With the news that the Eels have released winger Maika Sivo, despite having three years left on his contract, and the ongoing speculation over where Ben Hunt will play next season, we thought it would be a good time to have a look at where the player market stands as Nov. 1 looms large.
That is the date that any player not signed beyond the 2025 season is able to negotiate with new clubs. Also, at least 24 of a club's top 30 players must be contracted by this date. So the front offices are buzzing as executives meet with player managers to nail down extensions or meet with their coaches to draw up their shopping lists. It makes for an interesting and nerve-wracking time for both the players and the clubs.
Brisbane Broncos
Players off contract now: Martin Taupau, Delouise Hoeter, Josiah Karapani
Players off contract end of 2025: Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, Reece Walsh, Fletcher Baker, Selwyn Cobbo, Jack Gosiewski, Kobe Hetherington, Jaiyden Hunt, Corey Jensen, Israel Leota, Blake Mozer, Cory Paix, Tyson Smoothy, Xavier Willison
Outside back Tristan Sailor lost to Super League.
The Broncos have a lot of work to do, with new coach Michael Maguire only just arriving at the club. He will need to make his mark on the future of the roster, as well as sort out the Ezra Mam mess.
Canberra Raiders
Players off contract now: Peter Hola
Players off contract end of 2025: Albert Hopoate, Danny Levi, Josh Papalii, Hohepa Puru, Simi Sasagi, Xavier Savage, Tom Starling, Emre Guler
Eels half Ethan Sanders signed to a three-year contract.
Knights lock Myles Martin signed to a three-year contract.
Dragons centre Savelio Tamale signed to a two-year contract.
Elliott Whitehead, Nick Cotric and Zac Woolford lost to Super League.
The Raiders are in the middle of a transitional period, with several veterans on their way out. Coach Ricky Stuart is desperately trying to build a roster that will see them return to finals contention.
Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
Players off contract now: Liam Knight, Chris Patolo, Hayze Perham, Jackson Topine
Players off contract end of 2025: Bailey Hayward, Drew Hutchison, Kitione Kautoga, Kurt Mann, Kurtis Morrin, Jaeman Salmon, Jordan Samrani, Toby Sexton, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Ryan Sutton, Blake Taaffe, Jake Turpin, Blake Wilson, Bronson Xerri, Josh Addo-Carr
Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya signed to a two-year deal.
Roosters forward Sitili Tupouniua signed to a four-year deal.
Leigh Leopards forward Tom Amone signed to a two-year deal.
Forward Josh Curran has extended his contract until the end of 2026.
This is a very interesting time for the Bulldogs who improved markedly last season on the back of a lot of short-term player signings. Coach Cameron Ciraldo and club boss Phil Gould now have to decide which players are expendable, as they look to improve the roster further to enable them to go deeper into the finals.
Cronulla Sutherland Sharks
Players off contract now: Jayden Berrell, Billy Burns, Niwhai Puru, Siteni Taukamo
Players off contract end of 2025: Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, Sam Stonestreet, Braydon Trindall, Teig Wilton Daniel Atkinson, Kade Dykes, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Thomas Hazelton, Oregon Kaufusi, William Kennedy, Cameron McInnes
Warriors prop Addin Fonua-Blake signed to a four-year deal.
The Sharks would have been disappointed with their finish to season 2024 and will be evaluating their roster intently. They just seem to be missing a couple of players that can take them to the next level.
Dolphins
Players off contract now: Anthony Milford, Tesi Niu, Valynce Te Whare
Players off contract end of 2025: Kenneath Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi, Josh Kerr, Connelly Lemuelu, Harrison Graham, Robert Jennings, Mark Nicholls, Sean O'Sullivan
Knights forward Daniel Saifiti signed on a three-year deal.
Dragons outside back Max Feagai signed on a two-year deal.
Tigers winger Junior Tupou signed on a three-year deal.
Cowboys forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki signed on a three-year deal.
Tevita Pangai Junior lost to Super League.
The Dolphins start their post-Wayne Bennett era with several of the more experienced players coming to the end of their contracts. It is up to new coach Kristian Woolf, who has been there from the start, to decide which of the veterans they need moving forward.
Gold Coast Titans
Players off contract now: Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Joe Stimson, Thomas Weaver
Players off contract end of 2025: Kieran Foran, Tanah Boyd, Iszac Fa'asuamaleaui, Jojo Fifita, Ryan Foran, Tony Francis, Ben Liyou, Ken Maumalo, Josiah Pahulu, Harley Smith-Shields
Eels forward Reagan Campbell-Gillard signed on three-year deal.
Rugby union player Carter Gordon signed on a two-year deal.
Forward Klese Haas has extended his contract until the end of 2027.
Seth Nikotemo lost to Super League.
The Titans under Des Hasler have been busy in the player market as they look to find the missing ingredients to their finals asperations. The end of the road looms for Kieran Foran, so it will be interesting to see whether this is his last year.
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Players off contract now: Matthew Lodge, Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega, Corey Waddell
Players off contract end of 2025: Daly Cherry-Evans, Jake Arthur, Ethan Bullemor, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Clayton Faulalo, Aitasi James, Dean Matterson, Aaron Schoupp, Toafofoa Sipley, Tommy Talau, Jazz Tevaga
Warriors forward Jazz Tevaga signed on a one-year deal.
Rugby union player Joey Walsh signed on a three-year deal.
It seems like only yesterday that Daly Cherry-Evans signed his massive eight-year deal with the Sea Eagles, which was then extended to 10 years. That extension expires at the end of 2025 and the club and Cherry-Evans have a big decision ahead of them.
Melbourne Storm
Players off contract now: Young Tonumaipea, Dean Ieremia, Chris Lewis, Ativalu Lisati, Tepai Moeroa, Marion Seve
Players off contract end of 2025: Ryan Papenhuyzen, Grant Anderson, Bronson Garlick, Tui Kamikamica, Josh King, Trent Loiero, Jonah Pezet, Lazarus Vaalepu
Tigers forward Stefano Utoikamanu signed on a three-year deal.
Captain Harry Grant has taken up an option extending his contract until the end of 2026.
The Storm's recruitment team goes calmly about their business making astute purchases, picking up players that might not seem that great on paper. Coach Craig Bellamy then brings them together to form a premiership threatening unit. Ryan Papenhuyzen returned from injury in sparkling form and will surely be locked down shortly.
Newcastle Knights:
Players off contract now: Tom Jenkins, Krystian Mapapalangi, Enari Tuala
Players off contract end of 2025: Jayden Brailey, Paul Bryan, Adam Elliott, Jackson Hastings, Jack Hetherington, Riley Jones, Kai Pearce-Paul, Will Pryce, Sebastian Su'a, Leo Thompson
Panthers back-rower Francis Manuleleua signed on a three-year deal.
Raiders back James Schiller signed on a three-year deal.
Rugby union outside back Taj Annan signed on a three-year deal.
Forward Brodie Jones has signed a one-year extension.
Forward Mat Croker has signed a one-year extension.
Centre Dylan Lucas has signed a two-year extension.
David Armstrong lost to Super League.
The Knights have quite a few of their big-name players coming up for contract discussions. The big question is: which of them do they need to hang onto as they look to improve their roster?
New Zealand Warriors
Players off contract now: Valingi Kepu, Setu Tu
Players off contract end of 2025: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Tohu Harris, Edward Kosi, Te Maire Martin, Adam Pompey, Taine Tuaupiki, Dylan Walker
Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris signed on a four-year deal.
Panthers half Jett Cleary signed on a three-year deal.
Titans forward Erin Clark signed on a three-year deal.
Sharks hooker Sam Healey signed on a three-year deal.
Fullback Taine Tuaupiki has signed a one-year contract extension.
Forward Jackson Ford has signed a two-year extension.
Centre Ali Leiataua has extended his contract until the end of 2027.
Half Chanel Harris-Tavita has extended his contract until the end of 2026.
Winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has extended his contract until the end of 2027.
The Warriors have been busy shoring up the talent they need to move forward in 2025 and beyond. They have made one of the best acquisitions of the year, signing Panthers powerhouse James Fisher-Harris on a four-year deal.
North Queensland Cowboys
Players off contract now: Jake Granville, Jordan McLean, Wil Sullivan, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Players off contract end of 2025: Jake Clifford, Reece Robson, Braidon Burns, Tom Chester, Robert Derby, Tom Duffy, Zac Laybutt, D'Jazirhae Pua'Avase, Viliami Vailea, Semi Valemei
Sea Eagles forward Karl Lawton signed on a two-year deal.
Leigh Leopards Kai O'Donnell signed on a two-year deal.
The Cowboys also have a lot of their big name players coming up for contract discussions. They had a very promising 2024 season and coach Todd Payten will be keen to make any changes he sees necessary.
Parramatta Eels
Players off contract now: Morgan Harper, Makahesi Makatoa, Ofahiki Ogden
Players off contract end of 2025: Clinton Gutherson, Brendan Hands, Joey Lussick, Bryce Cartwright, Haze Dunster, Wiremu Greig, Toni Mataele, Luca Moretti, Joe Ofahengaue, Sean Russell, Kelma Tuilagi, Sam Tuivaiti
Dragons outside back Zac Lomax signed on a four-year deal.
Sharks forward Jack Williams signed on a three-year deal.
Panthers fullback Isaiah Iongi signed on a three-year deal.
Rabbitohs halfback Dean Hawkins signed on a two-year deal.
Bulldogs utility Joash Papalii signed on a two-year deal.
Bulldogs outside back Jordan Samrani signed on a two-year deal.
Back-rower Matt Doorey has extended through to the end of 2026.
Winger Maika Sivo has been released from his contract effective immediately.
Utility Daejarn Asi lost to Super League
With new coach Jason Ryles keen to put the broom through the underperforming Eels, the club could be the most active of all during this period. It seems that apart from halves pair Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, no one is safe, not even captain Clint Gutherson.
Penrith Panthers
Players off contract now: Matthew Eisenhuth
Players off contract end of 2025: Mavrik Geyer, Harrison Hassett, Asu Kepaoa, Daine Laurie, Soni Luke, Riley Price, Preston Riki, Brad Schneider, Luke Sommerton
Eels utility Blaize Talagi signed on a three-year deal.
Tigers forward Isaiah Papali'i signed on a three-year deal.
Outside back Paul Alamoti has extended his contract until the end of 2027.
The four-time premiers Penrith have lost some key players heading into season 2025. They welcome Eels utility Blaize Talagi who is looking to step into the huge boots of Jahrome Luai. The key to their ongoing success is securing and bringing through their juniors, which is something they always seem to be on top of.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Players off contract now: Ben Murdoch-Masila, Alec Tuitavake, Tom Eisenhuth, Jesse Marschke
Players off contract end of 2025: Jack de Belin, Dylan Egan, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Viliami Fifita, Sione Finau, Kyle Flanagan, Jacob Halangahu, Ben Hunt, Corey Allan, Ryan Couchman, Toby Couchman, Michael Molo, Christian Tuipulotu
Dragons halfback Ben Hunt is after either a contract extension or an early release from the final year of his contract.
Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook signed on a two-year deal.
The big headache facing the Dragons at the moment is the future of star halfback Ben Hunt. The club has to decide how much he is worth and for how much longer, and if those numbers don't match Hunt's expectations, he wants an immediate release. Tense times at the Dragons where coach Shane Flanagan is trying to make a mark ahead of his second season.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Players off contract now: Izaac Thompson, Leon Te Hau, Michael Chee Kam, Taane Milne
Players off contract end of 2025: Ben Lovett, Haizyn Mellars, Shaquai Mitchell, Davvy Moale, Tyrone Munro, Fletcher Myers, Josh Schuster, Cody Walker, Siliva Havili, Jacob Host, Lachlan Ilias, Alex Johnston
Sea Eagles utility Josh Schuster signed on a one-year deal.
Sea Eagles utility Jamie Humphreys signed on a two-year deal.
Dolphins forward Euan Aitken signed on a two-year deal.
St Helens halfback Lewis Dodd signed on a three-year deal.
Outside back Isaiah Tass has extended through to the end of the 2027 season.
Forward Thomas Burgess lost to Super League.
The Rabbitohs welcome super coach Wayne Bennett in 2025 and he has already started sorting out his roster. There is a long list of fringe first graders who could be out the door before the Bunnies kick off there 2025 campaign.
Sydney Roosters
Players off contract now: Blake Steep, Michael Jennings, Tyler Moriarty, Zach Dockar-Clay.
Players off contract end of 2025: Brandon Smith, Chad Townsend, Egan Butcher, James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Sam Walker
Cowboys half Chad Townsend signed on a one-year deal.
Rugby union's Mark Nawaqanitawase signed on a two-year deal.
Forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves lost to Super League.
Half Luke Keary lost to Super League.
Centre Joseph Suaali'i lost to rugby union.
Outside back Joseph Manu lost to rugby union.
The winds of change are blowing like a southerly buster through Bondi, with star backs Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaali'i departing for less rigorous endeavours, and front row talisman Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Luke Keary heading to England. With James Tedesco's contract up for negotiation, it is a very interesting time for coach Trent Robinson and the Chooks.
Wests Tigers
Players off contract now: Solomon Alaimalo, Sione Fainu, Luke Laulilii.
Players off contract end of 2025: Adam Doueihi, Alex Seyfarth, Brandon Tumeth, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Fonua Pole, Josh Feledy.
Panthers half Jarome Luai signed on a five-year deal.
Panthers winger Sunia Turuva signed on a three-year deal.
Sharks forward Royce Hunt signed on a three-year deal.
Bulldogs outside back Jeral Skelton signed on a two-year deal.
Dragons utility Jack Bird signed on a two-year deal.
Centre Heamasi Makasini given a three-year extension.
Halfback Aidan Sezer lost to Super League.
The Tigers continue their desperate efforts to move off the bottom of the NRL ladder, making one of their biggest acquisitions ever in Panthers five-eighth Jarome Luai. Coach Benji Marshall continues to add pieces to the puzzle, looking to hand off that wooden spoon to someone else in 2025.