Ladies and Gentlemen, Welcome to NRL Christmas!
The crazy season is upon us. As of right now, tens of millions of dollars of NRL talent becomes off contract for 2026 and beyond.
As I type this days out from the November 1 deadline, NRL sides across the competition are trying to complete a mad scramble to tie down their star players prior to player agents opening up the lines.
A big name signing, especially early on, can shift an entire future. Clubs will be looking to pounce and pounce early.
Today we look at players who, I believe, can be tempted to move. Perhaps even as soon as by the end of the week.
Names such as James Tedesco, Daly Cherry-Evans, Reece Robson and Briton Nikora are all off-contract within the next 24 hours but I can't see a world where any of those move on.
Tyran Wishart is expected to re-sign with the Storm any minute.
EVERY NRL PLAYER ABLE TO NEGOTIATE FOR 2026
Here are the top 10, realistic, November 1st targets:
1. Ryan Papenhuyzen
Up until a week ago it was Sualauvi Fa'alogo who was set to be the odd man out. Reports now indicate that the Storm have offered Papenhuyzen a reduced contract, which changes everything.
Papenhuyzen can demand a million dollars on the open market. A host of teams would step up and pay it.
The Storm have four marquee spine players. They simply cannot keep them all whilst holding onto the likes of Katoa, Loiero, Wishart etc.
The Dragons and Eels need a fullback, while the Sharks are a star fullback away. The Dogs have wanted Paps previously. I could honestly link eight or nine teams here.
