The PNG Chiefs are well underway in building their inaugural squad without even being close to November 1.
That the expansion club, who most expected would struggle enormously to sign players thanks to their location, have managed three signings already - and of high quality - is outstanding.
Only two are official, with Jarome Luai the first to join as he exercised an out clause in his long-term Wests Tigers deal, while Alex Johnston was given permission to negotiate with the club early by the South Sydney Rabbitohs, despite still being contracted for 2027.
It has now emerged that Connor Watson, who has been given permission to negotiate both his immediate and long-term future away from the Sydney Roosters, has also signed.
That's likely to be the end of the official signings before November 1, although the Chiefs will spend plenty of time in the news cycle as players hold off on re-signing with their current outfits in hope of joining what could be a competitive team in a rugby league obsessed nation for tax-free dollars.
Zero Tackle reported recently that Penrith Panthers and New South Wales winger Brian To'o, who is best mates with Jarome Luai, is likely to be another of those players, and one of the first to go once November 1 rolls around, with the Panthers understood to be resigned to losing him.
Despite the tax-free element to PNG's salary cap though, they can't simply sign everyone on huge money.
With just a day over five months until November 1 arrives, Zero Tackle have poured over the list of off-contract players at the end of next year and come up with ten likely bargain buys to help fill the Chiefs' squad.
5. Briton Nikora (Cronulla Sharks)
Maybe one of the more unlikely options, Briton Nikora's form has raised eyebrows throughout 2026, and not in the good way.
The Cronulla second-rower has, without a doubt, struggled to be at his best, making his selection in the State of Origin arena where he debuted for Queensland after recent eligibility changes slightly confusing.
What does appear clear is that Nikora may have to accept a reduced value contract for 2028 and beyond unless he can find a way to turn it around.
That's not to say he can't, and he has been excellent over the years. That could well lead to PNG picking an experienced second-rower who knows how to win for a price well below what he would be worth if he played at his best.
Interesting filler article, but there are two things that concern me.
The first is that most of these guys can’t even consider an approach until 1 November, and who knows how their form may have changed over the rest of the season.
The second thing is that going to Port Moresby is quite different to relocating to Townsville or Melbourne. I expect that a LOT of these guys will think that no matter how much they are paid, it will not be enough to convince them to go and live in a compound, like they are in some extended version of COVID.