More than four months removed from November 1, there are still 136 NRL currently Top 30 contracted NRL players without a club to call home for 2027.

The Perth Bears still have more than half of their inaugural Top 30 to fill, and most clubs are in need of players, whether re-signed or otherwise, to complete their look and feel for 2027.

When you run the rule over the list of players who remain off-contract at the end of 2026, there is still a mountain of talent available.

Taking into account the likely value to a rival club - age, talent and potential included (for example, Cody Walker has been left out as he approaches the end of his career) - here are the Top 20 players to remain without a contract for 2027.

Click here for the full list of off-contract players at the end of 2026

Siua Wong was originally named in this list, however, it has since emerged he has re-signed with the Roosters during the off-season.

20. John Bateman (North Queensland Cowboys)

The North Queensland Cowboys seem to have all but moved on from John Bateman as a Best 19 player.

Dropped from Round 1, Bateman, who added the ability to play at lock forward throughout 2025 as he attempted to revitalise his game, has now totally been overlooked from the 22-man squad for Round 2.

At 32, he is approaching the back-end of his career and could well struggle to see out the season in Townsville if a move home exists in his list of options, but you feel like he has more to offer the NRL before he does depart.

He certainly isn't going to be at the top of the shopping list for most clubs, but for those looking for a little bit of experience, the ability to play in the middle or on the edge, and still potentially change games with a strong run of the footy, Bateman could well become an option.

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