We all know that a big name signing, or a quickly emerging young star can completely change the outlook of a club's season.
We're now in mid-September and the number of players off-contract shrinks by the day.
That said, there are still some seriously talented players without a home for 2020 and beyond.
Below we take a look at those players and name our best option for each position. This will obviously be subjective and will depend on what teams are looking for.
Veterans may appeal to some teams, whilst younger stars or bargains appeal elsewhere. I've tried to even those out where possible.
We've used combined lists from the major media sources to compile the below. There's always the chance that a player has re-signed but it has not been announced.
Let us know in the comments who you believe are the best off-contract players.
4. Five-Eighth: Benji Marshall
If the Tigers superstar chooses to play on next season, then he becomes an immediate target for the Bulldogs and Warriors.
The Dogs saw their plan A ruined via Blake Green's unfortunate ACL injury suffered soon after arriving in the Hunter to play for Newcastle. They've told Kieran Foran that he won't be offered a new deal next season, opening up the chance for Marshall to secure a one year deal to partner a younger option.
The Warriors may also look to a one year deal for the passionate Kiwi captain. His experience and general presence would be worth its weight in gold for the young half options within the squad. I don't know if Nikorima is the answer.
Marshall's skills and achievements are well known and don't need repeating here, which make his being told there would be no spot at his beloved Tigers next year a shock. The club has $1.6 million plus tied up in two under achieving options yet simply can't afford to retain Marshall. That should prove the Dogs or Warriors gain.
