After a gruelling 2023 season and plenty of drama, things are about to heat up on the NRL's open market as the November 1st free agency period begins.
Players without a contract beyond the end of next year will be available to negotiate and sign with rival clubs from the first day of the month, with the likes of Jarome Luai and Bradman Best expected to receive huge offers.
Struggling clubs such as the Bulldogs, Dragons and Tigers are all expected to be active on the transfer market, while the likes of Penrith and Brisbane may look for more astute depth signings rather than splashing the cash.
The Sporting News runs through the best five players available in each position across the NRL below.
Fullback
As one of the most important positions on the field, most clubs have their long-term fullback locked in - but there are still some sides in need of a potential No.1 man such as the Dragons and Raiders.
Joseph Manu only sporadically plays at the back for the Roosters, but has shown his class at the international level for New Zealand and could easily demand a seven-figure deal if he signed in that role with a rival club.
In the absence of his superstar teammate, Nick Meaney produced a stellar campaign for the Storm and has put himself in the shop-front window, while Cronulla utility Connor Tracey is pushing for a permanent starting NRL spot.
While the club have invested plenty of time and effort into his development, Tyrell Sloan is yet to cement himself as St George Illawarra's long-term custodian and could find himself on the chopping block at the end of 2024.
After a tough run at the Tigers, Daine Laurie will return to Penrith next year on a short-term deal and is unlikely to spend much time in his preferred role.
Wing
While many ex-players might get their jokes off about wingers, the position has become vital in the modern game due to the way teams start off their sets, while the finishing ability is also crucial for any top side.
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak had endured a lengthy struggle during his time at the Bulldogs and Warriors, but bounced back with a career-best campaign in 2023 and is now being spoken about as the game's elite flyer.
One player whose tough run unfortunately continued this past year is Nick Cotric, with the former representative star failing to make the Raiders lineup for a large chunk of the year and falling out of favour with Ricky Stuart.
Corey Oates is another winger who was left out of his side's backline late in the year but will stay at the Broncos to fight for his position in the short-term, while Taylan May spent the entire year on the sidelines with an ACL injury.
The experience of Daniel Tupou would be handy for any coach to have at their disposal, but it's unlikely the Roosters veteran would play for another NRL club.
Centre
While it's historically an exciting role and certainly one that is notoriously difficult to play, the value of centres on the NRL open market is lower than just about every other position. That being said, there are still some quality players who could attract big-money offers from struggling clubs in November.
Joseph Manu, while also listed as a fullback in this piece, is still the best centre in the competition and could command insane money compared to his counterparts, even if he was to remain out wide as opposed to the back.
The emergence of Bradman Best this year from a player with enormous potential to a NSW Origin star has led to increased interest, with the Tigers reportedly planning a large bid to lure the Knights star to the club.
His teammate at Newcastle, Dane Gagai, is likely coming towards the end of his career but still adds plenty of value, while the size and power of Moses Suli would be an asset to plenty of outfits, despite some of his shortcomings.
Two years ago, Reimis Smith was one of the best centres in the competition but has hit a form slump at Melbourne and could be headed for a change of scenery, depending on how his 2024 season plays out.
Five-eighth
This is the most hotly-contested positions heading into the November 1st transfer period, with some of the best playmakers in the competition set to become available and potentially receive seven-figure deals.
Jarome Luai has a massive decision to make in regards to his future, with an extension offer tabled by Penrith well below what rival clubs can afford, leaving the three-time premiership winner in a tricky spot.
Talented young halves Ezra Mam and Tom Dearden could both be lured to a Sydney-based club, especially with their enormous upside and early-career form, but are more likely to remain north of the border.
His best football might be behind him, but Roosters five-eighth Luke Keary is still an important cog in the wheel for his side and could earn a short-term extension or two-year deal at another club.
Luke Metcalf is in the midst of a spine battle heading into 2024 at the Warriors and remains unsigned beyond next year, making him an enticing option for rival organisations desperate for an X-factor.
Halfback
While the five-eighth role has plenty of high-quality players potentially hitting the open market, the same can't be said for halfbacks, with a mix of inexperienced and unproven names as well as a couple of veterans.
Adam Reynolds is off-contract at the end of next season, but it would be highly unlikely he leaves the Broncos after turning them into a premiership force and there's more chance he hangs up the boots instead.
Speaking of experience, Aidan Sezer will return to the NRL with the Tigers, but is only expected to play the No.7 role on a short-term basis as the rebuilding club look towards the future.
Jock Madden and Toby Sexton have both received limited opportunities in their first grade careers at multiple clubs, but could add great depth to any roster long-term with plenty of upside and football ahead of them.
And on the topic of upside, Sandon Smith has already shown glimpses of his enormous potential at the Roosters and his current side will be hopeful to lock him down and transition him into a starting role in the coming years.
Hooker
Every side's attack starts out of dummy-half, with the success of Penrith, Melbourne and Souths over the years stemming from the men who wore the No.9 jumper. While there are no superstars off-contract at hooker, there are still some quality players who could be handy pick-ups for any club.
Billy Walters finally had a breakout season at the age of 29 after battling away in lower grades, playing an important role in Brisbane's climb up the table and towards the NRL decider.
The other hooker in that grand final was Mitch Kenny, who now has two premiership rings to his name. Despite not being a high-profile star, the 25-year-old is solid and reliable in the middle of the field for Penrith every single week.
Jake Simpkin finds himself in a similar spot given the fact Api Koroisau is signed long-term at the Tigers ahead of him, while second-generation talent Zac Woolford has had some good moments in the top grade.
Lachlan Croker has re-signed with Manly for a further two seasons.
Front-Row
The engine room lays the platform for any team's success on the NRL field, with front-rowers such as Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui now earning big money at their respective clubs.
Jacob Saifiti has featured at the representative level for both NSW and Fiji, but is still without a deal for 2025 and beyond at the Knights and could be a popular option for rivals.
Cronulla's front-row duo of Braden Hamlin-Uele and Toby Rudolf are also off-contract and while it's expected at least one of them will remain at the club, there hasn't been any movement heading into November 1st.
Max King enjoyed a breakout year for the Bulldogs despite the side's struggles and bottom-four finish, but his high work-rate and big-minute output would make him a handy pick-up for any side.
While his time at the Dragons has been mixed to say the least, Francis Molo brings plenty of aggression and could benefit from a sea-change after three years in the Red V.
Second-Row
Similar to the centre position, back-rowers remain some of the lowest-paid players on average across the NRL, but there are still plenty of quality players in the role and the November 1st period could see some huge moves.
Jordan Riki enjoyed the best year of his career at the Broncos in 2023, helping the side reach the grand final, but with so many stars at the club already requiring contract upgrades, he could be forced out due to salary cap issues.
Another rising star in the edge forward position is Heilum Luki, who has struggled with injury but has been among the Cowboys' best performers when fit, with his rangy frame and surprising speed making him a real threat.
Jaydn Su'A is a representative-level forward with plenty of football ahead of him and the Dragons would be insane to let him leave, while the ever-reliable Nat Butcher is unlikely to be shown the door any time soon by the Roosters.
Another player from the Broncos who could be an enticing option for a number of clubs is young gun Brendan Piakura, who burst onto the scene late in the season and has an insanely bright future in the game.
Lock
While some clubs have no difference between their front-rowers and locks, the likes of Cameron Murray and Victor Radley have reinvented the position, laying the blueprint for rival clubs to follow.
Tohu Harris is one of the most inspirational leaders in the competition, with his performances on and off the field for the Warriors in their shock 2023 campaign never failing to impress.
Another experienced campaigner off-contract at the end of next season is Jack de Belin, who has bounced back from some off-field dramas to re-establish himself as an elite No.13 and a leader of the Dragons pack.
At under-performing clubs Manly and Gold Coast, players such as Karl Lawton and Isaac Liu are important parts of their potential success, but are unlikely to be chased or handed large offers.
Jai Arrow has re-signed with South Sydney until the end of 2027.
