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.

Gold Coast Titans: Jojo Fifita

The Titans have endured another difficult season, but there are some signs of life under new head coach Josh Hannay.

They have a long list of players off-contract at the end of 2027, which will assist the former Cronulla assistant in rebuilding and reshaping his squad, but there are named he needs to retain earlier than November 1.

One of them is Jojo Fifita.

The winger made a surprise Queensland debut this year, but impressed at that level, and has been strong for the Titans throughout the campaign to date.

Ultimately, Fifita re-signing would also ward off the threat of rugby union, something he admitted he could look at later in his career when speaking from Origin camp.

Cooper Bai was the other player in contention here, but take it as a likely done thing he will be a PNG Chief in 2028.

Currently off-contract at end of 2027: Cooper Bai, Adam Christensen, Jaylan De Groot, Max Feagai, Jojo Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Tony Francis, Brock Gray, Zane Harrison, Lachlan Ilias, Sunny Kama, Oliver Pascoe, Josh Patston, Chris Randall, Luke Sommerton, Jensen Taumoepeau