The 2018 NRL season is complete but there are many excellent players still unsigned for 2019. These are the 10 best players that are still off-contract for the 2019 NRL season, according to Zero Tackle’s player movement database.
Ethan Lowe won the 2015 premiership with the Cowboys and was a huge part of their charge to the grand final in 2017. However, 2018 has seen the versatile back rower displaced and likely on the outer at the club. Lowe would be a great signing for most NRL clubs and will probably succeed should he sign with a new team.
Tevita Pangai Junior has attracted the interest of many NRL clubs after a strong season. The Broncos will desperately want to re-sign the young forward before other clubs can offer him an irresistible offer.
2018 was Jarryd Hayne’s best season since his return to the NRL and the Eels have indicated they are keen on re-signing him. Hayne showed signs of his old self, with a number of terrific games towards the end of the year.
Fans are still in the dark about Sharks captain Paul Gallen playing status in 2019. The veteran lock has indicated that he wants to play on next season but has not yet been re-signed. With Shane Flanagan indicating he wants Gallen in his team next year, we are likely to see the former Blues skipper go around once more.
John Sutton and the Rabbitohs are currently at a standstill in their contract negotiations. While Sutton wants to play on with the club they are unwilling to offer him the money he is requesting. Unfortunately this could mean that Sutton moves on which would be a huge loss for the Rabbitohs.
Not only is James Segeyaro exciting to watch, he has the ability to make things happen out of dummy-half. Many clubs have their eye on Segeyaro right now, and the explosive hooker would certainly be a great buy for many of them.
Alexander Brimson was a great discovery for the Titans in 2018, wowing NRL viewers with his skill and athleticism after being called into the team halfway through the season. Coach Garth Brennan will be desperate to keep Brimson at the club for a long time, and seems willing to make sacrifices, such as letting Kane Elgey go, in order to retain the young star.
Robert Jennings enjoyed a terrific 2018 season which saw him finish as one of the top try scorers in the competition. The Rabbitohs will be rushing to re-sign the talented young winger before another club can take him off their hands.
Explosive winger Corey Oates has not signed on with a club for the 2019 season yet, and a number of clubs have expressed interest in his services. Oates is already one of the NRL’s best wingers and at just 23 years old he will not come cheap. The Broncos will be hoping to re-sign him as soon as they can.
Despite reports legendary hooker Cameron Smith had re-signed with the Storm, the deal has not yet been completed. With champion fullback Billy Slater having retired at the end of 2018, having Smith around in 2019 would be a huge bonus for the Storm. This signing is obviously the Storm’s number one priority at the moment.