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.
The Dolphins: Herbie Farnworth
The Dolphins have a stack of off-contract talent at the end of 2027, and it should have made this an exceptionally difficult call.
In truth, it's one of the easiest.
Herbie Farnworth is the best centre in the game. Some will argue for Stephen Crichton or Kotoni Staggs, but it's not really that close. Farnworth is freakishly talented, and consistent.
He is critical to the Dolphins too, and while he has indicated he wants to stay, the longer it takes to get a deal done, the more those rumours linking him with the Sydney Roosters will carry weight.
The Dolphins have a salary cap balancing act to play out which will be an intriguing watch, but they should be moving heaven and earth to retain Farnworth before looking at oher targets.
Currently off-contract at end of 2027: Jack Bostock, Selwyn Cobbo, Herbie Farnworth, John Fineanganofo, Kulikefu FInefeuiaki, Tom Flegler, Trai Fuller, Felise Kaufusi, Morgan Knowles, Connelly Lemuelu, Tevita Naufahu, LJ Nonu, Elijah Rasmussen, Sebastian Su'a, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
