The NRL's off-season is heating up, with teams gearing up for the November 1 feeding frenzy. As the Origin period draws to a close, the focus shifts to player retention and the potential free-agent market. With tax-free contracts on offer from the PNG Chiefs, the upcoming salary cap adjustments, and the desire to lock down key players, the next few months will be crucial for clubs across the league. Let's dive into the key players on each team's radar and explore the potential targets for each club.
Broncos
The Broncos have already secured some of their main stars beyond 2027, but they still have work to do to retain their core players. Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai are likely to be on their final NRL seasons, while young gun wingers Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner will be priorities to ensure depth in the outside backs. The club might target a top prop to bolster their forwards, with Moses Leota being linked with a move. Paul Alamoti could form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs, and a crafty hooker to support Reece Walsh would make the Broncos even more lethal.
Raiders
The Raiders have one of the NRL's best forward packs, but they face challenges with key players like Josh Papalii and Corey Horsburgh leaving at the end of the season. Hudson Young is a priority retention target, while Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses of potential. The club might look to re-sign young gun Matty Nicholson, but his body has let him down. Xavier Savage is a game-breaker on his day and should be a key retention target. The Raiders might also target a hooker to partner Owen Pattie.
Bulldogs
The Bulldogs are in a tricky situation with key players like Jacob Preston and Matt Burton off-contract. Negotiations with Preston broke down over his asking price, and he might now test himself on the open market. The club has indicated that Burton's next contract offer will resemble that of a centre, meaning a pay cut. The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock, and they might target a replacement for Preston. They also need a prop to replace Payne Haas, and a centre to partner Josh Morris.
Sharks
The Sharks have had a stable roster over the past few years, but they face a shake-up with several players leaving at the end of the season. Will Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals, and the club might look to upgrade him. Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton are gun back-rowers and should be retained. The Sharks might also target a fullback and a halfback to replace James Tedesco and Mitchell Pearce.
Dolphins
The Dolphins have a talented backline, but they need to strengthen their defence in the middle of the park. They might target a prop and a centre, with Luron Patea and Tevita Naufahu being potential options. The club might also look to re-sign Selwyn Cobbo and Herbie Farnworth, who are both in career-best form.
Titans
The Titans need a bit more support in the middle, and they might target a prop like Xavier Willison to tighten up their defence. They also need a game-breaking forward outside of Haumole Olakau'atu. J'maine Hopgood would be the perfect type of player to stand in the middle of the park and hold them together. The Titans might also look to retain Zane Harrison, who has looked very measured for a young halfback.
Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles need a prop, and they might make a play for the Couchman brothers at the Dragons. They also need a game-breaking forward outside of Haumole Olakau'atu. David Fifita could be an option, or even Jeremiah Nanai. The club might also look to retain Ben Trbojevic and Luke Brooks, who are both key cogs in the wheel.
Storm
The Storm need a prop badly, and they might target Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford to complement their champion spine. They might also look to retain Cameron Munster and Xavier Coates, who are both important players for the club. The Storm might also target a centre to partner Paul Alamoti.
Warriors
The Warriors need to keep Wayde Egan, who will attract interest from rival clubs. They might also target a centre like Sebastian Kris or Josiah Karapani. The club might also look to retain Kayliss Fatialofa, who has already been sought after from other clubs. The Warriors might also look to re-sign Adam Pompey and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad.
Cowboys
The Cowboys have a good roster make-up, with players at key positions locked down long-term. They might target Tom Flegler, who was born and raised in Tully, two hours north of Townsville. The club might also look to retain Jeremiah Nanai and Jason Taumalolo, who are both important players for the Cowboys.
Eels
The Eels have a lot of players set to become free agents on November 1, but they don't have any superstars on their list. They might target a five-eighth to partner Mitch Moses, with Matt Burton being a potential option. The Eels might also look to retain Ryley Smith, who is a promising hooker, and Josh Addo-Carr, who still has a bit to give.
Panthers
The Panthers have a strong list of players off-contract, but they face challenges retaining key players like Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo. The club might target a prop and an outside back, with Spencer Leniu and Tevita Naufahu being potential options. The Panthers might also look to re-sign Brian To'o and Moses Leota, who are both important players for the club.
Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have 18 players without a deal beyond 2027, but they might target a halfback to partner Cody Walker. They might also look to retain Latrell Mitchell, who is still one of the most dangerous players in the comp. The club might also look to re-sign Tallis Duncan and David Fifita, who have both been impressive this season.
Dragons
The Dragons need a high-quality dummy-half, and they might target Wayde Egan and Blake Mozer. The club might also look to retain Clint Gutherson and Val Holmes, who are both veterans with mixed seasons this year. The Dragons might also look to re-sign Loko Pasifiki Tonga, who has really come on under new coach Dean Young.
Roosters
The Roosters face an interesting period, with key players like James Tedesco, Sam Walker, and Spencer Leniu off-contract. They might target some of the game's best players, like Jacob Preston and David Fifita, or they might look to lure rugby union stars out of the 15-man code. The club might also look to retain Victor Radley, who is a club stalwart.
Tigers
The Tigers have already re-signed some of their key players, but they might target a prop and a centre. They might also look to retain Latu Fainu and Samuela Fainu, who are both important players for the club. The Tigers might also look to re-sign Ethan Roberts, who has shown glimpses of his potential.
