Most clubs are beginning to get close to a full squad for the 2027 NRL season, but there are still plenty of decisions to be made around the competition.
All up, there are about 120 spots left on Top 30s for next year, and that means there are numerous players with their futures yet to be secured.
They range from youngsters, to out of favour players, to some that will raise eyebrows.
While all the focus will be on those who will re-sign, or change clubs, there are some players who simply don't fit into club's plans moving forward.
This is the one player of each club's off-contract list who should not be re-signed for 2027 and beyond.
Penrith Panthers: Izack Tago
Currently off-contract: Tom Ale, Kalani Going, Freddy Lussick
The Panthers have a monster of a salary cap problem on their hands at the end of 2027 as they fight to retain a whole host of talent who are about to be able to start negotiating with rival outfits.
Any bit of salary cap they can clear up for 2027, and be able to forward pay others, would be a win for future seasons.
Izack Tago, for all his talent, has fallen well down the pecking order for Ivan Cleary, and while he is a regular on the bench, one could imagine things aren't going the way either he or the club thought they once might.
You'd expect Tago himself is looking for opportunities elsewhere, and if one comes up, the Panthers should be letting him take it.
For Manly, the club would be better off retiring Tom and Jake, rather than sacking Ben.
Ben has played 18 matches this season.
Jake has played 19 matches, but it is accepted that his body is shot, and he is nowhere near as effective on field as he used to be.
Tom has played 9 matches for his $1.3million, and has chronic hamstring injuries.
Medically retire Tom and Jake and free up a couple of million dollars of salary cap. Give Ben the opportunity to leave if he doesn’t want to stay without his brothers.
The club can avoid any hurt feelings by sitting on its hands for twelve months until the Tom and Jake contracts expire, but given they are unlikely to play finals this year or next without a roster refresh, that is a poor strategy and a slap in the face for the fans.
‘The bottom line is he doesn’t fit into Canterbury’s system.’
Really? We should be trying to lower a bit of Burto’s money, he’s been crazy at centre and looks better now. This quote is also just insane: ‘If a club like the Perth Bears want to come to the table for Burton, then Phil Gould and Cameron Ciraldo should be saying thankyou.’
agree re Sharks Uele.Injuries havent helped him . The pack needs needs some retention and recruiting, looks like that is happening. hatstacks callhoun becoming a very good player..glad him and B Burns staying. Interesting to see how harrison hassett is developing.