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.
New Zealand Warriors: Ali Leiataua
Currently off-contract: Rocco Berry
The Warriors have the smallest off-contract list remaining in the competition, and it's potentially about to be reduced to zero, with Rocco Berry believed to have undergone a medical at the Melbourne Storm.
Picking a player they should let walk is also a tricky endeavour - a number have already confirmed to be leaving, and there is significant roster turnover at the end of the year.
The easy decision before he re-signed from a salary cap point of view, given the signing of Will Warbrick from the Melbourne Storm, would have been Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Instead, we will land on Ali Leiataua. He is clearly going to be down the pecking order next year, is too good to be simply seen as depth, and the Warriors might as well clear up a roster spot and some salary cap space a year early.
But there is certainly no obvious answer here.
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.