Eels’ $2m problem that won’t go away; Panthers’ house of cards: Free agency State of Play

NRL clubs have almost all finalised their top 30 rosters for 2023, but how they’ll look beyond next year is far from clear.

November 1 has rolled around which means players whose contracts expire in 2023 - or have options in their favour beyond next season - can start signing elsewhere for 2024.

The movement has begun and clubs are desperately trying to keep their best players without bending their roster out of shape by paying overs.

Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Winning comes at a cost and the top sides will always lose a few stars and the bottom teams also have to pay significantly more to attract that talent.

Throw an extra team into the mix with the Dolphins entering the NRL in 2023 and there are players set to move left, right and centre.

Here foxsports.com.au looks at the off-contract players clubs cannot afford to lose and the ones they’ve re-signed since November 1.

PENRITH PANTHERS

Off-contract: Stephen Crichton, Brian To’o, Scott Sorensen, Spencer Leniu, Soni Luke, Thomas Jenkins, Tyrone Peachey, Chris Smith, Eddie Blacker, Jack Cogger

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Stephen Crichton and Brian To’o

The Panthers may have the best conveyor belt of talent coming through at any NRL club, but they cannot afford to lose both of these stars.

Penrith will feel the losses of Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau in 2023 and the dynasty will likely collapse if they’re followed out the door by two of the club’s best backs in Crichton and To’o.

Crichton is the more likely to depart for a payday as he’ll earn close to $1 million on the open market, while To’o is expected to stay.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Liam Martin (2024)

This one took a little while to iron out but the parties reached an agreement just as November 1 rolled around.

Martin was among the best players for the Panthers in 2022 and then backed it up with a standout World Cup campaign for the Kangaroos.

CRONULLA SHARKS

Off-contract: Siosifa Talakai, Jayden Berrell, Wade Graham, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Matt Ikuvalu, Sione Katoa, William Kennedy, Lachlan Miller, Jesse Ramien, Braydon Trindall, Teig Wilton

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Siosifa Talakai and Will Kennedy

Talakai enjoyed a breakout 2022 and took the competition by storm in the opening two months of the season to earn an Origin call up for the Blues.

The problem Cronulla faces is they’ll need to almost double Talakai’s $300,000-per-season deal to keep him - and that could cost the club other players. The Sharks other star centre Jesse Ramien is also on the open market for 2024.

Kennedy plays a crucial role for the Sharks and quality fullbacks don’t grow on trees in the NRL. They have handy options in Kade Dykes and Lachlan Miller but should prioritise their No. 1.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Wade Graham (2023)

The club captain’s name had been linked to retirement rumours but Graham penned a 12-month extension for the 2023 season.

The heart and soul of Cronulla could be squeezed out this time next year and will need to avoid another injury-plagued season to earn a new deal.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Off-contract: Jeremiah Nanai, Mitchell Dunn, Brendan Elliot, Jack Gosiewski, Jake Granville, Ben Hampton, Peta Hiku, Laitia Moceidreke, Taniela Sadrugu, James Tamou, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown

Biggest priority to re-sign: Jeremiah Nanai

Nanai shrewdly signed a one-year extension for the 2023 season back in April this year and has added value to his price tag every day since.

The 19-year-old proved a try-scoring revelation for the Cowboys and the backrower was rewarded with a Maroons and Kangaroos jumper.

“If there is going to be a club that comes up with a long-term offer worth $1 million bucks a year, it will be difficult to keep him,” Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck said.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Reece Robson (2025)

A breakout season saw the Cowboys hooker called into the NSW squad for the decider in Brisbane.

Robson didn’t make his Origin debut but he’s been earmarked by Blues coach Brad Fittler as a player of the future.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘DEER IN HEADLIGHTS’: Souths coach on why hooking Ilias was right call

‘RUN BY THE NRL’: Manly to distance themselves from future Pride Round calls

NEW ERA: Seibold confirms Manly star will get ‘first crack’ at No.6 jersey

PACK RANKINGS: Bennett’s big reality check, Grand Final giants left with huge voids

PARRAMATTA EELS

Off-contract: Mitchell Moses (player option - 2024), Dylan Brown, Waqa Blake, Nathan Brown, Bryce Cartwright, Will Penisini, Mitch Rein, Maika Sivo, Wiremu Greig, Josh Hodgson (club option - 2024),Ofahiki Ogden (club option - 2024), Bailey Simonsson (club option - 2024)

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown

It’s going to be tough to keep one of the best halves pairing in the NRL but the Eels must if they want to finally end their 37-year premiership drought.

The problem is both players are worth $1 million on the open market, which means one will likely leave unless the Eels are willing to compromise their squad.

The Dolphins have entered the race to sign Brown and the cash on offer will be tough to turn down, while Moses has been linked with a big-money move back to the Tigers.

Re-signed amid Nov 1: Shaun Laune (2026)

The Eels had no interest in letting rival clubs come swooping in and they extended Lane just before he hit the open market.

The backrower went within a whisker of making Australia’s World Cup squad following the best season of his budding career - which peaked with an epic preliminary final performance.

MELBOURNE STORM

Off-contract: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Nick Meaney, Grant Anderson, Jordan Grant, Dean Ieremia, George Jennings, Tui Kamikamica, Josh King, Tepai Moeroa, Jayden Nikorima, Jonah Pezet, Tariq Sims, Will Warbrick, Tyran Wishart

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Nick Meaney

Melbourne have lost half their pack from 2022, with both Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Brandon Smith all departing.

They cannot afford to lose Asofa-Solomona and must open the cheque book for the star prop who has been linked with a big-money move to rugby union.

This year, Meaney proved his versatility and that he’s a more than capable backup in almost every backline position.

Re-signed since Nov 1: None

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Off-contract players: Victor Radley, Joseph Suaalii (player option - 2024), Daniel Tupou, Renouf Atoni, Fletcher Baker, Egan Butcher, Drew Hutchison, Terrell May, Billy Smith, Jake Turpin, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Connor Watson

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Victor Radley and Joseph Suaalii

Radley has proved his value time and again for the Chooks and he’ll one day replace Waerea-Hargreaves as the most important man in their pack.

It’s only a matter of time before Suaalii is playing fullback, with the 19-year-old starring in the No. 1 jersey for Samoa at the World Cup.

The generational talent is stuck behind not one but two of the best fullbacks in the world - James Tedesco and Joey Manu - but the Roosters must keep him as long as they can.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Sam Walker (2025)

The club hasn’t officially announced this extension yet but Walker will be staying at Bondi Junction for another three seasons.

The 20-year-old has already played 47 NRL games in the halves and will only get better alongside veteran playmaker Luke Keary.

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Off-contract: Latrell Mitchell, Damien Cook, Cody Walker, Thomas Burgess, Jed Cartwright, Michael Chee Kam, Siliva Havili, Dean Hawkins, Jacob Host, Terrell Kalo Kalo, Liam Knight, Hame Sele, Blake Taaffe, Zane Bijorac (club option - 2024)

Biggest priorities to re-sign: Latrell Mitchell and Damien Cook

Mitchell is the type of player you move mountains to keep at your club, such is his presence on and off the field.

The fullback is expected to sign a four-year extension worth more than $1 million per season - and he’ll be worth every cent.

Cook and Cody Walker are the next two priorities and if the Bunnies have to choose they should go with the former, as the hooker is arguably tougher to replace.

Re-signed since Nov 1: None

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Off-contract: Jack Wighton (player option - 2024), Tom Starling (player option - 2024),

Jarrod Croker (player option - 2024), Matt Frawley, Emre Guler, Albert Hopoate, Jordan Rapana, Brad Schneider, Harley Smith-Shields, Peter Hola MO (2024)

Biggest priority to re-sign: Jack Wighton

Wighton has been Canberra’s best player for at least the past five years and coach Ricky Stuart won’t be letting rival clubs come anywhere near his No. 6.

The Raiders, Blues and Kangaroos playmaker will likely sign another long-term extension before even having to decide whether to trigger his lucrative 2024 option.

Wighton, 29, has deep ties to the capital and will be almost no chance of leaving unless offered silly money by a desperate club like the Dolphins.

Re-signed since Nov 1: None

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Off-contract: Jesse Arthars, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler, Corey Jensen, Tesi Niu, Cory Paix, Keenan Palasia, Jordan Pereira, Ethan Quai-Ward, Logan Bayliss, Thomas Flegler

Biggest priority to re-sign: Herbie Farnworth

Despite suffering a season-ending bicep injury, Farnworth’s 2022 campaign for the Broncos and later England proved he’s a superstar in the making.

The 22-year-old has made no secret of his desire to switch to fullback from the centres, however Brisbane recruiting Reece Walsh may put a hold to that move.

Farnworth signed a one-year extension in May, but now Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins have been chasing his signature and have cash to splash.

Re-signed amid Nov 1: Kobe Hetherington (2025) and Billy Walters (2024)

Broncos powerbrokers moved fast to hand Hetherington an extension until the end of 2025 prior to the 23-year-old hitting the open market.

Hetherington impressed in 22 appearances last season and rivals were considering a move for his services, currently sitting behind Pat Carrigan as Walters starting lock.

Meanwhile, Billy Walters was also handed a two-year extension prior to November 1.

DRAGONS

Off-contract: Billy Burns, Jack de Belin (player option - 2024), Tyrell Fuimaono, Josh Kerr, Blake Lawrie, Jacob Liddle, Nick Lui-Toso, Moses Mbye, Tautau Moga, Michael Molo (mutual option - 2024), Mikaele Ravalawa (player option - 2024), Aaron Woods

Biggest priority to re-sign: Mikaele Ravalawa

The Dragons’ Fijian flyer has been a solid performer since joining the Red V from the Raiders ahead of the 2019 season.

Ravalawa has a player option for the 2024 season but will likely be a target of rival clubs this off-season, despite remaining sidelined for the club’s final eight games due to a hamstring strain.

Anthony Griffin has a number of wingers at his disposal including the Feagai twins and Tautau Moga, however Ravalawa always gets the nod when fit.

Re-signed amid Nov 1: Ben Hunt (2025)

Dragons officials were desperate to get this deal done prior to the November 1 trade window and Hunt signed a two-year extension in early October.

The Bulldogs, Titans and Dolphins were all circling the Queensland and Australia representative, but the club’s best player remained loyal.

MORE NRL NEWS

‘LINE IN SAND’: Johnson says Warriors out of ‘excuses’ as star recruits’ roles revealed

‘LEAVING WITH EXTRA BAGGAGE’: Munster pops question to long-time partner

OFF-SEASON CENTRAL: Arthur’s plan to fill huge Papali’i void in four-man race

ORIGIN OVERHAUL: ARLC gives eligibility overhaul greenlight for review

WHISPERS: Sheens’ secret meeting with Eels outcast; Teddy’s shock move

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Off-contract: Ethan Bullemor, Morgan Harper, Brad Parker, Toafofoa Sipley, Ben Trbojevic, Alec Tu’itavake, Kaeo Weekes, Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Raymond Vaega

Biggest priority to re-sign: Josh Aloiai

Good middle forwards are key to the success of every NRL side and Manly will be keen to keep Aloiai who has become a leader at Brookvale.

The 27-year-old’s injuries have seen him miss a big number of games, appearing only 31 times across his two seasons.

However, his contributions when fit cannot be questioned and Manly will prioritise keeping him.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Reuben Garrick (2027) and Lachlan Croker (2024)

The Knights wanted Garrick to fill their fullback void but the goal-kicking winger instead extended his Brookvale stay for four years.

Meanwhile, Croker was named Manly’s player of the year in 2022 and was then handed a one-year extension under Anthony Seibold.

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Off-contract: Corey Allan, Jake Averillo, Bailey Biondi-Odo, Braidon Burns, Matt Burton (player option - 2024), Kyle Flanagan, Jayden Okunbor, Chris Patolo, Luke Thompson, Corey Waddell, Brandon Clarke, Declan Casey, Samuel Hughes

Biggest priority to re-sign: Matt Burton

Burton earned a Blues and Kangaroos debut in 2022 to complement a successful first season at Belmore.

The 22-year-old is seen as the Bulldogs’ long-term playmaker and will likely be joining the NRL’s top earners with a million-per-season deal.

Burton’s agent David Riolo recently said there was “no reason” his client wouldn’t re-sign with Canterbury, speaking on the The Bye Round with James Graham.

Re-signed since Nov 1: None.

Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!

GOLD COAST TITANS

Off-contract: Jacob Alick CO (2024), David Fifita, Patrick Herbert, Brian Kelly, Alofi’ana Khan-Pereira, Greg Marzhew, Sam McIntyre, Paul Turner, Joseph Vuna

Biggest priority to re-sign: David Fifita

It is no secret Fifita didn’t live up to his lofty price tag after signing a mammoth three-year deal worth a reported $1.2 million per season.

The 22-year-old is one of the NRL’s most damaging players on his day, but his performances last season saw Greg Alexander call for his value to be slashed by $400,000.

Titans bosses are keen to retain the talented backrower but he’ll be copping a pay cut to stay on the Gold Coast.

Re-signed amid Nov 1: Jojo Fifita (2025)

The gun winger impressed after making his debut in Round 18 and the Titans handed the 19-year-old a deal until the end of 2025.

The second cousin of teammate David has scored three tries in his eight-game career to date.

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Off-contract: Adam Clune, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Tyson Frizell, Bailey Hodgson, Hymel Hunt, Jack Johns, Brodie Jones, Kurt Mann, Chris Randall, Enari Tuala, Dominic Young

Biggest priority to re-sign: Dominic Young

The English flyer struggled in his first year in the NRL and only appeared six times for the Knights.

But in 2022 Young was arguably Newcastle’s best player and consistently crossed, scoring 14 tries in his 20 games before taking his finishing ability to the World Cup.

The 21-year-old scored nine tries in only five games for England and five clubs are now chasing his signature.

Re-signed since Nov 1: None.

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Off-contract: Bunty Afoa, Tom Ale, Shaun Johnson, Edward Kosi, Marcelo Montoya, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Adam Pompey, Bayley Sironen, Jazz Tevaga, Taniela Otukolo

Biggest priority to re-sign: Edward Kosi

Kosi had played only five NRL games heading into 2022 but quickly became the club’s most damaging winger this year, scoring eight times in his 11 appearances.

The Warriors will be looking to lock down the 23-year-old, however every player on this off-contract list will first have to impress incoming coach Adam Webster before putting pen to paper.

Re-signed since Nov 1: Jazz Tevaga (2024)

The experienced utility has been one of the Warriors most consistent players in a seven-year stint at the club since making his debut in 2016.

Tevaga played at lock, hooker and prop in 2022 and was handed a one-year extension after he hit the open market.

WESTS TIGERS

Off-contract: Luke Brooks, Adam Doueihi, Daine Laurie, Ken Maumalo MO (2024), Alex Seyfarth, Tuki Simpkins, Charlie Staines, Tommy Talau, Apisalome Saukuru

Biggest priority to re-sign: Adam Doueihi

Following the departure of Jackson Hastings to the Knights, Doueihi and Brooks look to be the Tigers long-term halves pairing under Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall.

While Brooks has struggled in recent years, Doueihi has been dangerous and now gets his chance to consistently feature in the halves.

The 24-year-old is managing himself and is asking for $900,000 per-season – it remains to be seen whether any club will meet the lofty price tag.

Re-signed amid Nov 1: Fonua Pole (2025) and Justin Matamua (2024)

Pole, 20, was handed a two-year extension in February before the Tigers doubled down and handed the impressive prop a further 12 months in mid November.

Matamua, who Tigers fans will remember was sin binned five minutes into his NRL debut, earned an upgrade from a development contract for 2023, signing on until the end of 2025.