NRL's silly season is about to begin, with some of the biggest names in the competition set to hit the open market starting on November 1st, opening up the potential for some blockbuster transfers.
Jarome Luai has become the most talked-about man in the game due to his impending decision as to whether stay loyal to Penrith or take more money elsewhere, while the likes of Bradman Best and Ezra Mam will also be popular.
Some clubs are in fantastic positions with their rosters and salary cap in both the short and long-term, while others are in the midst of a rebuild and will be looking to explore their options.
The Sporting News analyses every NRL club's most pressing squad issue and five potential targets for 2025.
Brisbane Broncos - Versatile back-rower
Analysis
The majority of the Brisbane roster is looking very strong long-term, but the one area they could look at bolstering is their back-row stocks. Keenan Palasia has moved on and signed with the Dolphins after an impressive campaign, while the likes of Jordan Riki and Kurt Capewell are both off-contract at the end of 2024.
Options
- Angus Crichton had a down year for a number of reasons at the Roosters and remains unsigned beyond next year. The 27-year-old would add great depth and can cover both the edge and middle roles, while his asking price is likely set to decrease if he does test the open market.
- Heilum Luki has the raw X-factor that any club would desire, with his mix of size and speed making him a genuine potential target for the Broncos should he look to test the market.
- Klese Haas - the younger brother of Broncos powerhouse Payne - has shown glimpses of his enormous potential in the early stages of his first grade career and could be a lower-priced option.
- Karl Lawton has been a reliable part of the Manly lineup when fit in recent seasons, but it remains unknown whether he factors into the long-term plans of Anthony Seibold.
- Coen Hess has spent his entire career in Townsville, but a change of scenery could see the 27-year-old return to his best, whether it be in the middle of the field or on the edge where he started off.
Canberra Raiders - Five-eighth
Analysis
Canberra were dealt a massive blow this season, with marquee superstar Jack Wighton opting to take up a lucrative long-term deal with the Rabbitohs. The decision, as well as Matt Frawley's departure, has left a huge hole in the Raiders playmaking stocks, who will go into next season without a clear-cut halves partner for Jamal Fogarty.
Options
- Jarome Luai is the hottest free agent heading into November 1st and will likely attract offers upwards of $1 million after three-straight titles at Penrith. The representative star may not be everyone's cup of tea, but would add X-factor and could be the perfect foil for the aforementioned Fogarty.
- Ezra Mam is a younger option and will also likely receive offers close to the seven-figure range, but would add immediate star-power and would become the long-term marquee for the Green Machine.
- Tom Dearden is a player on the rise and possesses maturity beyond his years, already representing the Maroons in the State of Origin arena and lifting the shield, while becoming a standout for the Cowboys.
- Daejarn Asi has been used in a myriad of roles during his stints at the Eels and Cowboys, but his preferred position is in the No.6 jumper and his best football is ahead of him.
- Krystian Mapapalangi is yet to feature prominently in the top grade, but those in the Newcastle region have high hopes for the talented young playmaker and he could be an attractive option for the Raiders.
Canterbury Bulldogs - Halves or experienced forward
Analysis
It's no secret Canterbury have had their fair share of playmaking issues in recent years, despite the recruitment and subsequent long-term retention of Matt Burton. However, the talented five-tool player has struggled for a consistent partner and many are expecting the Dogs to make a major play in the free agency period on November 1st. The other issue plaguing the side is in the forward pack, with the likes of Luke Thompson and Tevita Pangai Junior departing and likely freeing up plenty of room in their salary cap.
Options
- Jarome Luai will have a litany of suitors when the November 1st date rolls around, but his connection with multiple ex-Penrith players at the Bulldogs and former assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo could be enough to lure him towards a big-money transfer.
- Tom Dearden is a proven match-winner and could compliment Matt Burton nicely. While he has spent the majority of his time at the Cowboys wearing the No.6 jumper, the tough-as-nails Origin representative is more than capable of steering the ship at halfback.
- Braden Hamlin-Uele has been at the forefront of Cronulla's engine room for a number of years and is coming into the prime years of his career. The 28-year-old would add immediate size, punch and vital experience to the Canterbury front-row rotation.
- Jacob Saifiti is in a similar position in his career and could be set to test the open market after spending the entirety of his NRL journey to date at the Knights.
NOTE: Jai Arrow was initially listed, but has since re-signed with South Sydney
Cronulla Sharks - Mid-level front-rower
Analysis
Cronulla are in a good position overall heading into the next two years, with the club boasting one of the most well-balanced top 30 squads in the competition. Craig Fitzgibbon will have a few decisions to make regarding his forward pack however, with three of the Sharks middles - Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Jack Williams - all remaining unsigned and potentially looking at a move.
Options
- Max King had a breakout year despite featuring in an underwhelming Bulldogs side and could be a great addition to any club, especially given his likely asking price.
- Jacob Saifiti has tasted rep football and while his time at Newcastle is expected to extend, Cronulla could do a lot worse than trying to lure him to the club.
- Coen Hess possesses over 160 games of first grade experience, as well as featuring for the Maroons in the State of Origin arena, but could benefit from a new home.
- Francis Molo arrived at the Dragons with plenty of hype and contracted on a big-money deal, but has failed to fire on a consistent basis due to a myriad of reasons, making a change of scenery enticing.
- Terrell May emerged as a damaging threat in the middle of the field in the second-half of 2023 and has enormous upside, but could struggle to get a fair deal in a star-studded Roosters squad.
Dolphins - Young forwards
Analysis
There's no doubting the Dolphins have plenty of experience on their current roster, particularly in the middle of the field, but one thing they lack up front is youth and long-term depth. Jesse Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich all have gas left in the tank, but it might be time for Wayne Bennett to start planning for the future.
Options
- Terrell May is part of a quality Roosters lineup and has plenty of upside at 24 years of age, but could be forced out due to the plethora of marquee names at Bondi.
- Naufuhu Whyte finds himself in a similar position to his Tricolours teammate, but there's clearly plenty of ability where the Kiwi young gun is concerned after his recent selection in Michael Maguire's squad.
- Shawn Blore burst onto the scene and earned plenty of early admirers due to his skill and aggression at the Tigers, but has struggled to find consistency and a fresh start may take him to the next level.
- Max King is older than the other names mentioned here, but has a high work-rate and plenty of football ahead of him and is the type of player who could step into a leadership role.
NOTE: Josh Curran was initially listed, but the back-rower has since signed with the Bulldogs.
Gold Coast Titans - Five-eighth
Analysis
Gold Coast have more players signed long-term than any other club, with the arrival of new head coach Des Hasler hopefully set to ignite the club and lead them towards their first title. The one area of concern for the Titans moving forward may come in the halves, with Kieran Foran coming towards the end of his career, while Tanah Boyd and Tom Weaver are not proven commodities in the top grade at this stage.
Options
- Jarome Luai is the name on everyone's lips prior to the November 1st free agency date and could receive massive money from rival clubs. The three-time premiership winner has become an NRL villain, but would add X-factor and could be the perfect foil for a younger playmaker such as Weaver or Boyd.
- Ezra Mam is a younger option and will also likely receive offers close to the seven-figure range, but would add immediate star-power and would perhaps be more inclined to move to the Titans given the fact it is closer to home than a Sydney-based club.
- Tom Dearden is a tough player with plenty of strings to his bow and similar to his Broncos counterpart, would likely be more inclined to remain north of the border if he was to switch clubs.
- Daejarn Asi has been utilised as a utility during his time with the Eels and Cowboys, but could thrive in the No.6 jumper and has youth on his side.
- Krystian Mapapalangi has played just two NRL games bu has plenty of wraps on him, making him a promising depth or long-term signing.
Manly Sea Eagles - Mid-level front-rower
Analysis
Everyone knows the success or failure of Manly hinges on the fitness of Tom Trbojevic, but the side do need to bolster their forward pack as well. Taniela Paseka is beginning to live up to his potential and could be the long-term leader of the pack, but he will require support in the front-row.
Options
- Jacob Saifiti has plenty of size, power and experience to offer to any rival club, despite many believing he will remain at the Knights for 2025 and beyond alongside his twin brother Daniel.
- Francis Molo is an aggressive and mobile prop, but has struggled for consistency at St George Illawarra and may be in need of a new home, making the Sea Eagles a potential suitor.
- Max King had a breakout year despite the struggles around him at the Bulldogs, and would add a high work-rate and big-minute capacity to Manly's front-row rotation.
- Coen Hess has been used as more of a middle-forward in recent years compared to his early career on the edge, but remains off-contract at the Cowboys and is no guarantee of earning a new deal.
- Terrell May has proven himself to be a dominant bench forward at the Chooks since coming into the lineup, but with the arrival of Spencer Leniu, could be surplus to requirements under Trent Robinson.
Melbourne Storm - Quality edge forward
Analysis
The departures of long-time back-row duo Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi has left a gaping hole in the Storm forward pack, with the signing of Tariq Sims in 2023 failing to make a difference. While the potential possessed by Eliesa Katoa is enormous, the side clearly need another first-choice, NRL-standard edge in the years to come.
Options
- Jordan Riki produced the best year of his first grade career this year, starting in 22 matches including the narrow grand final defeat. The 23-year-old has plenty of good football ahead of him and would only relish inside the highly-successful Melbourne system.
- Jaydn Su'A has been a rare shining light for the Dragons in recent years, but the rumours of a potential exit have failed to dissipate and the former Queensland and Samoan international could benefit from a move away from the club to continue his upwards trajectory.
- Angus Crichton is a proven premiership winner and just 12 months ago, was in the Kangaroos lineup that won the World Cup, before a tough year at the Roosters has left him facing an uncertain future.
- Jai Arrow remains unsigned at the Rabbitohs beyond next year and could be forced out due to salary cap issues, making him a genuine option for the Storm to attempt to lure south of the border.
- Heilum Luki is one of the best young forwards in the competition and would be a long-term investment, but could also add an immediate spark in attack for Melbourne.
Newcastle Knights - Top-level outside back
Analysis
Newcastle were one of the surprise packets of this past season, surging into the finals off the back of some Kalyn Ponga brilliance. Their roster remains in a reasonable position, but the departure of Dom Young, as well as the uncertain futures of both Dane Gagai and Bradman best, has left the club in need of attracting a quality winger of centre for the next few years.
Options
- Corey Oates found himself on the outer at the Broncos, failing to earn selection for the finals series under head coach Kevin Walters. With well over 100 tries across his 201 appearances in the NRL, the 29-year-old still has plenty left to prove and could be a great addition for the Knights.
- Nick Cotric is another player who has fallen out of favour at his current club, with the former NSW and Australian winger in and out of the Canberra lineup recently. The 24-year-old has power and speed on his side and would be the perfect addition the Newcastle roster.
- Reimis Smith was a massive find for the Storm at one stage, but the Kiwi international was used sporadically in the second-half of 2023 and would likely benefit from a move.
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak is coming off the best year of his NRL career at the Warriors, and while the club are likely to retain his services, the long-haired flyer remains off-contract heading into November.
- Joseph Manu is strangely still unsigned beyond the end of next year at the Roosters, but it may be a pipe dream for the Knights to lure him away from the club.
New Zealand Warriors - Mid-level front-rower
Analysis
After going from the bottom-four to the top-four in the space of 12 months under Andrew Webster, there aren't too many areas that need addressing for the Warriors, who find themselves in a strong position roster-wise. If they need to bolster one area, it might be in the engine room, with the likes of Addin Fonua-Blake and Tohu Harris perhaps needing a little more support.
Options
- Braden Hamlin-Uele has been a consistent fixture for the Sharks over a number of years, but remains off-contract heading into November and could be tempted to depart the club. The 28-year-old is originally from Auckland and with the Warriors now a premiership threat, it could be an enticing decision.
- Francis Molo has the power game that a club like the Warriors desire, but his current stay at the Dragons hasn't showcased his best football on a consistent basis and Shane Flanagan is unlikely to retain him.
- Max King is reliable and would add a point of different to the rest of the middle-forward rotation, with his no-nonsense approach and big-minute output likely something Andrew Webster could look to explore.
- Coen Hess is a player who could thrive from a change of scenery and take a back-seat role to some of the higher-profile forwards across the ditch.
- Terrell May is a raw talent that would be a welcome addition to the Wahs, with his presence off the bench becoming a vital part of the Roosters' late-season success in 2023.
North Queensland Cowboys - Long-term playmaker
Analysis
There's no doubt the Cowboys will be hopeful of retaining Tom Dearden, but the career of Chad Townsend is beginning to wind down and the club need to look towards the future in the halves. Many believe that Dearden could transition into a genuine No.7 long-term, which gives Todd Payten plenty to work with on the open market.
Options
- Luke Metcalf finds himself in an interesting spot at the Warriors heading into next year, with back-to-back hamstring injuries plaguing his first season at the club. The 24-year-old will be battling it out with Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin and Ronald Volkman for a spot in the halves, and with his contract set to expire at the end off 2024, it wouldn't be a surprise to see rival clubs attempt to lure him back to Australia.
- Jock Madden has spent the last couple of years at the Broncos learning from Adam Reynolds, and while his current club may be hopeful of transitioning him into the No.7 jumper long-term, they might not be able to stop him from taking up an immediate starting role.
- Toby Sexton has only been at the Bulldogs for a short while, but there's no certainty over his position as the club's long-term solution at halfback and it could lead to another move in 2025.
- Tom Weaver has been learning the ropes on the Gold Coast in recent years and the club have high hopes for him, but without a contract beyond the end of next year, he could become a free agent option soon.
- Sandon Smith burst onto the scene in the second-half of last season with the Roosters, but spent some of his time on the bench. Depending on what the future holds for both Luke Keary and Sam Walker, it could be worth keeping an eye on the status of the Central Coast rookie product.
Parramatta Eels - Experienced outside back
Analysis
Parramatta's most recent campaign was a bitterly disappointing outcome, going from a grand final appearance to missing the finals completely after some key departures and plenty of injury issues. While their forward pack, halves and fullback can compete with the top sides, the Eels are in need of an experienced outside back to compliment the likes of Will Penisini and Maika Sivo out wide.
Options
- Nick Cotric would be a perfect fit for the blue and gold, with his mix of size and speed at either centre or wing an exciting option for the club. Brad Arthur has proven his ability to get the best out of players who had fall out of favour and the 24-year-old has been out of the Canberra lineup plenty in recent times.
- Moses Suli presents an intriguing player for many clubs in need of a powerful outside back, with the Dragons powerhouse off-contract at the end of next year. While he has spent time at numerous clubs, the Tongan international is still only 25 years of age and is one of the most dominant ball-runners in the NRL.
- Reimis Smith is an international representative and has shown how impressive he can be for the Storm, but spent plenty of last year on the sidelines and could be in for a sea change in the coming years.
- Corey Oates looks set to take a pay-cut to remain with the Broncos in 2024, but his future beyond that remains unclear and there could be a career lifeline handed to him by Parramatta.
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak won't be let go of easily by the Warriors after a stellar try-scoring campaign, but if he does become available in November, there will be plenty of rival franchises tabling an offer.
Penrith Panthers - Front-row depth
Analysis
What more can the Panthers possibly want? After three-straight titles, their roster remains in good shape and their junior nursery is the best in the country, producing more NRL stars than any other club. However, in the spirit of being nit-picky, Penrith could look to add some depth to their middle-forward rotation, particularly after the departure of dynamic bench prop Spencer Leniu in the off-season.
Options
- Terrell May would be the absolute perfect replacement for the aforementioned Leniu in the bench front-rower role, especially given he could be negatively-impacted by the Samoan star's move to Bondi. Another thing that could work in Penrith's favour is May's brother Taylan, who is on the comeback route with the club from an ACL injury and the pair could link up in 2025.
- Michael Molo has done a solid job since moving to the Dragons from the QLD Cup competition, going from a train-and-trial contract to a top 30 deal, but remains unsigned beyond 2024.
- Shaq Mitchell - the older brother of Latrell - has shown glimpses of his potential at the Rabbitohs, but could be squeezed out amid salary cap pressure heading into the free agency period.
- Aaron Pene is a raw talent with imposing size, but has struggled to find a consistent spot in the lineup at both the Warriors and Storm, but could benefit from a change of scenery with the reigning champs.
- Coen Hess would bring plenty of experience to the Panthers, but would perhaps lack the impact as the other men listed above.
St George Illawarra Dragons - Marquee forward
Analysis
There are plenty of issues facing Shane Flanagan right now, with the incoming Dragons coach set to implement change and conduct a major roster overhaul. At the top of his list will likely be adding a marquee forward, with the Red V struggling in the middle of the field in recent years.
Options
- Heilum Luki is a physical specimen who is destined for big things in the NRL, with his mix of speed and raw power making him a tantalising option when November 1st rolls around.
- Jai Arrow boasts plenty of experience, but still has plenty of good football ahead of him at 28 years of age and has been part of successful teams at both club and representative level.
- Brendan Piakura began to prove why the Broncos have put so much time, money and effort into his development during their run to the grand final. The 21-year-old is on the cusp of becoming a genuine superstar and there's reason to believe the Dragons will be looking to offer him a big contract.
- Jacob Saifiti has become a leader of the pack at Newcastle in recent years, as well as pulling on the NSW Origin jumper on two occasions. At 27 years of age, the front-rower is in his prime and could be a great addition to the St George Illawarra squad.
NOTE: Josh Curran was initially listed, but the back-rower has since signed with the Bulldogs.
South Sydney Rabbitohs - Halves depth
Analysis
South Sydney have one of the best squads on paper in the entire NRL, but missing the finals in 2023 has shone a major light on a number of the club's issues. One area of concern comes at halfback, with the development of Lachlan Ilias stagnating last season without any genuine competition to his position in the No.7 jumper and that may be an issue Jason Demetriou looks to rectify.
Options
- Sandon Smith has already shown some of his potential in the top grade, but is only going to improve with the added football he plays. The 20-year-old would be a welcome addition to the ongoing 'Book of Feuds' between the Roosters and Rabbitohs, as well as his undeniable ability on the field.
- Jock Madden hasn't tasted much first grade in Brisbane and while he would likely find himself in a similar position behind Ilias, there would be more chance of a spot in the No.7 jumper.
- Toby Sexton faces an uncertain future at the Bulldogs and remains unsigned beyond 2024, making him a reasonable back-up option for the Bunnies.
- Daejarn Asi is by no means an out-and-out halfback, but his ability to cover the halves and anywhere else in the backline makes him a great recruitment prospect for any club.
- Luke Metcalf is unlikely to settle for a back-up role at another club given the competitive nature of the Warriors and their spine, but the Rabbitohs could do a lot worse than gaging his interest.
Sydney Roosters - Joseph Suaalii replacement
Analysis
The impending departure of star outside back Joseph Suaalii will leave a huge void in the Tricolours lineup, with the rising star taking up a $1.6 million per year deal with Rugby Australia. While the club are expected to retain the services of Joseph Manu beyond next year, they will need another big name in their backline.
Options
- Bradman Best is one of the best young centres in the competition and would fit straight into the Roosters side without a doubt. Despite a star-studded squad, the Chooks should have the money to acquire the Knights powerhouse, should he opt to test the open market and leave his junior club.
- Nick Cotric still has time on his side to recapture the form that saw him earn a NSW and Australian jumper early in his career, and his asking price would be down from what it was two years ago.
- Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has found his mojo at the Warriors and depending on the club's priorities, the mulleted winger could struggle to get a contract upgrade that his form dictates.
- Reimis Smith has proven to be one of the most damaging centres in the NRL at times and is more than capable of playing on the wing, making him a potential option for Trent Robinson.
- Corey Oates has more football behind him than in front of him, but could still offer plenty to the side and help usher in a new generation of Roosters.
Wests Tigers - Top-level long-term outside back
Analysis
There have certainly been plenty of issues plaguing the Tigers recently - mainly in the halves - but they have added short-term and long-term options in the key roles, as well as retaining some of their brightest young stars. However, one thing they are still clearly lacking is a game-breaking outside back and with money to spend for 2025, that should be the area that head coach Benji Marshall and his recruitment team explore.
Options
- Joseph Manu is the best centre in the competition and has been for a number of years, winning two premierships as well as the prized Golden Boot award for his exploits on the international stage. While he would put a huge dent in the salary cap, the 26-year-old would make the Tigers an instant top-eight side.
- Bradman Best has already been heavily linked with a move to Concord, with the club reportedly set to table an offer worth $800,000 per season to move away from Newcastle.
- Reimis Smith has height, strength and X-factor and would be a welcome addition to the Wests lineup on a long-term basis, particularly after falling out of favour at the Storm.
- Connor Tracey has versatility and speed on his side - something the Tigers are lacking - and is desperate for a permanent starting spot, whether in the outside backs or in the spine.
- Nick Cotric has been floated as a potential signing for plenty of clubs, and while he might not be in the greatest position right now, a change of scenery and working with an NRL icon in Marshall could help.
