The second the clock ticks over into November first, millions of dollars worth of rugby league talent officially become off-contract.
The end of 2024 list (who can be contacted as of November 1st, 2023) is stacked with talent.
Jarome Luai and Tom Dearden are the two obvious club changing talents, but there's another player I expect to become the hottest talent on the market.
South Sydney's Keaon Koloamatangi.
The 25 year-old is, without a doubt, one of the elite second rowers in the competition, and has a multitude of rep footy ahead of him.
Below are just five clubs I believe will be right in the discussion, and therefore the five most likely landing spots for 2025 and beyond:
2. St George Illawarra Dragons
Expect the Dragons to be in talks with every single big name player coming off contract.
This is a club who needs an urgent overhaul or an unimpressive and aging roster.
Koloamatangi is the type of player the club can build around and use to attract similar quality talent.
Shane Flanagan is a ruthless operator and will do whatever is needed to put his club in the discussions. Don't be shocked to see players moved on to free up space.
I would be shocked if the Dragons haven't got a monster offer being readied to send to Koloamatangi and/or his agent the second he becomes a free agent.
The 2023 Origin debutant walks into the Dragons side and immediately becomes their best forward. Arguably their best player.
The only real obstacle standing in the way of the Red V is whether or not Koloamatangi would be willing to move to a club in a very obvious rebuild.
It's funny what a contract worth close to a million dollars can do though ...
