November 1 is less than four months away, with teams around the competition already well into forward planning over what their squad will look like for years to come.
Inevitably, November 1 is the day that will draw the most attention, with players off-contract at the end of the following year able to begin negotiating with rival clubs from then.
While some clubs hold off on making decisions as they weigh up a player's future, there are some players off-contract at the end of 2027 who will receive multiple offers - and big ones - if they are not re-signed by their current club before they can negotiate.
That situation is even trickier heading into next year given the PNG Chiefs enter the competition in 2028, and while they have already managed a handful of signings are various loopholes, most of their squad - and tax-free salary cap - will be available to be spent from November 1.
As it stands, here is the player every club in the NRL must lock down before we tick on into November.
North Queensland Cowboys: Jeremiah Nanai
The Cowboys have often been a side slow off the mark when it comes to locking up their squad for future seasons, but they have a very skinny off-contract llst at the end of 2027.
The key priority though, without a shadow of a doubt, is Jeremiah Nanai.
As much as he does have some defensive issues, the fact the Cowboys have prioritised his retention before while allowing Kulikefu Finefeuiaki walk to the Dolphins means they need to be in this for the long haul.
There is no guarantee they will be able to if they let Nanai's situation drag out to November though.
Plenty of clubs would line up for his attacking attributes and exploits.
Currently off-contract at end of 2027: Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Soni Luke, Jeremiah Nanai, Jason Taumalolo, Viliami Vailea
