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.
5. Halfback: Braydon Trindall
The Sharks aren't about to lose their second young, potential superstar, halfback within 12 months are they? Surely not! Just a year after losing Holden Cup record point scorer and current NRL leading point scorer Kyle Flanagan to the Roosters, the Shire club face the very real possibility of losing Trindall also.
Having shown more than enough during his four appearances in the top grade to suggest he is more than just a handy roster player, Trindall is a very attractive option for teams looking for a cheap number six or seven option to pair with a veteran.
The 21-year old backed up his man of the match effort in the 2018 Jersey Flegg victory with a monster season for the Newtown Jets last year. He was able to deliver a title than even the aforementioned Flanagan could not.
So far in the top grade he has helped guide the Sharks home over the Brisbane Broncos, and was in his team's top two or three players against the Cowboys.
The Sharks need to secure their red hot prospect's future real quick before the likes of the Warriors, Dogs or Manly come sniffing around. Chad Townsend is linked to the Bulldogs as they're looking for a veteran half. Surely the Sharks look to the future and ensure Trindall is not allowed to deliver on his enormous potential elsewhere.
