NRL 2026 Player Market: Every player off-contract and available to sign
The NRL player market kicked into overdrive last November as over 150 players became available to negotiate with rival clubs for 2027, while the imminent arrival of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs has only added to the frenzy.
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The Sporting News provides all the latest NRL player signing news.
Latest NRL player signings
- Jahream Bula (Tigers) — extended
- Terrell May (Tigers) — extended
- Taylan May (Tigers) — extended
- Jarome Luai (Tigers) — PNG Chiefs (2028)
- Scott Drinkwater (Cowboys) — St. George Illawarra
- Connor Tracey (Bulldogs) — extended
- Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins) — Melbourne Storm
- Phillip Sami (Titans) — St. George Illawarra
- Mitch Barnett (Warriors) — Brisbane Broncos
- Grant Anderson (Broncos) — New Zealand Warriors
- Apa Twidle (Eels) — Perth Bears
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Brisbane Broncos 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jesse Arthars
- Tom Duffy
- Jack Gosiewski
- Payne Haas (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
- Ben Hunt
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Cory Paix (re-signed)
- Hayze Perham
- Adam Reynolds (retiring)
- Josh Rogers
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Billy Walters
- Antonio Verhoeven (re-signed)
Broncos contract news:
Payne Haas was comfortably the biggest off-contract star at Red Hill this season, so it was a massive blow when the 26-year-old agreed to terms with the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2027.
Adam Reynolds has announced 2026 will be his last year in the NRL.
Premiership No.9 Cory Paix has re-signed until the end of 2028.
Gehamat Shibasaki remains unsigned beyond 2026 and while Brisbane will be keen to retain the 28-year-old, he’s sure to attract plenty of attention from NRL rivals.
Jesse Arthars has fallen down the pecking order and the winger is on the radar of several rivals including the Gold Coast Titans. While his playing future initially seemed elsewhere, the unexpected departure of Grant Anderson in 2027 may well open the door for him to stay.
Canberra Raiders 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Michael Asomua
- Ata Mariota
- Josh Papali’i
- Morgan Smithies (re-signed)
- Chevy Stewart
- Savelio Tamale
- Matt Timoko (club option)
Raiders contract news:
Canberra have done well to lock down the vast majority of their squad.
Savelio Tamale and Ata Mariota established themselves as first grade regulars in 2025 and the Raiders will be keen to secure them on longer term deals.
Matt Timoko was a key component of Ricky Stuart’s young backline in 2025, but has been stuck in reserve grade to start 2026.
The arrival of Daine Laurie on a three-year deal could see Chevy Stewart under pressure to hold his place beyond 2026.
Josh Papali’i has indicted he wants to play on in 2027, but admits it’s unlikely to be with the Raiders.
Canterbury Bulldogs 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Josh Curran (Perth Bears)
- Kade Dykes
- Samuel Hughes
- Viliame Kikau
- Zyon Maiu’u
- Marcelo Montoya
- Jonathan Sua
- Jack Todd
- Connor Tracey (re-signed)
- Enari Tuala
Bulldogs contract news:
Viliame Kikau has been a major contributor to Canterbury’s rise up the ladder following his arrival from Penrith. However, the Bulldogs have a decision on their hands on whether to try and extend the veteran backrower.
Connor Tracey made a strong start to the season at fullback and has been re-signed.
Josh Curran is off to the Bears in 2027 and there are reports exciting 21-year-old outside back Jonathan Sua could be joining him.
Cronulla Sharks 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jayden Berrell
- Billy Burns (re-signed)
- Jesse Colquhuon (re-signed)
- Blake Hosking
- Riley Jones
- Sione Katoa
- Cameron McInnes
- Hohepa Puru
- Niwhai Puru
- Jesse Ramien
- Toby Rudolf
- Sam Stonestreet
- Siosifa Talakai (Perth Bears)
- Braden Hamlin-Uele
- Chris Veaila (Perth Bears)
- Will Kennedy
Sharks contract news:
Cronulla has one of the NRL’s longest list of players coming off-contract in 2026 and will not be able to keep hold of all of them.
Jesse Colquhuon and Billy Burns have been extended while Chris Veaila is off to the Perth Bears and Siosifa Talakai will be joining him in the west on a three-year deal from 2027.
Will Kennedy only signed a one-year extension upon the conclusion of the 2025 campaign and will hit the market once again.
Sione Katoa and Jesse Ramien have been mainstays in Craig Fitzgibbon’s backline but there is a possibility of them being lured away from the Shire with Ramien mentioned as a potential target for the Melbourne Storm.
Toby Rudolf and Braden Hamlin-Uele have also been core members of the Sharks’ team for years.
Cameron McInnes suffered an ACL injury late in the previous campaign and it remains to be seen where the inspirational veteran lands.
Dolphins 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jake Averillo
- Selwyn Cobbo (re-signed)
- Max Feagai (released, Gold Coast Titans)
- Trai Fuller
- Jamayne Isaako (Melbourne Storm)
- Oryn Keeley
- Connelly Lemuelu
- Francis Molo (re-signed)
- Kodi Nikorima
- Brad Schneider
- Ray Stone
- James Walsh
Dolphins contract news:
Jamayne Isaako has been a major cog in the Phins’ backline (and a star goal-kicker) but the kiwi international is off to the Storm in 2027 to replace Nick Meaney.
Jake Averillo has been another loyal servant and his future in Kristian Woolf’s back five remains uncertain beyond this season.
Selwyn Cobbo arrived at Redcliffe on a one-year deal following his exit from Brisbane, but has since extended for another year taking him through until the end of 2027. That puts him on an ideal potential timeline for the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Trai Fuller had been linked with a move to Super League and the Dragons but is set to re-sign, while Oryn Keeley and Connelly Lemuelu are likely to have several potential suitors.
Gold Coast Titans 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jayden Campbell (re-signed)
- Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (re-signed)
- Beau Fermor (re-signed)
- Arama Hau
- Jaimin Jolliffe
- Phillip Sami (St. George Illawarra Dragons)
- Tuki Simpkins
- Sam Verrills
Titans contract news:
Captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui has re-committed to the club, as has star playmaker Jayden Campbell and 2025 Maroons Origin debutant Beau Fermor.
Arama Hau has become hot property and is reportedly in the sights of the Perth Bears, while experienced outside back Phillip Sami is off to the Dragons in 2027.
There are reports the Titans have informed hooker Sam Verrills that the club is not in a position to offer him a contract beyond 2026.
Manly Sea Eagles 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Nathan Brown
- Paul Bryan
- Lachlan Croker (medically retired)
- Reuben Garrick (Sydney Roosters)
- Tolutau Koula (re-signed)
- Aaron Schoupp
- Jake Simpkin
- Siosiua Taukeiaho
- Jake Trbojevic (re-signed)
Sea Eagles contract news:
Tom Trbojevic was involved in extended negotiations with the Sea Eagles and despite being heavily linked to the Super League, he agreed a new deal a few days before the November 1 deadline to remain at the club until at least the end of the 2028 campaign.
Jake Trbojevic has agreed to remain at Manly, however there is a chance he may hang up the boots at the end of 2026.
Tolu Koula enjoyed a stellar end to the 2025 campaign and has extended his Manly deal until the end of 2031.
Reuben Garrick has announced he will leave the club at the end of 2026 to link with the Sydney Roosters.
Melbourne Storm 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Shawn Blore
- Harry Grant (re-signed)
- Jack Hetherington
- Tui Kamikamica
- Nick Meaney (Perth Bears)
- Will Warbrick (New Zealand Warriors)
- Tyran Wishart (Perth Bears)
Storm contract news:
In a hugely welcome boost for the 2024 and 2025 NRL grand finalists, Melbourne captain Harry Grant has extended until the end of 2028.
The news helped to offset the 2027 departures of Tyran Wishart and Nick Meaney who will both link with Mal Meninga at the Perth Bears.
Will Warbrick will also leave at the end of 2026 to link with the Warriors on a three-year deal.
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Tui Kamikamica’s future is uncertain after the veteran forward suffered a stroke early in the season.
Newcastle Knights 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Thomas Cant (re-signed)
- Tyson Frizell
- Dane Gagai
- Tyson Gamble
- Brodie Jones
- Greg Marzhew
Knights contract news:
Newcastle have secured all their leading stars on long-term deals, so don’t face any major concerns this off-season as Justin Holbrook attempts to lift the club.
Veterans Dane Gagai and Tyson Frizell were handed contract extensions during the 2025 campaign, but the Knights are unlikely to renew their deals again.
New Zealand Warriors 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Rocco Berry
- Tanah Boyd
- Kurt Capewell
- Freddy Lussick (released, Penrith Panthers)
- Te Maire Martin
- Marata Niukore (Newcastle Knights)
- Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Super League, Wakefield Trinity)
- Chanel Harris-Tavita
- Taine Tuaupiki (re-signed)
- Mitch Barnett (Brisbane Broncos)
Warriors contract news:
Luke Metcalf inked an extension until the end of 2028. But the Wahs have more decisions to make in the halves with Tanah Boyd in career-best form to start 2026 and Chanel Harris-Tavita also coming off contract and linked with several NRL rivals.
Marata Niukore has signed with the Knights on a three-year deal from 2027, while the Warriors also need to make a call on veteran Kurt Capewell.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is linking with Super League club Wakefield Trinity on a multi-year deal.
Mitch Barnett has been released from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds and will return to Australia in 2027 with the Brisbane Broncos.
North Queensland Cowboys 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- John Bateman
- Braidon Burns
- Tom Chester (re-signed)
- Jake Clifford
- Scott Drinkwater (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Kaiden Lahrs
- Karl Lawton (released, Super League)
- Matt Lodge
- Soni Luke
- Sam McIntyre
- Thomas Mikaele (re-signed)
- Kai O’Donnell
- Jaxson Paulo
- Jaxon Purdue (re-signed)
- Murray Taulagi
Cowboys contract news:
Jaxon Purdue is the future of the North Queensland backline and the Cowboys have headed off several NRL rivals to extend him for four years on a multi-million-dollar deal. As a direct result, current club No.1 Scott Drinkwater was given permission to speak with other clubs and has signed with the Dragons on a three-year deal from 2027.
Murray Taulagi has established himself as one of the most consistent wingers in the game and will draw plenty of attention as he enters into the prime years of his career, with the Roosters understood to be in the running for his services.
There are reports the Brisbane Broncos are considering a play for Kaiden Lahrs to help cover the end-of-season departure of Payne Haas.
Parramatta Eels 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jack de Belin (club option)
- Josh Addo-Carr
- Charlie Guymer
- Toni Mataele
- Ryan Matterson
- Joash Papalii
- Junior Paulo
- Jonah Pezet (Brisbane Broncos)
- Sean Russell (Perth Bears)
- Apa Twidle (Perth Bears)
- Ronald Volkman
- Dylan Walker
Eels contract news:
Josh Addo-Carr has been a hit since his arrival at Parramatta and will be looking for a bump up in his salary for his next deal, something that seems highly likely given the departure of fellow flyer Sean Russell for the Bears in 2027.
Joash Papalii could be an integral member of Parra’s side for years to come and will be right at the top of the club’s agenda to sort out.
Junior Paulo has been the heart and soul of the Eels’ forward pack for years now, but it is unclear if the prop will be extended as he nears the end of his career.
As was already known before his arrival with the Eels, Jonah Pezet will link with the Broncos in 2027.
Utility back Apa Twidle has reportedly signed with the Bears on a three-year deal from 2027.
Penrith Panthers 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Jack Cole
- Matt Eisenhuth (retired)
- Luke Garner (re-signed)
- Kalani Going
- Liam Henry (Perth Bears)
- Thomas Jenkins
- Freddy Lussick
- Lindsay Smith (re-signed)
- Scott Sorensen (Perth Bears)
Panthers contract news:
In a major boost heading into the 2026 season, Penrith extended representative prop Lindsay Smith for three years keeping him on at the club until at least the end of 2029.
Jack Cole‘s career has stalled at the foot of the mountains after falling down the pecking order and the Perth Bears could be circling.
Scott Sorensen and Liam Henry will already be joining the Bears for the club’s debut NRL season in 2027.
Luke Garner has re-signed for two more seasons.
South Sydney Rabbitohs 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Adam Elliott
- Jye Gray (re-signed)
- Jamie Humphreys
- Sean Keppie
- Keaon Koloamatangi (St George Illawarra Dragons)
- Moala Graham-Taufa
- Cody Walker
- Ashton Ward
Rabbitohs contract news:
Jye Gray has already re-signed with the Rabbitohs and Jamie Humphreys looks set for a significant pay increase wherever he signs beyond 2026.
Keaon Koloamatangi was arguably in career-best form in 2025 but has signed with the Dragons on a lucrative deal from 2027.
Cody Walker endured an injury-plagued campaign last season but he still secured an extension at Redfern. However, it could be his last as the curtain starts to come down on his NRL career.
St George Illawarra Dragons 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Damien Cook
- Mat Feagai
- Emre Guler
- Blake Lawrie
- Luciano Leilua
- Hame Sele
- Tyrell Sloan (permission granted to test market)
- Jaydn Su’A
- Christian Tuipulotu
Dragons contract news:
St George Illawarra has struggled at the start of 2026 and Shane Flanagan has some big contract calls to make.
Christian Tuipulotu has been impressive when fit, while Tyrell Sloan has been told is free to look elsewhere for another deal.
Jaydn Su’A has been a strong performer for the Red V but there are reports the enforcer will link with the Eels next season.
Meanwhile, decisions need to be made on the likes of Damien Cook, Emre Guler and Luciano Leilua who is reportedly on the radar of the PNG Chiefs.
Sydney Roosters 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Angus Crichton (rugby union)
- Mark Nawaqantiwase (rugby union)
- Blake Steep (re-signed)
- Tommy Talau
- James Tedesco (re-signed)
- Daniel Tupou
- Connor Watson (permission granted to test market)
- Siua Wong
Roosters contract news:
Mark Nawaqantiwase and Angus Crichton are both departing the Roosters at the end of 2026 for the 15-man game and the dream of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Back rower Siua Wong has progressed through the ranks to become a mainstay for Trent Robinson with latest reports indicating he’s set to extend until the end of 2028.
Connor Watson has been told he is free to speak with other clubs and could be granted an early release.
Wests Tigers 2026 off-contract list
Players off-contract:
- Bunty Afoa
- Jack Bird (released, Super League)
- Jahream Bula (re-signed)
- Sione Fainu (re-signed)
- Mavrik Geyer
- Tristan Hope
- Luke Laulilii (Perth Bears)
- Jarome Luai (re-signed 2027, PNG Chiefs 2028)
- Heath Mason
- Solomone Saukuru
- Jeral Skelton
- Tony Sukkar
Tigers contract news:
Jarome Luai has sent shockwaves through the NRL, officially signing with the PNG Chiefs from 2028 after activating a get-out clause in his Tiger’s contract after the 2027 season.
Star fullback Jahream Bula had been in contract limbo but there are reports he has re-signed with the Tigers on a multi-year extension.
Outside back Luke Laulilii has already signed with the Perth Bears.
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