Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026 season

Mark Molyneux

Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026 season image

The 2025 campaign is done and dusted, with attention now turning to the upcoming November 1 deadline.

Clubs have been hard at work locking down their rosters, with the upcoming introduction of two new franchises making this management even more important.

Yet while a host of movement has played out, there are still numerous players available to be signed.

MORE: Perth Bears potential signings - The NRL stars that could be targeted by new franchise

Who is off-contract in the NRL? Every player without a deal for 2026

Brisbane

Brisbane had several key players off-contract throughout the first few months of the 2025 campaign. However, they managed to land a triple signing in June to lock down Kotoni Staggs, Adam Reynolds and Blake Mozer.

One headline name remained without a deal though, with Selwyn Cobbo deciding to move away from Red Hill.

Jack Gosiewski now stands as the next most urgent port of call for the Broncos after the forward but is nearing a new deal after the likes of Corey Jensen, Cory Paix and Jaiyden Hunt all extended. 

Broncos players available to sign:

  • Delouise Hoeter, Fletcher Baker, Israel Leota, Jack Gosiewski

Canberra

Tom Starling provided the most worry for Canberra up until June with the hooker in career-best touch during the 2025 season. Yet they managed to get the No.9 to ink a new two-year deal. 

Legendary figure, Josh Papalii then completed a remarkable u-turn to extend his time in the nation's capital after previously looking like he was on his way out.  

Corey Harawira-Naera's future remains clouded as the backrower continues to try and battle his way back to the game after a health issue two years ago. 

Raiders players available to sign:

  • Corey Harawira-Naera, Danny Levi, Jordan Martin, Vena Patuki-Case

Canterbury

Toby Sexton was the headline name still available until recently. However, he has since signed a deal with Catalans. 

The halfback has been a key component of Canterbury’s rise in the past 18 months but was not offered a new deal as Lachlan Galvin was brought to Belmore. 

Jake Turpin is yet to ink an extension at the Dogs and has already been targeted by Manly. 

Bulldogs players available to sign:

  • Blake Wilson, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Drew Hutchison, Jake Turpin

Cronulla

Will Kennedy has been Craig Fitzgibbon’s first-choice fullback since he took over in the Shire but looked like he could have been heading out of the club after being left without a deal at the end of the season. 

However, the No.1 has inked a one-year extension in the off-season to remain at the club, leaving Mawene Hiroti as the biggest name still off-contract. 

Sharks players available to sign: 

  • Jayden Berrell, Mawene Hiroti, Tukupa-Ke Hau Tapuha

Dolphins

Felise Kaufusi was due to hit the open marker after declaring he was keen to keep going around in the NRL. However, the enforcer eventually reached a deal with the Phins to extend his stay at Redcliffe. 

Meanwhile, Harrison Graham and Sean O'Sullivan have moved elsewhere, while Kenny Bromwich and Mark Nicholls have called time on their careers. 

Phins players available to sign:

  • Michael Waqa

Gold Coast

Kieran Foran was the highest profile player set to be off-contract on the Gold Coast, however he announced his retirement towards the end of the campaign. 

Jacob Alick-Wiencke and Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui's have opted to move to the Super League after both players were regular members of the 17 this season via the bench. 

Tony Francis now stands as the major bit of business to try and attend to before the November 1 deadline. 

Titans players available to sign: 

  • Ben Liyou, Harley Smith-Shields, Ryan Foran, Tony Francis

Manly

Ethan Bullemor has been a reliable player for Anthony Seibold throughout his time on the Northern Beaches and would have several potential suitors if the Sea Eagles couldn't table a suitable offer. 

Lucky for Sea Eagles fans, the hard-hitting forward has re-signed on a four-year contract extension.

Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans sent shockwaves through the club when he announced he would leave at the end of the season.

DCE’s exit caused a downturn in performances and results for the Sea Eagles but the halfback is just one of many players off-contract. 

Fellow first-team regulars Tommy Talau and Siua Taukei’aho are also off-contract, while Josh Aloiai could be set for a premature retirement due to a shoulder injury.

Sea Eagles players available to sign:

  • Aitasi James, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Raymond Vaega, Siua Taukei’aho, Tommy Talau

Melbourne

Tui Kamikamica has been based in Melbourne for the entirety of his NRL career but his nine-year stay may be drawing to a close.

The Fijian international has seen his game time reduced this year as he has been primarily used off the bench. 

Although the veteran could still provide some quality experience within a forward pack elsewhere if the Storm opt not to re-sign him as South Sydney are reportedly sniffing around. 

Storm players available to sign:

  • Ativalu Lisati, Dean Ieremia, Lazarus Vaalepu, Marion Seve, Tui Kamikamica

Newcastle

Newcastle has been busy in the player market this year, locking down emerging talent such as Fletcher Sharpe and Fletcher Hunt while also going big on Dylan Brown.

This has left them short of money in other areas with Jayden Brailey, Kai Pearce-Paul and Leo Thompson all departing at the end of the campaign.

Adam Elliott has had a mixed time in the Hunter, playing a key role at times in between lengthy stints in the casualty ward.

The lock is without a deal for 2026 and it looks like he will be another play cut from the roster.

Knights players available to sign:

  • Adam Elliott, Jack Hetherington, Jackson Hastings, Mason Teague

New Zealand

Bunty Afoa and Tom Ale will depart from New Zealand and the two forwards are on the lookout for new clubs. 

Afoa has been linked to a possible move to the Super League, although he may still receive an offer from an NRL outfit. 

Warriors players available to sign:

  • Bunty Afoa, Morgan Harper, Tom Ale

North Queensland

Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy were the biggest names who were still without a deal in Townsville. However, the club opted to go with Clifford on a one-year extension.

The playmaker started his NRL career in Townsville back in 2018 and has since experienced a nomadic career, taking in the sights in Newcastle before also playing in the Super League. 

Meanwhile, Duffy has signed a one-year deal with Brisbane. 

Semi Valemei now stands as the biggest player off-contract in Townsville, with the winger overlooked throughout the 2025 season. 

Cowboys player available to sign:

  •  Jamal Shibasaki, Semi Valemei

Parramatta

Joey Lussick has seen his opportunities limited under Jason Ryles' watch, playing just a handful of games. 

The hooker has spent the majority of his career at the Eels and looked to have nailed down a spot in the 17 last year as he clocked 19 matches. 

However, he has since fallen down the pecking order with Ryley Smith preferred, while Tallyn Da Silva has since joined the club. 

Eels players available to sign:

  • Haze Dunster, Joey Lussick, Richard Penisini, Wiremu Greig

Penrith 

Daine Laurie has been a solid replacement for the Panthers during Dylan Edwards' injury absences and time spent away on Origin duty the past two years. 

However, his limited opportunities will see him move away from the foot of the mountains for the second time in his career. 

Panthers players available to sign:

  • Daine Laurie, Harrison Hassett, Luke Sommerton, Preston Riki, Riley Price, Soni Luke

St George Illawarra

Jack de Belin openly expressed how he wanted to be a one-club player for the Dragons, but this prospect has ended with the veteran forward announcing his exit. 

The former NSW rep is approaching 250 matches in the NRL and has been a favourite of Shane Flanagan's since he arrived at the Red V. 

However, the club prioritised keeping hold of their stack of young forwards who have been emerging with Ryan and Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan and Loko Pasifiki Tonga and Jacob Hasangahu handed extensions. 

Corey Allan has endured a tough time with injuries since his move to the club but the former QLD rep can still offer much-needed depth in the backline. 

Dragons players available to sign:

  • Corey Allan, David Klemmer, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Viliami Fifita

South Sydney

Cody Walker was one of two veterans who were due to come off-contract at the end of the season, although he and Alex Johnston have been re-signed.  

Josh Schuster's time at Redfern has come to an end after a year, with his NRL career now in severe doubt. 

The likes of Jacob Host and Siliva Havili will join him out of the exit door as they go in search of new clubs. 

Rabbitohs players available to sign:

  • Jacob Host, Josh Schuster, Shaq Mitchell, Siliva Havili, Thomas Fletcher

Sydney Roosters

The Sydney Roosters have moved to either release or lock down all of their key players in the past year or so to have a stable roster for 2026.

Zach Dockar-Clay lost his place in the 17 towards the back end of the season and is without a deal in Bondi. 

Chooks players available to sign:

  • Tyler Moriarty, Zach Dockar-Clay

Wests Tigers

Adam Doueihi was the major name yet to secure his future for next season. However, towards the end of the campaign, the Lebanese international was handed a new deal. Taylan May was also rewarded with a contract extension. 

Brent Naden and Charlie Staines have not been offered new deals at Concord and are on the lookout for new homes. 

Tigers players available to sign:

  • Brandon Tumeth, Brent Naden, Charlie Staines, Justin Matamua, Kit Laulilii

Mark Molyneux

Mark Molyneux is a freelance writer covering the NRL and UFC for Sporting News Australia. He has previously worked in the music industry and as a teacher around the world.