With a number of clubs finalising their 2018 playing squads, a handful of quality players haven't been offered a contract for next season.
We've pinpointed players who would be a great addition to any club, or could add further depth to their player stocks. The following are the top five players, unsigned for 2018.
1. Frank Pritchard (Parramatta Eels)
With almost 300 first-grade appearances under his belt, Pritchard's valuable experience could be a useful addition to any side. Captaining Samoa in this year's World Cup, his short stint with the Eels proved that he still has a few years left in him. Pritchard could mentor any club's young players, and transition them into aggressive young forwards.
2. Travis Waddell (Brisbane Broncos)
Any team that needs a back-up hooker, should look no further than Brisbane's Travis Waddell. It hasn't been an well-illustrated career to this point, however the once-predicted Queensland talent has proved that he's of first-grade standard. A tough pre-season at any new club, could see the 28-year old cement a starting spot.
3. Nate Myles (Melbourne Storm)
Under-performing at a new environment in Manly, Nate Myles was struck with the inability to regain the form which saw him lead Queensland to a glorious winning streak. A mid-season switch to Storm, may have helped the lost Origin representative reinvigorate his evaporating mindset. An addition of Myles to any club, will have a greater effect off the field, than on it. Myles is unlikely to remain in Melbourne, and a team, particularly with young players, would value Myles' experience at their club.
4. Tony Williams (Cronulla Sharks)
We can't help but to be nostalgic about the days where we labelled Manly's favourite son, Tony Williams, as 'T-Rex'. A representative forward, Williams suddenly became a household name, apart of Manly's premiership-winning team in 2011. A move to the Bulldogs in 2013, saw his career hit rock-bottom. Considering his pay cheque, Williams hasn't performed to his highest standard. A major disappointment for Canterbury, who couldn't afford many high-priced players, due to Williams chewing up their salary cap for four years. It was evident that Williams had softened, with no disrespect to Williams, even himself would admit his own worst woes. Signing with Cronulla Sharks for 2017, he played a stand-alone game in the Shire, impressing, scoring a try, before tearing his ACL. Williams can prove to be a monumental addition to any club, after seeing his stellar performance for Cronulla this year. Perhaps, a change in environment could see the once-admired forward, re-born. Williams has since been linked to Parramatta, who seem to be the only club in the race for his signature.
5. Chase Stanley (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
Chase Stanley is a highly-talented footballer, who's been riddled with continuous injuries throughout his 110-game career. The 28-year old hasn't been offered a contract to remain at Belmore for 2018, after he signed with them for the 2014 season. Stanley played a handful of games this year, impressing in the closing stanza of the season. The metres he made in the centre position, would most likely be enough to attract interest from other clubs.. He would add further depth to a club's outside back's stock, and could overcome his adversity, with effective rehabilitation programs, to stabilise his injury-prone body. The addition of Stanley to any club, will undoubtedly be considered a gamble, however many would argue that it's worth the risk.
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