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:
4. Canberra Raiders
The Raiders are a team I expect to be super busy in next year's player market.
Jack Wighton has left the club which frees up cap space they thought they'd be dedicating to a contract extension.
You really get the feeling a change is needed in Canberra despite another Finals finish.
A hulking, wide-running second rower with Origin and World Cup experience sure does present a good option.
Hudson Young could switch to the middle with Corey Horsburgh moving back to the front row position. This is a minor, and very easy switch.
Canberra's forward pack is one of the competition's elite but would instantly improve with the addition of Koloamatangi ... as would any pack in the competition.
The only real decision here is do the Raiders invest another $800,000 into a strength or look at recruiting a star half or centre?
This feels like a potential luxury signing but it's one I would be gobsmacked if Ricky Stuart isn't very much looking at.
