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.
Manly Sea Eagles: Lehi Hopoate
One of Manly's most impressive young talents, Lehi Hopoate is seen as the likely future fullback of the club - although there is plenty of competition with Tolutau Koula and Clayton Faulalo also eyeing off the position.
But Hopoate, whether he is at the back or on the wing, is a critical cog in Manly's system, and has all the talent to make it big as an NRL player.
He has certainly shown that much and more during the 2026 season as he has developed his game.
He is likely the only player off-contract who will be seriously targeted from November 1, although Onitoni Large is also an absolute priority for Manly when it comes to re-signing players.
Their recent moves to lock up Joey Walsh and Faualalo have certainly eased some pressure.
Currently off-contract at end of 2027: Luke Brooks, Zach Dockar-Clay, Lehi Hopoate, Onitoni Large, Zaidas Muagututia, Caleb Navale, Ben Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Corey Waddell, Navren Willett, Blake Wilson
