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The top ten realistic targets able to sign with rivals from today

Who are the realistic targets?

Published by
Dan Nichols

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:

Adam Elliott

It is no secret that the Knights are in a cap crunch. Half their side has been linked with an exit at some point.

A 30 year-old lock, albeit one in career best form, may be one who is deemed surplus to demand. Especially with the club desperate to re-sign Kai Pearce-Paul.

There are a host of teams looking for an experienced lock and Elliott's name would be right up there.

A new management team at the Dogs may look at their former charge, while the Tigers and Dragons will be linked with every big name.

Xavier Savage

The freakish winger had a brilliant season for the Green Machine. Talks are he's close to a new deal in the capital.

That said, he is a natural fullback and will be looking for options, if they do arise.

The 22 year-old will surely be made a priority in the capital so it's going to be tough to obtain his services ... unless a fullback spot or big opportunity comes up.

The Sharks, Dragons and Eels have questions re their fullback roles while the Roosters are looking for outsides backs.

Te Maire Martin

With the retirement of Shaun Johnson, TMM looks like he's in a straight shootout with Chanel Harris-Tavita to partner Luke Metcalf in the halves next season.

I rate TMM in a huge way. I cannot talk up enough just how good he was when called upon in 2024.

Quality half options are at a premium. TMM may be the premier option given I expect Cherry-Evans to quickly re-sign with Manly.

If the Dogs could add Matin, that may see them become genuine top four hopefuls.

Daniel Atkinson

Daniel Atkinson did absolutely everything asked of him by the Sharks in 2024. He deserves a starting spot.

The Sharks are going to go all in on trying to retain Braidon Trindall, which means Atkinson will have to look elsewhere for a guaranteed starting spot.

The Dragons want him right away. He'd walk into the Knights. He'd be an upgrade for the Dogs.

Truthfully, I can't see a world in which Atkinson remains a Shark, unless Hynes moves to fullback and Atkinson moves into the six.

Bryce Cartwright

At 29 year's of age and with 185 games under his belt, the creative back rower is at the peak of his powers.

The Eels are facing a cap crunch, although if Clint Gutherson does move on, that pressure releases substancially.

Should that process not go smoothly though, suddenly players like Cartwright become fair game. Ripe for the picking to be honest.

The Dolphins need a refresh in the forwards while the Raiders have been very forward in chasing second row options. Expect Cartwright's name to come up early and often.

Trent Loiero

It would take an almighty offer elsewhere to drag Trent Loiero away from the Storm, but there are plenty of sides who could offer just that.

The 23 year-old is now 75 games into a career that looks set for rep footy. Bellamy is reportedly keen to pen him to a long-term deal.

If that deal isn't announced in the next few hours though, the likes of the Dragons, Dolphins and Raiders will be licking their lips.

This kid is about to go to the next level. I expect to see that in purple but there are cashed up sides looking for long-term options.

Bronson Xerri

The expectation here is that Xerri will re-sign with the Dogs.

The club took a monster punt on the fallen youngster, stuck by him all season and were rewarded with a number of brilliant performances.

That said, Xerri was all but signed with the Roosters prior to his suspension. The tri-clours now need a centre and have plenty of cap space ...

At 24 years of age, Xerri has rep quality upside. There would be plenty of sides ready to pounce should the Dogs not act quickly.

Selwyn Cobbo

The Broncos are likely going to re-sign a centre and lose the other. Right now it looks like Cobbo is on the outer.

Links to the Cowboys to replace Valentine Holmes have been very public, while Cobbo's ability to play fullback has him linked to many other clubs.

The Eels need a fullback after telling Clint Gutherson he's free to look elsewhere. The Sharks don't seem convinced that Will Kennedy can take them to a title.

Michael Maguire will want to make a decision quickly re his centres. Right now it looks massive odds that Cobbo will be retained.

Kotoni Staggs

As mentioned before, the Broncos can only likely keep one of their centres. If Cobbo moves north as rumoured, then I expect Staggs to stay in Brisbane.

That said, there we plenty of clubs looking for Origin quality centres. If a deal isn't presented ASAP, then attention can be turned.

The Roosters are very much looking for a marquee centre after losing their stars to rugby. The Cowboys may pivot to Staggs if Cobbo doesn't play ball.

I was shocked that the Broncos have allowed Staggs to remain off contract for this long. Another 24 hours and all that "certainty" goes out the window.

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.

Published by
Dan Nichols