{"id":413709,"date":"2026-01-15T03:01:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T03:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/413709\/"},"modified":"2026-01-15T03:01:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T03:01:16","slug":"the-best-13-players-without-a-contract-for-2027-nrl-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/413709\/","title":{"rendered":"The best 13 players without a contract for 2027 – NRL News"},"content":{"rendered":"

The start of the 2026 NRL<\/a> season is not yet upon us, but already spots are filling up around the competition for 2027, with players mapping out their long-term futures following the November 1 deadline.<\/p>\n

With action in pre-season trials less than a month away, Zero Tackle have unpacked the list of currently off-contract players who are under the microscope of both the Perth Bears<\/a> and all 17 other clubs to ascertain the best in each position without a deal for 2027.<\/p>\n

As things continue over the coming weeks, there will undoubtedly be more and more pressure on clubs to add to their rosters, and once the talent pool dwindles, desperation will grow.<\/p>\n

Here is the position-by-position breakdown of the best players without a deal for 2027.<\/p>\n

Fullback<\/p>\n

Candidates: Trai Fuller<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), William Kennedy<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Connor Tracey<\/a> (Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Fullback is one of the most heavily talented positions in the competition, and that ultimately means there are not all that many clubs in desperate need of new firepower.<\/p>\n

At the time of writing, the Perth Bears<\/a> still need a strong option, while the Sharks and Bulldogs could be in the mix if they lose their established options.<\/p>\n

Trai Fuller<\/a> is the X-Factor, having seen the Dolphins<\/a> move Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow<\/a> to the centres throughout 2025.<\/p>\n

He gets the nod, but there are three excellent options on the market.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Trai Fuller<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Wingers<\/p>\n

Candidates: Jesse Arthars<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>), Selwyn Cobbo<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), Jamayne Isaako<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), Sione Katoa<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Marcelo Montoya<\/a> (Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a>), Phillip Sami<\/a> (Gold Coast Titans<\/a>), Sam Stonestreet<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Murray Taulagi<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>), Daniel Tupou<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>), Will Warbrick<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>)<\/p>\n

There are plenty of quality wingers still without a deal heading into 2027, and while the Perth Bears<\/a> will play a role in the market, there are other clubs who will be shopping for outside backs and try-scorers.<\/p>\n

It has been reported that the likes of Murray Taulagi<\/a>, Phillip Sami<\/a> and Jesse Arthars<\/a> could well leave their current clubs.<\/p>\n

Daniel Tupou<\/a>, should he continue to play would be there, but we aren’t sold on that, so we will take the Origin experience of Taulagi and upside of Warbrick.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Murray Taulagi<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>) and Will Warbrick<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"New<\/p>\n

Centres<\/p>\n

Candidates: Jake Averillo<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), Tom Chester<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>), Thomas Jenkins<\/a> (Penrith Panthers<\/a>), Will Penisini<\/a> (Parramatta Eels<\/a>), Jesse Ramien<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>)<\/p>\n

There are certainly less excellent centres off-contract at the end of 2026, but still a solid list available.<\/p>\n

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s enormous production, should he continue his career, could make him a hot prospect although the chance of him leaving Auckland seems slim.<\/p>\n

Jesse Ramien<\/a> has plenty of talent and has been a stalwart for the Sharks, while Will Penisini<\/a> is one of the game’s breakout players in recent years. Jake Averillo<\/a> too provides plenty with his versatility but could be looking for a new club.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Will Penisini<\/a> (Parramatta Eels<\/a>) and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Five-eighth<\/p>\n

Candidates: Tyson Gamble<\/a> (Newcastle Knights<\/a>), Chanel Harris-Tavita<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>), Te Maire Martin<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>), Cody Walker<\/a> (South Sydney Rabbitohs<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The options at five-eighth are extremely limited for clubs shopping ahead of 2027, although that has shuffled recently with Tyran Wishart<\/a> being snapped up by the Perth Bears<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Cody Walker<\/a> is clearly the most experienced option, but with a looming retirement and injury issues, has a somewhat up in the air future.<\/p>\n

Chanel Harris-Tavita<\/a> had an excellent 2025, but can’t be picked ahead of Walker, while Te Maire Martin<\/a> and Tyson Gamble<\/a> are fighting for their futures by performance in 2026.<\/p>\n

Kodi Nikorima<\/a> is the option however. He was part of the NRL’s best attack in 2025 and had a career-best year.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Kodi Nikorima<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"NRL<\/p>\n

Halfback<\/p>\n

Candidates: Tanah Boyd<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>), Daly Cherry-Evans<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>), Jake Clifford<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>), Adam Reynolds<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>)<\/p>\n

What immediately leaps off the page here is the experience. Daly Cherry-Evans<\/a> and Adam Reynolds<\/a> are two of the game’s best long-term game organisers, and have found plenty of success in their respective careers.<\/p>\n

Tanah Boyd<\/a> and Jake Clifford<\/a> are the only other realistic options if clubs are looking for a first-grade halfback who is ready to play immediately.<\/p>\n

Cherry-Evans is expected to retire at the end of 2026, while Reynolds could play on, so by process of elimination, he takes the spot.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Adam Reynolds<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Props<\/p>\n

Candidates: Payne Haas<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>), Braden Hamlin-Uele<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Samuel Hughes<\/a> (Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a>), Jaimin Jolliffe<\/a> (Gold Coast Titans<\/a>), Tui Kamikamica<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>), Ata Mariota<\/a> (Canberra Raiders<\/a>), Francis Molo<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), Josh Papalii<\/a> (Canberra Raiders<\/a>), Junior Paulo<\/a> (Parramatta Eels<\/a>), Toby Rudolf<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Lindsay Smith<\/a> (Penrith Panthers<\/a>), Siosiua Taukeiaho<\/a> (Manly Sea Eagles<\/a>)<\/p>\n

There are plenty of quality props still off-contract heading into 2027, with clubs out shopping able to pick and choose based on the type of player they are after.<\/p>\n

It goes without saying that Payne Haas<\/a> is likely to re-sign with the Broncos, but is the best of the lot. No one in the NRL<\/a> holds a candle to his ability and weekly production.<\/p>\n

Lindsay Smith<\/a> headlines the crop of young forwards without a deal, while the likely to retire Josh Papalii<\/a>, and in-form Junior Paulo<\/a> are also off-contract.<\/p>\n

Siosiua Taukeiaho<\/a>, Francis Molo<\/a>, Toby Rudolf<\/a>, Tui Kamikamica<\/a>, Jaimin Jolliffe<\/a> and Ata Mariota<\/a> are also all solid options.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Payne Haas<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>) and Lindsay Smith<\/a> (Penrith Panthers<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Hooker<\/p>\n

Candidates: Damien Cook<\/a> (St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a>), Cory Paix<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>), Sam Verrills<\/a> (Gold Coast Titans<\/a>), Billy Walters<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The list of off-contract hookers is a little smaller, but there are still some very strong options.<\/p>\n

Billy Walters<\/a> and Cory Paix<\/a> at the Brisbane Broncos<\/a> both add versatility with their ability to play in the halves, while Sam Verrills<\/a> might be the best long-term option for the Bears.<\/p>\n

Damien Cook<\/a>, who has indicated he could look to play on past 2026, takes the spot though.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Damien Cook<\/a> (St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"NRL<\/p>\n

Second-row<\/p>\n

Candidates: John Bateman<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>), Shawn Blore<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>), Billy Burns<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Kurt Capewell<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>), Angus Crichton<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>), Tyson Frizell<\/a> (Newcastle Knights<\/a>), Jack Gosiewski<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>), Luciano Leilua<\/a> (St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a>), Marata Niukore<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>), Scott Sorensen<\/a> (Penrith Panthers<\/a>), Siosifa Talakai<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Siua Wong<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The second row is an area of great strength on the open market for clubs in need.<\/p>\n

Shawn Blore<\/a> is likely to be a hot commodity given his understood desire to move back to Sydney, while experienced names like Angus Crichton<\/a>, Kurt Capewell<\/a> and Tyson Frizell<\/a> remain without deals.<\/p>\n

Luciano Leilua’s situation will be one to follow, and so too will that of Marata Niukore<\/a> and Scott Sorensen<\/a>, while Siua Wong<\/a> is the best of the young guns off-contract.<\/p>\n

John Bateman<\/a> will be another intriguing player to follow as he sorts his future out.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Shawn Blore<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>) and Siua Wong<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Lock<\/p>\n

Candidates: Jesse Colquhoun<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Adam Elliott<\/a> (South Sydney Rabbitohs<\/a>), Kurt Mann<\/a> (Canterbury Bulldogs<\/a>), Cameron McInnes<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>), Morgan Smithies<\/a> (Canberra Raiders<\/a>), Ray Stone<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>), Jake Trbojevic<\/a> (Manly Sea Eagles<\/a>), Dylan Walker<\/a> (Parramatta Eels<\/a>)<\/p>\n

There are more locks coming off-contract at the end of 2026 than any of the group would feel comfortable with.<\/p>\n

There is also plenty of experience, with Kurt Mann<\/a>, Jake Trbojevic<\/a> and Dylan Walker<\/a> all providing solid options.<\/p>\n

Morgan Smithies<\/a> has had a great start to his time in the NRL<\/a>, but it’s the Sharks where your eyes are immediately drawn, with both Cameron McInnes<\/a> and Jesse Colquhoun<\/a> a chance of leaving.<\/p>\n

In this instance, we will take the rising star and have Colquhoun, who it’s believed has as many as six or seven clubs chasing his signature.<\/p>\n

Verdict: Jesse Colquhoun<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The full team<\/p>\n

1. Trai Fuller<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>)
2. Murray Taulagi<\/a> (North Queensland Cowboys<\/a>)
3. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck<\/a> (New Zealand Warriors<\/a>)
4. Will Penisini<\/a> (Parramatta Eels<\/a>)
5. Will Warbrick<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>)
6. Kodi Nikorima<\/a> (The Dolphins<\/a>)
7. Adam Reynolds<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>)
8. Payne Haas<\/a> (Brisbane Broncos<\/a>)
9. Damien Cook<\/a> (St George Illawarra Dragons<\/a>)
10. Lindsay Smith<\/a> (Penrith Panthers<\/a>)
11. Shawn Blore<\/a> (Melbourne Storm<\/a>)
12. Siua Wong<\/a> (Sydney Roosters<\/a>)
13. Jesse Colquhoun<\/a> (Cronulla Sharks<\/a>)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The start of the 2026 NRL season is not yet upon us, but already spots are filling up…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":179975,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,761,762,158,85],"class_list":["post-413709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nrl","tag-au","tag-australia","tag-national-rugby-league","tag-nationalrugbyleague","tag-nrl","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=413709"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/413709\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/179975"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=413709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=413709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=413709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}