unlock his ability.<\/p>\n He made his NRL debut in 2022 and has also played a single Test for Samoa, being a player touted for big things when he burst onto the scene.<\/p>\n Ultimately, he was deemed surplus to requirements under Benji Marshall, and will now earn $1200 a week on his train-and-trail contract.<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n CHARGED: Former Panthers star arrested by police over alleged $140k crypto theft<\/a><\/p>\n GAGGED: NRL hits clubs with gag order to fix messy deadline amid Galvin fiasco<\/a><\/p>\n NZ star calls for shortened NRL season | 01:00<\/p>\n DRAGONS RECRUIT GUN WARRIORS FLYER<\/p>\n The Dragons are reportedly set to land Warriors flyer Setu Tu, once again adding to their outside backs depth.<\/p>\n