Get Kayo now ><\/a><\/p>\nA plethora of stars will be testing their value on the open market and could be on the move in what would be a mass roster shake-up across the league. <\/p>\n
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n
While some clubs have more needs than others, we\u2019ve picked out one player set to hit free agency that each team should target from November 1. <\/p>\n
BRONCOS \u2013 Jack Howarth<\/p>\n
It was a solid season from Howarth although perhaps, like many of his Storm teammates, it didn\u2019t reach the heights of the 2025 campaign when Melbourne reached the grand final.<\/p>\n
With that said, Howarth is a very promising player who has the versatility to play in the centres as well as the back row, although the backline is where he\u2019s played the majority of his footy in first grade.<\/p>\n
At this stage, Kotoni Staggs is the only recognised centre signed for 2028.<\/p>\n
Gehamat Shibasaki is leaving while his replacement Dane Gagai has only signed a one-year deal for 2027.<\/p>\n
Howarth is tough, plays with an edge and the sort of player Michael Maguire covets.<\/p>\n
RAIDERS \u2013 Moses Leota<\/p>\n
The Raiders have lost a fair bit of punch in the middle in recent seasons with Josh Papalii (retired), Corey Horsburgh (Perth) and Trey Mooney (Knights) all departing the club in the past 12 months. <\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, Hudson Young is more than likely on the way out as well at the end of next season after Canberra pulled a $4.4 million offer for him.<\/p>\n
The Raiders have been linked to Leota and it would be a signing that makes sense.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s been a leading prop in this league for some time and alongside Joe Tapine, he\u2019ll forge a fearsome 1-2 punch as well as be a great influence on the emerging forward talent coming through. <\/p>\n
While Leota will garner interest from Canberra, Liam Martin will too after the Young development.<\/p>\n
According to CODE Sports, the Origin back rower is already on the Raiders\u2019 radar.<\/p>\n
NZ thump Cook Islands after early scare | 01:11<\/p>\n
BULLDOGS \u2013 Xavier Savage<\/p>\n
It\u2019s no secret the Bulldogs are lacking a bit of x-factor, particularly at fullback. Savage would certainly supply that.<\/p>\n
Savage is a game breaker who possesses plenty of speed and has become a real weapon for the Raiders on the flank.<\/p>\n
The 24-year-old has spent the last few seasons on the wing, but it was at fullback where he burst onto the scene in the NRL.<\/p>\n
Savage\u2019s form at fullback was excellent in his rookie year, helping Canberra to a semi-final in 2022.<\/p>\n
However, since breaking his jaw in a pre-season game in 2023, Savage hasn\u2019t started a game at fullback in first grade with Kaeo Weekes emerging as one of the NRL\u2019s best at that position.<\/p>\n
The Bulldogs have a talented side but might be a player or two short of seriously competing for a title.<\/p>\n
Savage would be an upgrade on what they have at wing, but moving the speedster to the back could be a risk which pays off. <\/p>\n
Connor Tracey is a serviceable player but limited and it\u2019s hard to see the Bulldogs winning a comp with Tracey in the No. 1 jersey.<\/p>\n
SHARKS \u2013 Cody Ramsey<\/p>\n
After a nasty illness kept him sidelined for two seasons and almost derailed his NRL career, Ramsey reminded fans why he was so highly regarded.<\/p>\n
After leaving the Dragons, Ramsey was given a lifeline by the Roosters.<\/p>\n
He certainly took the opportunity with both hands and put himself in the shop window when filling in for an injured James Tedesco at fullback at times throughout the season.<\/p>\n
While the Roosters will be desperate to hold onto Ramsey so he can replace Tedesco when the Chooks skipper retires, that might not be for another couple of seasons at least.<\/p>\n
Ramsey will want to be loyal to the Roosters, but he\u2019ll have plenty of interested teams wishing to talk to him.<\/p>\n
Cronulla should be one of those teams.<\/p>\n
Will Kennedy is serviceable but Ramsey possesses plenty of upside and he\u2019d make the Sharks backline more dynamic.<\/p>\n
Cody Ramsey will have his fair share of suitors. Will the Sharks be one of them?Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
DOLPHINS \u2013 Campbell Graham<\/p>\n
It\u2019s likely the Dolphins will need to replace one of or both Jack Bostock and Herbie Farnworth, given the pair will be hitting the open market. <\/p>\n
Especially after Bostock\u2019s breakout World Cup, it\u2019s hard to see a scenario where the Dolphins keep both given they\u2019ll command big money deals.<\/p>\n
So, a slightly cheaper option presents in Campbell Graham.<\/p>\n
A class outside back who has struck by the injury bug in recent times, Graham can play both wing and centre.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s also an elite defensive player which the Dolphins can always use. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s probably unlikely Souths let Graham leave, but there will be other clubs interested from November 1 and the Dolphins should be one of those if they lose either Bostock or Farnworth.<\/p>\n
TITANS \u2013 Harry Grant<\/p>\n
A huge development that dropped over the weekend was that the Titans gearing up for a mammoth play for Storm skipper Grant.<\/p>\n
While the Titans have Oliver Pascoe, who just enjoyed a great season in the No. 9 jersey, for a club like the Gold Coast, if there\u2019s an opportunity to add a Harry Grant, you swing for the fences.<\/p>\n
The Titans are a burgeoning side who improved under Josh Hannay this season but there are still some question marks.<\/p>\n
Grant might not necessarily change the club\u2019s fortunes straight away, but he brings big-game experience and will command excellence. <\/p>\n
The Storm are probably still the favourites to sign Grant for 2028 and beyond, but if there was ever a time he\u2019d decide to leave the club, it\u2019d be now given Craig Bellamy\u2019s career is winding down and Cam Munster also hitting free agency. <\/p>\n
Harry Grant will garner plenty of interest, but the Titans are expected to put together an offer that could prove hard to resist.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
KNIGHTS – Fonua Pole<\/p>\n
Newcastle have a fair bit of coin locked up in their backline, so they could aim to splash some cash to upgrade their forward pack.<\/p>\n
The Knights are stacked in the back row, so new head of recruitment Anthony Field and his team will be looking for a talented middle forward to join the fray.<\/p>\n
Newcastle do have some good youngsters in the system, led by Cody Hopwood, but the club should be on the lookout for a star prop.<\/p>\n
Tigers gun Fonua Pole fits the bill. <\/p>\n
He\u2019s tireless in the middle and will set a strong example for this young pack but he\u2019s only 24 himself, so his best football is still ahead of him.<\/p>\n
STORM – Matt Burton<\/p>\n
It\u2019s looking more and more likely that Cam Munster may depart the club.<\/p>\n
Melbourne have some talented young forwards emerging but there are question marks around what their halves could look like beyond next season.<\/p>\n
Jahrome Hughes is locked down until the end of 2028 so a complimentary five-eighth should be paired up next to him.<\/p>\n
The Storm could do worse than to look at Matt Burton, who appears he\u2019ll be set to be squeezed out of Belmore.<\/p>\n
He and Hughes will form a dynamic halves combo as they both possess strong kicking and running games. <\/p>\n
Moreover, Burton will be reunited with left side centre Bronson Xerri, with that pair forming a lethal pair at times at the Bulldogs.<\/p>\n
Matt Burton would be a good fit at the Storm.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n
SEA EAGLES \u2013 Stefano Utoikamanu<\/p>\n
Manly have a talented roster but it\u2019s no secret they need a powerhouse middle forward. <\/p>\n
While Caleb Navale is emerging and is set to replace Jake Trbojevic at lock forward this season or next, the Sea Eagles also need a gun prop.<\/p>\n
Taniela Paseka is more than handy but a guy like Stefano Utoikamanu could take this pack up a couple of notches. <\/p>\n
Utoikamanu is the pick of the bunch when it comes to off contract front rowers so it\u2019s a no-brainer for the Sea Eagles to at least consider.<\/p>\n
The Storm prop has already been linked to the Roosters so other clubs may be up against it to sign Utoikamanu but Manly should be preparing to make a play at the representative middle forward.<\/p>\n
PANTHERS \u2013 Nat Butcher<\/p>\n
The Panthers desperately need to bolster their middle forward stocks with Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen departing and Moses Leota\u2019s future up in the air.<\/p>\n
But with Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo set for fresh deals, any signings the Panthers make will have to come at a reasonable price \u2013 and potentially can only happen if Leota leaves.<\/p>\n
Therefore, Nat Butcher shapes as a solid option with the premiership-winner being floated in a potential swap deal for rising star Cooper Bai.<\/p>\n
The Tricolours knocked back the Titans move, explaining they have no desire for Butcher to depart, with Lindsay Collins being the other player floated.<\/p>\n
The Roosters are a true NRL powerhouse, so it could take another heavyweight club in Penrith to pry him away as well as a slight salary bump, given Leota\u2019s cap space could be on offer.<\/p>\n
COWBOYS \u2013 Tom Flegler<\/p>\n
The Cowboys are set to experience somewhat of a \u2018changing of the guard\u2019 when it comes to their middle forwards in the coming years.<\/p>\n
Both Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess come off-contract at the end of the 2027 season and it remains to be seen if that pair will play on.<\/p>\n
Therefore, Todd Payten could look for middle reinforcements, with Tom Flegler shaping as a live option after returning from a long-term injury this season with a bang.<\/p>\n
Flegler hails from Tully in far-north Queensland and the Dolphins are facing a salary cap crunch, with a host of big-name players coming off-contract.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys could swoop in with a play for Flegler to partner Reuben Cotter as a dangerous middle forward partnership for 2028 and onwards.<\/p>\n
Tom Flegler.Source: Supplied<\/p>\n
EELS \u2013 Bradman Best<\/p>\n
Bradman Best has been heavily linked with a move to the Eels, who have made it clear they will hit the open market to bolster their outside backs stocks.<\/p>\n
Josh Addo-Carr\u2019s future is up in the air, while Sean Russell has also departed for the Bears \u2013 meaning Best\u2019s signing would be incredibly timely for the struggling Parramatta club.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old has cemented himself as one of the most dangerous outside backs in the NRL, proving his quality for the Knights, NSW and most recently the Kangaroos.<\/p>\n
In negotiating a new deal with Newcastle, Best was reportedly lowballed \u2013 leading to his decision to hit the open market.<\/p>\n
And that decision could prove fruitful with the Eels likely to weigh in with a significant offer for a player that shapes as a huge upgrade in the centres.<\/p>\n
ROOSTERS \u2013 Herbie Farnworth<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the rumour that won\u2019t go away.<\/p>\n
Herbie Farnworth has been consistently linked to the Roosters, with the Sydney powerhouse said to be plotting a raid for the game\u2019s premier centre.<\/p>\n
However, according to Phil Rothfield, the Tricolours could lure the Dolphins gun away from the 17th franchise by promising him the No. 1 jersey once James Tedesco departs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve basically got an open chequebook for him,\u201d he said on Triple M, explaining that the club \u201csee Herbie as a fullback\u201d.<\/p>\n
With the Tricolours losing Mark Nawaqanitawase and Daniel Tupou after their 2026 premiership, a marquee move for Farnworth makes sense given the Roosters are always active in the market.<\/p>\n
Especially after pulling a mammoth extension offer to retain Sam Walker, salary cap space won\u2019t be an issue and Trent Robinson could well get his man.<\/p>\n
Roosters withdraw offer for Sam Walker | 05:19<\/p>\n
RABBITOHS \u2013 Blake Mozer<\/p>\n
The hooker position has been a headache for the Rabbitohs since the departure of Damien Cook ahead of the 2025 season.<\/p>\n
Brandon Smith arrived at the club as his replacement while Peter Mamouzelos is the club\u2019s other hooker option, although he featured sparingly in 2026.<\/p>\n
Smith didn\u2019t get through 80 minutes in the No. 9 jersey this season, and there\u2019s an argument to say the former Storm gun and Kiwi international is better suited in the middle rotation.<\/p>\n
So Mozer shapes as an interesting proposition for the Rabbitohs, with the talented 22-year-old being given permission to negotiate with rivals regarding an immediate switch after struggling for first grade minutes under Michael Maguire.<\/p>\n
Mozer has long been touted as a future star and he could be the perfect player to rotate with Smith, providing a creative point of difference while also allowing Wayne Bennett to shift his current No. 9 to lock.<\/p>\n
DRAGONS \u2013 Sam Healey<\/p>\n
This move makes sense for all parties.<\/p>\n
The Dragons need a new hooker following the departure of veteran Damien Cook and Healey has been given permission to explore his options for the 2028 season.<\/p>\n
Jacob Liddle is a talented No. 9, but has struggled with injuries during his stuttering career, with Connor Watson arriving in 2027 to beef out the club\u2019s dummy-half stocks.<\/p>\n
With the Warriors reportedly not open to allowing the 24-year-old to leave with a year remaining on his deal, Healey\u2019s arrival in 2028 would then come at the perfect time.<\/p>\n
Across his 29 NRL appearances, largely off the bench, the talented rake has proven he is a creative threat from behind the ruck \u2013 but he can also get through his work in defence.<\/p>\n
The former Sharks junior would also be moving considerably closer to his home town in the south of Sydney, with his Dad Mitch Healey being a Sharks great.<\/p>\n
TIGERS \u2013 Sam Walker<\/p>\n
A bombshell dropped on Monday night when it was revealed the Roosters pulled their offer for the superstar No. 7.<\/p>\n
With Nathan Cleary more than likely staying put with Penrith, Walker becomes the most sought free agent over the next few months. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re not sure whether Walker would entertain heading to a team that have been starved of success for so long, but the Tigers need a leading man with Jarome Luai no longer at the club.<\/p>\n
With Luai\u2019s huge contract off the books, money won\u2019t be an obstacle for the Tigers if they hope to lure Walker.<\/p>\n
Javon Andrews is an emerging talent and he would form a dynamic halves pairing with Walker if he was to come to the joint venture club.<\/p>\n
WARRIORS – Blaize Talagi<\/p>\n
The Warriors\u2019 roster is in a position of strength at the moment as they really don\u2019t have too many holes.<\/p>\n
Their forward pack has the potential to be the one of the best in the comp in the coming years, boasting the likes of boom young guns Jacob Laban, Demitric Vaimauga and Leka Halasima as well as the experience of Erin Clark and Jackson Ford.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s plenty of emerging talent in the backline as well although an upgrade somewhere wouldn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n
While their halves overachieved in 2026, it\u2019s fair to say the jury is still out.<\/p>\n
Chanel Harris-Tavita was excellent in a prove-it year and earned not one but two extensions until the end of 2029. He\u2019ll start alongside Tanah Boyd in Round 1 next year injuries permitting.<\/p>\n
However, if a player like Blaize Talagi is available, the Warriors should show some interest.<\/p>\n
Talagi is in a weird position at the moment. He was benched by Penrith this year and it\u2019s clear he\u2019s on the outer.<\/p>\n
It\u2019ll be surprising if he is re-signed so rival clubs will soon circle.<\/p>\n
He can play in the centres as well so his versatility and youth will appeal. <\/p>\n
PERTH BEARS \u2013 Cameron Munster<\/p>\n
The Bears are in need of a marquee signing and Cameron Munster shapes as the perfect option.<\/p>\n
Elite spine players are hard to come by, especially when they wear the No. 6 for the Kangaroos and captain their state.<\/p>\n
Munster\u2019s camp were reportedly confused with the Storm\u2019s latest extension offer, which shaped as a significant pay cut at $750,000 per-season.<\/p>\n
That sparked the 32-year-old\u2019s decision to hit the open market, with his manager Justin Caines confirming his client was \u201copen to all options\u201d when speaking to Code Sports.<\/p>\n
While a move to Sydney could be on the cards, the Bears will almost undoubtedly make a play for Munster who immediately improves the 18th franchise\u2019s spine.<\/p>\n
Not only is he a leader, but Munster also shapes as a potential drawcard for other players to follow suit and make the move to Perth while also being one of the game\u2019s premier playmakers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"We\u2019re inching closer and closer to the most anticipated free agency feeding frenzy in NRL history. Watch Australia\u2019s…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":943147,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[568],"tags":[64,63,761,762,158,85],"class_list":["post-943146","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\/943146","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=943146"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/943146\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/943147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=943146"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=943146"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=943146"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}