The upcoming November 1 feeding frenzy in the NRL is set to be a busy time for teams, with several star players up for grabs. The tax-free contracts offered by the PNG Chiefs are a major threat to teams, potentially leading to more players hitting free agency. The NRL's $5.3 billion broadcast deal will also impact salary caps, adding another layer of complexity to the situation. Teams are now scrambling to retain their key players before they hit the open market.
Here's a breakdown of some key players and their potential destinations:
Broncos:
- Ben Hunt, Dane Gagai, and Ben Talty are likely to be free agents in 2027.
- The Broncos have locked up key players like Reece Walsh and Pat Carrigan beyond 2027, so they won't be under pressure to retain core players.
- Potential targets include Paul Alamoti, who could form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs, and a crafty hooker to support Reece Walsh.
Raiders:
- Hudson Young is a priority retention target, as he's the heartbeat of the Raiders' forward pack.
- Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses of potential, but the Raiders may look elsewhere if he regresses.
- Potential targets include Josh Papalii and Morgan Smithies, who could bring experience to the team.
Bulldogs:
- Jacob Preston is a key player, but negotiations broke down over his asking price.
- The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock and a replacement for Preston.
- Potential targets include Tallis Duncan and David Fifita.
Sharks:
- The Sharks have a stable roster, but several players are leaving at the end of the season.
- Potential targets include Cody Ramsey, who has impressed at fullback.
Dolphins:
- The Dolphins need to keep their star backline and potentially sign players like Luron Patea and J'maine Hopgood.
Titans:
- The Titans need to retain Zane Harrison and Jojo Fifita.
- Potential targets include J'maine Hopgood and Xavier Willison.
Sea Eagles:
- The Sea Eagles need a prop and could target the Couchman brothers or David Fifita.
Storm:
- The Storm need a prop and a centre.
- Potential targets include Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford.
Warriors:
- The Warriors need to keep Wayde Egan and prioritize Jackson Ford.
Cowboys:
- The Cowboys are in a good position with key players locked down.
- Potential targets include Tom Flegler.
Eels:
- The Eels need to focus on their halves and target a genuine five-eighth.
- Potential targets include Matt Burton.
Panthers:
- The Panthers need to retain Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.
- Potential targets include Spencer Leniu and Tevita Naufahu.
Rabbitohs:
- The Rabbitohs need to bolster their halves and retain key players like Latrell Mitchell and Tallis Duncan.
Dragons:
- The Dragons need a high-quality dummy-half and potential targets include Wayde Egan and Blake Mozer.
Roosters:
- The Roosters face an interesting period with several players off-contract.
- Potential targets include Sam Walker, Spencer Leniu, and David Fifita.
