November 1 is just days away, and while all attention will turn towards those players who can officially sign with new clubs for the 2024 season, there are still a handful of players without a deal for 2023.

Among those players are a small list of players who the majority would view as something of a surprise to still not have a contract locked up for next season.

RELATED: Full list of off-contract players

Only the Canberra Raiders, Gold Coast Titans and St George Illawarra Dragons have zero players remaining off-contract, although some players - such as Cooper Johns at the Melbourne Storm and Albert Kelly at the Brisbane Broncos - have been informed their services won't be required from 2022.

One of those players also features on this list, while the remainder are still fighting for their NRL futures.

Here are the top five players still off-contract for 2023 noting that, with November almost upon us and clubs required to have filled most of their roster in just a few short days, most talent has now been snapped up.

4. Matt Doorey (Canterbury Bulldogs)

Doorey burst onto the scene during the 2021 season. An edge forward with plenty of potential, the local junior was one of the rare bright spots in a horridly disappointing season for the blue and white.

That stagnated in 2022 though thanks to an injury, with Doorey not able to crack the NRL side following his return, despite some solid showings at NSW Cup level.

While he eased his way back following the injury, he played four games in a row in the Mounties starting side at the back end of the regular season, reminding the NRL world of his talent with a couple of tries, an assist and strong defence.

The Bulldogs are going to have to shed players whichever way you look at it though, and Doorey's name could be on the chopping block. The club don't have many roster spots left, but do have five players still off-contract, with Doorey joined by Reece Hoffman, Tuipulotu Katoa, half Brandon Wakeham and another underrated second-rower in Jackson Topine.

There may be only room for one of Doorey or Topine, with all reports suggesting Topine will remain in the blue and white.

That could ultimately mean the Cabramatta junior is left to look for a new club, but the 22-year-old realistically should have no trouble finding a roster spot in the next few weeks.