November 1 has come and gone, and that means over 170 players are now free to negotiate with rival clubs.
While we wait for the action and cool-off periods to really heat up, Zero Tackle will spend the next couple of weeks exploring the clubs that must make plays for the biggest names on the open market.
One of the biggest who could well switch clubs is Keaon Koloamatangi.
The forward, who has become one of the best props in the game after Wayne Bennett shuffled him into the middle third during 2025 from the second row, has reportedly demanded about $900,000 for his services beyond the end of 2026.
The Rabbitohs will undoubtedly make a play for their star forward, but there is no guarantee they have the salary cap to go with rival clubs, with a large chunk of their 2027 squad already locked away, leaving little in the way of wiggle room.
Here are the clubs outside of the Maroubra-based outfit who will likely come in hot for Koloamatangi.
4. North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys are desperately in need of a reset. It doesn't need to be a full clean-out, but Todd Payten appears to be hanging onto his job in charge of that club by a thread.
Money probably, in all likelihood, frees up after 2027 for the Cowboys with the likely end of Jason Taumalolo's time at the club, but they still find themselves in an intriguing position for 2027 right now.
They only have 12 signed players, with a host out of contract. The recent re-signing of Griffin Neame makes prop less of an issue, but with Taumalolo and Coen Hess likely on the way out, signing a forward pack leader from somewhere to partner Reuben Cotter could be of paramount importance.
If they can find the cash, they should have a go.
