Wingers
Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) and Sam Stonestreet (Sharks)
There are plenty of strong wingers off-contract, but veteran Alex Johnston, who is approaching the all-time try-scoring record, and Sharks towering young gun Sam Stonestreet, are the best of the group.
Stonestreet not being re-signed by Cronulla will raise eyebrows in the Shire, but with Sione Katoa and Ronaldo Mulitalo ahead of him, it makes sense.
There are plenty of other young talented wingers still off-contract, including the currently injured Albert Hopoate, and Blake Wilson, who is struggling to get a proper go at the Bulldogs.
Other options off-contract: Sione Finau, Albert Hopoate, Charlie Staines, Semi Valemei, Blake Wilson
Centres
Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos) and Brent Naden (Tigers)
One of this season’s biggest success stories has been Gehamat Shibasaki, with the Broncos youngster still on a development deal, but playing the lights out for the Red Hill-based club and set to make his State of Origin debut on Wednesday.
It’s slim pickings outside of Shibasaki.
Naden is next best, with the likes of Braidon Burns and Tommy Talau also searching for their next deal.
Other options off-contract: Braidon Burns, Solomona Faataape, Aaron Schoupp, Tommy Talau
Five-eighth
Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
Cody Walker is a controversial option given his run of injuries at South Sydney this year.
In truth, there is no guarantee he plays on next year, although nothing to the contrary has been expressed at this stage.
Another veteran in Kieran Foran is also off-contract, while the future of Adam Doueihi is more and more of a talking point with each performance he puts in.
Other options off-contract: Adam Doueihi, Kieran Foran, Te Maire Martin
Halfback
Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)
The future of Daly Cherry-Evans has been one of the game’s biggest talking points this year.
The now-axed Queensland captain is leaving the Sea Eagles at the end of the year, and while common logic says he will sign with the Sydney Roosters, every update tri-colours coach Trent Robinson has provided has expressed they are no closer to a deal being done.
North Queensland duo Jake Clifford and Tom Duffy are also off-contract, while the future of Jackson Hastings will continue to be debated – England could well be his only option though.
Other options off-contract: Jake Clifford, Tom Duffy, Jackson Hastings, Brad Schneider
Props
Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs) and Josh Papalii (Raiders)
Props are one of the positions where there is still an abundance of talent available for 2026 to clubs needing it.
Davvy Moale and Josh Papalii – at either end of their career – are among the best, although you could make the argument for a solid Corey Jensen, or Josh Kerr, who has been a revelation off the bench for the Dolphins this year.
Experienced duo David Klemmer and Siosiua Taukeiaho are also still off-contract alongside a host of other players.
Other options off-contract: Bunty Afoa, Wiremu Greig, Jack Hetherington, Corey Jensen, Josh Kerr, David Klemmer, Jordan McLean, Siosiua Taukeiaho
Hooker
Cory Paix (Broncos)
There are virtually no top-tier dummy halves still off-contract for 2026, although with Reed Mahoney making the shift to the Cowboys while being released from the Bulldogs, you could make the argument there are no clubs in the market for one.
What is clear is that there are a number of fringe players still without a deal, led by former junior Origin star Cory Paix, who is yet to be extended by the Broncos.
Zach Dockar-Clay has had some nice moments this year and could be pursued, while Gordon Chan Kum Tong is still waiting to recognise his potential.
Other options off-contract: Jayden Berrell, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Zach Dockar-Clay, Danny Levi, Soni Luke, Jake Turpin
Second-row
Ethan Bullemor (Sea Eagles) and Jack Gosiewski (Broncos)
There are plenty of second-rowers off-contract for 2026 at the time of publication, with Ethan Bullemor and Jack Gosiewski leading the way.
Bullemor has been a solid option in the middle and on the edge for Manly, while Gosiewski came from the clouds to start in Round 1 and has barely played a bad game when on the field.
Otherwise, there is plenty of experience waiting to be signed, led by Dolphins duo Kenneath Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi, while young gun Mavrik Geyer could leave the foot of the mountains.
Other options off-contract: Fletcher Baker, Kenneath Bromwich, Billy Burns, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Mavrik Geyer, Jacob Host, Felise Kaufusi
Lock
Adam Elliott (Knights)
There is a clear standout in the number 13 jumper, with Adam Elliott likely to leave the Knights at the end of the year. It’s unclear if any NRL clubs have expressed an interest in his services yet.
The former Bulldog and Raider is solid at both ends of the park, and would improve a number of teams around the competition when it comes to forward pack depth.
Kobe Hetherington is another option, while youngsters Justin Matamua at the Tigers and Mason Teague are yet to be re-signed.
Other options off-contract: Kobe Hetherington, Justin Matamua, Mason Teague
The best off-contract players for 2026 XIII
1. William Kennedy (Cronulla Sharks)
2. Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
3. Gehamat Shibasaki (Brisbane Broncos)
4. Brent Naden (Wests Tigers)
5. Sam Stonestreet (Cronulla Sharks)
6. Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
7. Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles)
8. Davvy Moale (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
9. Cory Paix (Brisbane Broncos)
10. Josh Papalii (Canberra Raiders)
11. Ethan Bullemor (Manly Sea Eagles)
12. Jack Gosiewski (Brisbane Broncos)
13. Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights)
As an added bonus, here is the best player from every club still without a deal for next year.
Brisbane Broncos: Cory Paix
Canberra Raiders: Josh Papalii
Canterbury Bulldogs: Blake Wilson
Cronulla Sharks: William Kennedy
Gold Coast Titans: Kieran Foran
Manly Sea Eagles: Daly Cherry-Evans
Melbourne Storm: Lazarus Vaalepu
Newcastle Knights: Adam Elliott
New Zealand Warriors: Te Maire Martin
North Queensland Cowboys: Jordan McLean
Parramatta Eels: Wiremu Greig
Penrith Panthers: Mavrik Geyer
South Sydney Rabbitohs: Alex Johnston
St George Illawarra Dragons: Sione Finau
Sydney Roosters: Zach Dockar-Clay
The Dolphins: Josh Kerr
Wests Tigers: Adam Doueihi
