NRL off-contract list: Angus Crichton, Jarome Luai headline list of 154 stars in limbo heading into 2026

The new year is about to begin but the NRL silly season has already ramped up as the 17 existing clubs, as well as the Perth Bears, look to make some important moves.

As of November 1, the competition's newest club has been able to negotiate with and sign players for the 2027 season, adding more chaos to the player market.

While some teams were in good shape before the free agency period began, others have been dealt major blows or been forced to extend their stars with quick effect.

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The biggest move thus far is Keaon Koloamatangi's decision to leave South Sydney and move to the Dragons for 2027 and beyond on a lucrative five-year, $5 million deal.

Fresh off a debut for the Kangaroos in the Ashes series, the front-rower has knocked back an extension from the Rabbitohs, as well as an offer on the table from the Eels.

While some contracts have already been signed, there are still plenty of other high-profile stars on the open market - most notably Titans captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.

One of the best forwards in the competition, Fa'asuamaleaui is signed long-term on the Gold Coast but has options in his favour that could see him leave at the end of 2026.

The most obvious landing spot would be Perth, who are desperate to sign a marquee talent and have already acquired Tino's younger brother Iszac, but the Storm have also publicly expressed interest in bringing the State of Origin prop back to the club.

Payne Haas is also off-contract at the Broncos, but is expected to re-sign with the club.

Elsewhere, a stack of veterans will be weighing up their futures beyond next year while others fight for a spot at their current clubs and will want to impress.

Here's every player who is still off-contract and available for the 2027 season and beyond.

Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane have entered an interesting free agency period, with veteran halves Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt both technically available to sign with rival clubs.

However, the more likely course of action would see both players retire at the end of 2026 and usher in a new era, with young gun Jonah Pezet set to join the club.

The top priority for the Broncos will be the retention of Haas, who was linked with a move to R360 but is now likely to stay put after the rebel rugby competition was delayed.

Injured utility Billy Walters looms as another player the club will want to hang onto, while hooker Cory Paix has proven his worth and wore the No.9 jumper in the grand final.

Players off-contract: 11

Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt, Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Delouise Hoeter, Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt, Jesse Arthars, Josh Rogers, Payne Haas, Tom Duffy

Canberra Raiders

Ricky Stuart has a settled roster, with very few players available beyond next year.

The one player the Green Machine will be desperate to keep is winger Savelio Tamale, who was on track to claim Rookie of the Year honours before a knee injury.

Young forward Ata Mariota is also a priority and is expected to re-sign with Canberra.

The future of Josh Papalii remains unclear after he knocked back a Super League move to stay in the nation's capital for another year in the twilight of his career.

Players off-contract: 11

Ata Mariota, Chevy Stewart, Jake Clydsdale, Jed Stuart, Joe Roddy, Josh Papalii, Matt Timoko (CO), Michael Asomua, Morgan Smithies, Savelio Tamale, Vena Patuki-Case

Canterbury Bulldogs

While a lot of the key pieces of the puzzle have been solved, club chief Phil Gould still has some big decisions to make over the coming months.

The crucial call for Canterbury centres around the fullback role, with incumbent Connor Tracey and recruit Kade Dykes both off-contract for 2027.

However, one spanner in the works for both players' futures could be teenage prospect David Bryenton, who was a standout at the schoolboy level and has joined the Bulldogs.

Josh Curran and Kurt Mann have been solid contributors over the past two years and could earn fresh deals with the club.

Players off-contract: 12

Connor Tracey, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Enari Tuala, Jack Todd, Kade Dykes, Kurt Mann, Josh Curran, Lipoi Hopoi, Marcelo Montoya, Sam Hughes, Sean O'Sullivan, Zyon Maiu'u

Cronulla Sharks

The team with the most players set to come off-contract at the end of 2026 are the Sharks, who have more than half their roster available from November 1.

And if you're looking through the list, there's reason to believe a fair chunk of them could be set to move on as Craig Fitzgibbon searches for his first premiership.

There will need to be decisions made around a few positions, with props Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele, as well as wingers Sione Katoa and Sam Stonestreet, among those battling for a new deal to remain in the Shire.

Will Kennedy was recently given a one-year extension after a career-best campaign, but is already back on the market and could be a great pick-up for the Bears.

Players off-contract: 17

Billy Burns, Blake Hosking, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Cameron McInnes, Chris Veaila, Hohepa Puru, Jayden Berrell, Jesse Colquhuon, Jesse Ramien, Mawene Hiroti, Niwhai Puru, Riley Jones, Sam Stonestreet, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai, Toby Rudolf, Will Kennedy

Dolphins

The good news is that the club's two marquee men, Isaiya Katoa and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, are both locked up and will be in Redcliffe colours for a while.

However, there are still some quality players who could be off-contract including utility back Jake Averillo, who has been linked with an early exit from the club.

Averillo has the ability to play any role in the backline, but rumours are swirling that he could be surplus to requirements as early as 2026, with the Dragons and multiple Super League clubs interested in acquiring the talented star's signature.

The most intriguing name on the list is a player who hasn't even pulled on the jersey yet in Selwyn Cobbo, who only inked a one-year deal after leaving the Broncos.

Cobbo is one of the game's most exciting players when he's fit and firing, which could see another club swoop before he plays a single game for the Dolphins.

Players off-contract: 10

Brad Schneider, Connelly Lemuelu, Francis Molo, Jake Averillo, Jamayne Isaako, James Walsh, Kodi Nikorima, Ray Stone, Trai Fuller, Selwyn Cobbo

Gold Coast Titans

New coach Josh Hannay is still getting his feet under the desk and already faces an uphill battle to retain some of Gold Coast's best players.

The aforementioned Fa'asuamaleaui will test the open market, which has likely set off alarm bells inside the four walls.

In brighter news, Jayden Campbell knocked back a monster offer from the Perth Bears and has instead opted to remain on the Gold Coast long-term.

David Fifita was released with a year to run on his deal and joined South Sydney.

Players off-contract: 6

Brian Kelly, Jaimin Jolliffe, Phil Sami, Sam Verrills, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Tuki Simpkins

Manly Sea Eagles

After a tumultuous season-long contract saga surrounding skipper Daly Cherry-Evans, the club managed to avoid a similar fate with one off their other favourite sons.

Tom Trbojevic was linked with a move overseas, but has opted to sign a fresh one-year deal that will keep him on the Northern Beaches until the end of 2027.

However, the future of older brother Jake remains up in the air and there have been suggestions the veteran forward could be headed for retirement soon.

Reuben Garrick has officially joined the Roosters for 2027, which could help Manly's cause when it comes to retaining young speedster Tolu Koula beyond next season.

Lachlan Croker has been forced into medical retirement.

Players off-contract: 7

Aaron Schoupp, Jake Trbojevic, Nathan Brown, Paul Bryan, Siua Taukeiaho, Tolutau Koula, Zach Dockar-Clay

Melbourne Storm

Perhaps the most talked-about NRL club since the grand final has been the Storm, with the future of several key players the topic of much speculation.

Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona were both granted releases after the 2025 season despite having time to run on their respective contracts.

The utility value of Tyran Wishart has been a blessing for Melbourne in recent seasons, but he could soon look to test himself as a permanent starter on another team.

Shawn Blore has been linked with a possible move back home to a Sydney-based club, but nothing has been made official at this stage.

Players off-contract: 6

Jack Hetherington, Nick Meaney, Shawn Blore, Trent Toelau, Tyran Wishart, Will Warbrick

Newcastle Knights

While new coach Justin Holbrook faces an uphill battle to turn the club's fortunes around, there are some positives at the Knights with the roster.

Kalyn Ponga, Fletcher Sharpe and new recruits Dylan Brown and Sandon Smith are all crucial cogs in the wheel and could form a long-term spine for the club.

Veteran stars Tyson Frizell and Dane Gagai are the only players of note without a deal beyond 2026, while cult hero Greg Marzhew's future is also undecided.

Players off-contract: 6

Brodie Jones, Dane Gagai, Greg Marzhew, Thomas Cant, Tyson Gamble, Tyson Frizell

Warriors

It's a long list of off-contract players for the Warriors, but the club was not going to risk losing star halfback Luke Metcalf.

Just over a week out from the November 1 date, Metcalf inked a two-year extension with the New Zealand-based team in a major boost.

The 26-year-old was set to be one of the most sought-after players, however, the trust of coach Andrew Webster was all he needed to put pen to paper on a new deal.

However, there are still plenty of notable names unsigned beyond next year.

Kurt Capewell, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Te Maire Martin are all experienced quality players, but their futures with the Wahs haven't been secured yet.

Tuivasa-Sheck was strongly linked with a move to R360 before the competition was delayed by two years, leaving his future in limbo.

Players off-contract: 8

Chanel Harris-Tavita, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Taine Tuaupiki, Tanah Boyd, Te Maire Martin

North Queensland Cowboys

While the pressure on head coach Todd Payten continues to mount, things will need to move quickly with a number of players in Townsville.

Jaxon Purdue is regarded as one of the game's best young talents but was shuffled around multiple positions in 2025 and there is still no clear indication where he will fit into the side long-term if he does stay with the Cowboys.

Should the 20-year-old want to leave the Cowboys, there would be no shortage of rival clubs lining up to acquire his services - whether at fullback, centre or in the halves.

Rep winger Murray Taulagi is another interesting name yet to extend his stay for 2027.

Players off-contract: 12

Braidon Burns, Jake Clifford, Jaxon Purdue, Jaxson Paulo, John Bateman, Kai O'Donnell, Kaiden Lahrs, Matt Lodge, Murray Taulagi, Sam McIntyre, Tom Chester, Thomas Mikaele (CO)

Parramatta Eels

Jason Ryles has done a solid job thus far turning things around and has made plenty of big changes to the Parramatta roster, but some decisions still need to be made.

Veteran prop Junior Paulo had a resurgence under the new coach and has earned a new deal, while superstar winger Josh Addo-Carr has already inked an extension.

The future of Ryan Matterson remains up in the air after his brief loan stint in the Super League, with the back-rower still signed with the Eels for 2026.

Jonah Pezet will join the club for one season only before moving to the Broncos.

Zac Lomax has been granted an early release from the final three years of his deal and is yet to land at a new club.

Players off-contract: 9

Charlie Guymer, Dylan Walker, Jack de Belin (CO), Joash Papalii, Junior Paulo, Ronald Volkman, Ryan Matterson, Toni Mataele, Will Penisini

Penrith Panthers

There is very little for the Panthers to worry about from a contract perspective, with all of their big guns locked in for at least another two seasons.

That being said, decisions will certainly need to be made around some experienced players - including one who featured in all four of their grand final victories.

Scott Sorensen is unsigned beyond 2026 as it stands and is coming towards the end of his career, with the potential to cash in elsewhere a genuine option.

Young forward Liam Henry has already committed to the Perth Bears for 2027.

Players off-contract: 9

Freddy Lussick, Jack Cole, Kalani Going, Lindsay Smith, Luke Garner, Matt Eisenhuth, Scott Sorensen, Tom Ale, Tom Jenkins

St George Illawarra Dragons

Shane Flanagan has turned the Red V roster on its head since arriving at the club in 2024 - but there's still plenty of work to be done and that will now fall on the shoulders of Daniel Anderson, who recently joined the club as the recruitment boss.

The club has already pulled off a huge coup with the signing of Keaon Koloamatangi, but there are plenty of big decisions to be made with existing squad members.

As it stands, the off-contract list for the Dragons sits just below double digits and if we're being brutally honest, almost all of the players could be on their way out the door.

Jaydn Su'A still unquestionably deserves a new deal and the signing of his former South Sydney teammate in Koloamatangi could help the club's cause.

Cult hero Christian Tuipulotu played some fantastic football in 2025 but struggled to stay fit and front-rower Hame Sele is a quality player but falls under the same umbrella.

Damien Cook's career is starting to wind down while the future of Tyrell Sloan is unclear, but he appears to be out of favour with the coach.

Players off-contract: 9

Blake Lawrie, Christian Tuipulotu, Damien Cook, Emre Guler, Hame Sele, Jaydn Su'A, Luciano Leilua, Mat Feagai, Tyrell Sloan

South Sydney Rabbitohs

All eyes will be on ageing playmaker Cody Walker heading into next season, with the club giving him a one-year extension that will take him past his 36th birthday.

The five-eighth struggled to stay on the field for the Bunnies this year and it's expected by many that Walker will hang up the boots once this deal expires.

Walker's possible retirement and the departure of Koloamatangi means that most of the squad are signed through until at least the end of 2027.

Players off-contract: 5

Ashton Ward, Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, Sean Keppie, Moala Graham-Taufa

Sydney Roosters

With the least amount of players off-contract at the end of next season, Trent Robinson can sleep well at night knowing his big guns are all locked up.

However, the future of Angus Crichton remains unclear, while new recruit Daly Cherry-Evans and veteran winger Daniel Tupou are entering the twilight of their careers.

Crichton is one of the game's elite edge forwards, but has been linked with a potential move to rugby union before the 2027 World Cup and is yet to extend his Bondi tenure.

Players off-contract: 4

Angus Crichton, Daly Cherry-Evans, Daniel Tupou, Siua Wong

Wests Tigers

While there are plenty of players on this list, only two will be giving the club's long-suffering fans sleepless nights after a tumultuous off-season filled with board dramas.

Despite signing what was believed to be a five-year deal, Jarome Luai technically became a free agent from November 1 due to options in his favour.

Luai was seen as the biggest signing for Benji Marshall's rebuild and while the Samoan international hasn't indicated he would leave, rugby league is a funny game.

The other key man the Tigers will be hoping to keep is fullback Jahream Bula, who also has clauses in his contract and has been linked with rival clubs.

Players off-contract: 12

Heath Mason, Jack Bird, Jahream Bula, Jarome Luai (PO), Jeral Skelton, Kit Laulilii, Luke Laulilii, Mavrik Geyer, Sione Fainu, Solomone Saukuru, Tony Sukkar, Tristan Hope