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.

St George Illawarra Dragons: Kyle Flanagan

Currently off-contract: Emre Guler, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Hame Sele, Christian Tuipulotu, Leeroy Weatherall

The Dragons are heading towards one of the fastest roster rebuilds in NRL history next year.

They have already signed six players, have six confirmed departures, and another five off-contract that could all easily be heading for the exit.

But there is another player, contracted long-term, who they should be attempting to move on - unfortunately, Kyle Flanagan just hasn't worked.

His time at the club has been essentially an unmitigated disaster, and while he had all the potential in the world as he progressed through the junior ranks, it just hasn't worked at NRL level.

If any clubs come knocking, the Dragons should listen, because Flanagan will be behind all of Kodi Nikorima, Luke Metcalf and potentially current duo Daniel Atkinson and Lyhkan King-Togia for a jersey next year.

4 COMMENTS

  1. 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.

  2. ‘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.’

  3. 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.