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.
Melbourne Storm: Jack Howarth
Currently off-contract: Shawn Blore, Jack Hetherington, Tui Kamikamica, Trent Toelau
Sometimes, the easy answer is the right one, and this instance, it probably is.
You could mount the case for Melbourne retaining all four players on their off-contract list, even though they won't with Shawn Blore almost a certainty to leave for the Brisbane Broncos.
Despite their low ladder position this year, much of their squad looks relatively stable.
But with the signing of Bronson Xerri, the issues in injury and form for Jack Howarth, and Melbourne's seeming push to have the youg gun they once signed to a five-year deal out of the club, he is the right option.
It's not often Melbourne get one wrong, but they might put their hand up and admit it here, although Howarth is far better than he has shown in recent times and will still make a solid go of his career somewhere in the NRL - seemingly, Parramatta next.
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.’