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.
7. Parramatta Eels
The Eels will likely lose Junior Paulo to retirement at the end of the 2026 campaign, leaving a hole in their engine room.
As it stands, the club have some great young talent emerging through their middle third, and will be turning to J'maine Hopgood and Jack Williams to lead the way, but clearly need to bring in some outside faces.
If Koloamatangi wants to remain in Sydney, but leave the Rabbitohs and head to a club potentially on the rise, then joining Jason Ryles' rebuild may be a tempting option.
The blue and gold are unlikely to be able to match the budget of some clubs, particularly given they have pressing needs in the backline (and more so if Zac Lomax leaves), and at second-row, but a look at Koloamatangi is certainly on the cards.
