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.
Parramatta Eels: Jack Williams
The Eels have a long list of players off-contract at the end of 2027, allowing Jason Ryles to continue reshaping his squad if he chooses to do so.
One non-negotiable for the club though should be signing Jack Williams.
He wa their player of the year last year, and should be well on track to go back-to-back.
Once viewed as the next Paul Gallen as he made his way through Cronulla's system, Williams is able to play in the middle or on the edge, and rarely has a bad game.
If the Eels can lock him and J'maine Hopgood up before November 1, it would be a double boost, but Williams should be the priority.
Currently off-contract at end of 2027: Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Doorey, Harrison Edwards, Jezaiah Funa-Iuta, J'maine Hopgood, Kitione Kautoga, Brian Kelly, William Latu, Luca Moretti, Araz Nanva, Joash Papalii, Jordan Samrani, Bailey Simonsson, Ryley Smith, Sam Tuivaiti, Jack Williams
