Walters’ warning as concern raised over $10m Kangaroos ‘distraction’
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Kevin Walters denies a stack of contract negotiations are distracting his Kangaroos players despite “banter” in the Aussie camp becoming increasingly public.
An astonishing 11 members of the 23-man squad are free agents, meaning they are without a contract beyond the 2027 NRL season.
Kangaroos players including Latrell Mitchell, James Tedesco, and Tom Trbojevic are off contract. Tara Blancato
Sam Walker was the biggest story of the rugby league world last week when the Roosters sensationally pulled a rich offer off the table. He was subsequently axed from the World Cup team, but Walters denied that had anything to do with his contract saga.
Bradman Best has repeatedly been asked about his contract negotiations with the Knights, while the likes of Liam Martin, Jack Bostock, Isaah Yeo, and James Tedesco have also had to field questions from journalists on the same topic.
Tom Trbojevic, Cameron Munster, Harry Grant, Latrell Mitchell, and David Fifita are the other squad members off contract. All up there is about $10m worth of rugby league talent on the list.
The players are happy to feed the narrative, with press conferences being hijacked to poke fun at each other. They even made Dolphins flyer Bostock run onto the Wollongong stadium turf first while chanting “home ground”, referencing his links to the Dragons.
The NRL market is in somewhat of a frenzy, given the Papua New Guinea Chiefs can now officially negotiate with off-contract players as they build their inaugural roster for 2028.
Walters has no issue with players having one eye on their futures, while also representing the green and gold.
“It’s a big part of their lives, trying to get their contracts sorted,” Walters said ahead of Sunday’s semi final against Samoa.
“I’m happy for the guys to talk about it among themselves. As long as when we go to training, we are focused and they are doing that.
“I don’t listen to all the November 1 talk and I’m making sure it’s not a distraction.
“When we are together as a group we are focused on the game, but what they do outside of that is their time and how they fill their space in is their choice.”
Journalists following the Kangaroos have noticed the contract talk, and Walters admits he is aware of it, too.
James Tedesco, Jack Bostock and Bradman Best of the Kangaroos. NRL Imagery
“There’s a bit of banter among them for sure,” he said.
“We trained at the Dragons the other day and there was some jokes around a few players going to the Dragons.
“But these guys are professionals and they are focused on the job at hand, which is beating Samoa this week.”
Kangaroos off-contract
Jack Bostock: The Dolphins are working hard to keep him, but the Dragons are expected to offer as much as $1m a season for his services.
Bradman Best: In a tug-of-war between the Knights and Eels, although admitted this week the lure of playing with his younger brother at Newcastle could sway him to stay. The Knights have reportedly offered $1m a season over three years.
Tom Trbojevic: Eyeing an extension with the Sea Eagles to remain a one-club player.
Cameron Munster: Admits he could leave Melbourne if coach Craig Bellamy quits, and he has previously spoken to the PNG Chiefs, although the Perth Bears have also been interested.
Harry Grant: Nine.com.au’s The Mole reported this week the crafty hooker could move to Sydney’s northern beaches where the Sea Eagles are expected to make him an offer.
Liam Martin: Likely to be squeezed out of Penrith after the Panthers retain Isaah Yeo and Nathan Cleary. The Raiders are interested in Martin to replace Hudson Young.
Isaah Yeo: Has already agreed to an extension with Penrith, but the contract is still with the NRL’s salary cap auditor.
Latrell Mitchell: Likely to take a pay cut on his monstrous $1.1m-a-season deal with South Sydney, although has not indicated whether he intends to keep playing or not.
James Tedesco: Admitted this week he wants to play again in 2028 and will hope to get a deal done with the Chooks.
Sam Walker: Had a lucrative offer pulled by the Roosters last week and so will field offers from several clubs. He could earn as much as $1.5m a season from the likes of PNG.
David Fifita: Will be playing for a contract in 2027, although with Wayne Bennett leaving South Sydney he could leave the Rabbitohs for another team.
