The NRL's off-season is heating up, with a host of stars set to hit the open market on November 1st. As teams prepare for the feeding frenzy, the next few months will be crucial for retention, with tax-free contracts from the PNG Chiefs looming as a major threat. The salary cap, set to increase, will be another interesting element for free agents to consider. With so much at stake, let's take a closer look at each team's list of players and where they could go.
Broncos
The Broncos have locked up their main stars beyond 2027, so they won't be feeling the pressure to retain their core players. Ben Hunt and Dane Gagai will be in their final 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 linked with a move. Paul Alamoti would form a great centre pairing with Kotoni Staggs, while a crafty hooker to support Reece Walsh would make the Broncos even more lethal.
Raiders
The Raiders' forward pack is one of the NRL's best, but Josh Papalii is leaving, and Corey Horsburgh may also depart. The club will need to replace these losses, and a lot of experience could be out the door. Hudson Young is the club's first retention target, while Ethan Sanders has shown glimpses of potential. The Raiders might also target a halfback, with the final two months of the season crucial for Sanders' future.
Bulldogs
The Bulldogs need a ball-playing lock, and Souths youngster Tallis Duncan has proven he can play at a high standard. They also need a replacement for Jacob Preston, who is likely to test himself on the open market. Max King emerged as a State of Origin player, and the Bulldogs need to lock down their props. Mitchell Woods has had injury issues, but if he can overcome them, he's seen as the long-term halfback to partner Lachlan Galvin.
Sharks
The Sharks have had a stable roster over the past few years, but they are set to go through a shake-up. Several players are leaving, including Sione Katoa, Cam McInnes, and Jesse Ramien. Will Kennedy has signed consecutive one-year deals, and the club should have the money to keep both Briton Nikora and Teig Wilton. The Sharks might also target a fullback, with Cody Ramsey appealing as a younger option than Kennedy.
Dolphins
The Dolphins need to keep their star backline foursome, but PNG will come hunting with offers. Jack Bostock and Selwyn Cobbo are likely to be targeted, while Herbie Farnworth may be tempted by the Roosters. The club also needs to strengthen its defense in the middle of the park, with Luron Patea a potential target.
Titans
The Titans need more support in the middle, and J'maine Hopgood would be the perfect type of player to hold them together. They might also target a prop, with Xavier Willison showing his importance in a tight, low-scoring game. The club could also look at Raider Xavier Savage for the outside backs.
Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles need a prop, and the Couchman brothers could be an option. They also need a game-breaking forward, with David Fifita a possible target. The club might also look at rugby union stars, such as Joseph Manu or Joseph Suaalii, after the Rugby World Cup.
Storm
The Storm need a prop badly, and Spencer Leniu and Jackson Ford would complement the team well. They might also target Sharks backrower Teig Wilton to beef up the pack. A centre would be handy, with Paul Alamoti a potential target.
Warriors
The Warriors need to keep Wayde Egan, who will attract interest from rivals clubs. They might also target centres, with Sebastian Kris a possible value buy. The club could also look at young Broncos Josiah Karapani.
Cowboys
The Cowboys are in a good place with their roster, but they might make a play for Tom Flegler, who would be a homecoming for the Dolphins prop. They also need to sign Jeremiah Nanai, who has shown his class this season.
Eels
The Eels have a lot of players set to become free agents, but there are no superstars on the list. Ryley Smith is a promising hooker, and the club will aim to keep him. Josh Addo-Carr still has a bit to give, but it's unlikely he signs anything more than a one or two-year deal.
Panthers
The Panthers have a long list of players to retain, including Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo. The club is quietly confident it can keep the duo, but the threat of the PNG Chiefs should worry fans. Liam Martin is another priority signing, while Brian To'o and Moses Leota may move on.
Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs have 18 players without a deal beyond 2027, with Latrell Mitchell the headline name. The club will strive to re-sign Mitchell, who could command up to $1.4 million a season. Tallis Duncan has been the most improved player, and David Fifita has been sound in his prove-it deal.
Dragons
The Dragons need a high-quality dummy-half, and Jacob Liddle will be called upon to start next season. They might also target Wayde Egan and Blake Mozer, who are both quality nines. The club will focus on trying to target some middles to shore up their stocks in the forwards.
Roosters
The Roosters face an interesting period, with James Tedesco, Sam Walker, and Spencer Leniu off-contract. They could either have a ton of money to spend if any of these players leave, or have barely any money left in their salary cap if they try to extend the majority of their off-contract stars. The club might also look at rugby union stars, such as Joseph Manu or Joseph Suaalii.
