Looking ahead to 2026 and Super League clubs seem set to face some big contract decisions with a number of star men without deals beyond the end of the season.

One key position where there is plenty of off-contract talent is in the second-row, with two clubs aspiring for silverware having two significant players without a deal for 2027.

Of the seven off-contract Super League second-rowers that we’ve picked out, there are six Dream Team selections, almost 100 international appearances, and over 1,000 Super League appearances.

One man accounts for a large percentage of those stats, however, all seven players will have plenty of suitors if their current clubs do not offer new deals before the end of the upcoming season.

After a recent law change, rival clubs can negotiate with any off-contract players from December onwards meaning all of the seven players listed below are at risk of signing elsewhere for 2027.

Seven best off-contract second-row forwards in Super League

James Bentley (Warrington Wolves)

The Ireland international has only just signed for Warrington but the Wolves will have to make a call on his future at some point in the next 12 months, with Bentley only signing a one-year deal.

He’d previously signed a long-term deal with Leeds back in April but was then released at the end of the year, leading Wire to swoop in. With 123 Super League appearances, the former St Helens man can be brilliant on his day and it’s up to Sam Burgess to inspire that.

Jed Cartwright (Hull FC)

One of the more interesting names on this list, for a number of reasons, is Hull FC’s Jed Cartwright. Signed midway through 2024 with his father following as head coach in 2025, Cartwright has played just 15 Super League games due to injury.

If those injury issues continue then Hull FC will be hard-pressed to sign off on a new deal, however, the dynamic of his dad being the head coach is something they may have to navigate as well.

Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves)

The veteran has spent all his career with Warrington Wolves and could make his 300th Super League appearance in 2026, however, that may come at loose forward with Currie moved around of late.

He’ll turn 32 in July so will still have plenty to offer beyond 2026, whether that’s at Warrington or at pastures new.

Rhyse Martin (Hull KR)

The Papua New Guinean international is one of those on this list with a Dream Team selection, something that came in 2024 ahead of his move to Hull KR. His first year with the Robins was mixed as he missed a large chunk of the year through injury but was ultimately part of the treble-winning side.

Rovers have extended deals for Dean Hadley and James Batchelor, whilst also signing Tom Whitehead, leaving Martin as the off-contract second-rower but if he can show the quality he did at Headingley, then clubs will be queuing to try sign him.

James McDonnell (Leeds Rhinos)

Arguably the most promising player on this list given his age with the 25-year-old set to approach his prime years. Since leaving Wigan, McDonnell has become an integral part of Leeds’ pack, earning Dream Team honours in 2025.

He has had an England call-up but hasn’t been capped yet, however, you’d expect another strong season could see him earning a shot in the 2026 World Cup squad.

Owen Trout (Leigh Leopards)

Another man aiming for the World Cup, and who was recently capped during the Ashes is Owen Trout with the versatile forward spending plenty of time in the second-row during the 2025 campaign.

His ability to switch between prop and the second-row make him invaluable for Leigh, who will surely be desperate to keep hold of him but could have a fight on their hands.

Kallum Watkins (Leeds Rhinos)

The second Rhino on the list and the man responsible for a bulk of the Dream Team selections (three) and Super League appearances (329) is Kallum Watkins and despite the fact he’ll turn 35 in March, the veteran seems to just keep getting better.

Any new deal with Leeds or a rival would likely only be a one-year one given his age but he is aging like a fine wine and you’d expect him to be going again in 2027, despite his off-contract status.

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