South Sydney Rabbitohs utility Jamie Humphreys is close to signing an extension to stay with the club beyond 2027.
Humphreys' future was uncertain past 2026, and he had been in negotiations with the Perth Bears before declining their offer in July.
Given the Rabbitohs salary cap situation, it has been a lengthy process to fill out the last three spots of their roster.
The club signed Payne Haas on a seven-figure deal, as well as having big contracts on the books with Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton, Campbell Graham and David Fifita on significant salaries next season.
It has already been a difficult process working on a new deal for Cody Walker in 2027, as he is still yet to be confirmed for next season.
Two other Sydney clubs did show interest in luring Humphreys away from the Rabbitohs.
Now, he will stay at the Maroubra-based club on a multi-year deal and continue showcasing his versatility in the halves and dummy-half positions, according to The Daily Telegraph.
The Rabbitohs are close to extending Cody Walker on a 12-month deal.
With Walker and Humphreys deals to be officially announced, this would put the Rabbitohs roster for 2027 having 29 of their 30 spots filled.
Adam Elliott has also revealed a desire to stay with the club for another season.
Humphreys has also completed the process to confirm his eligibility for England in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
"The IRL has qualified him," England's World Cup head coach Brian McDermott said of Humphreys at a media availability.
"I'll refer back to my original statements, if they are selected, it will be because they want to represent their country. I've put every one of them through a vetting process, though they didn't know it was a vetting process.
"I was just trying to make sure they were willing to go through the pain barrier for England – because we'll find out.”
Playing in 36 NRL games so far in his career, Humphreys has played for the Manly Sea Eagles and the Rabbitohs, making his first grade debut in 2024.
Joining the Rabbitohs in 2025, his performances in the pre-season matches for the club led to him starting at halfback over major English recruit Lewis Dodd.
Humphreys talked about what it would mean for him to play for England this year in the World Cup.
"If I was lucky enough to get picked I'd be super-excited to get to represent where I lived for such a long time, especially coming from London," Humphreys told NRL.com.
"It's not that big a rugby league town in England, hopefully if I get to represent all those kids who love league but are living in London.
“It will show them there's a pathway to make it in this sport. I know a few of them might think the NRL is too far away and too big a dream but it's not and it doesn't have to be.
“Put in the work and see where that can take you.”
If he is selected for the 23-men squad for the tournament which kicks off October 15, England will play their first group match against Tonga on October 17.
