November 1st. It all starts again. Every single player who is off contract at the end of the 2021 season suddenly becomes a target.
We're going to hear more rumours and news than we can handle over the next few weeks, especially from October 26th onwards.
Below are the top 10 VALUE players I'd be making a run for if I were in a position of power at an NRL club.
The below players are ones I believe can be talked into a move. I've left James Tedesco off as I believe he's now a Rooster for life. Bronson Xerri has been left off for obvious reason.
These aren't necessarily the biggest names, or else we'd just link Angus Crichton to everyone. We'll leave that to the mainstream NRL media. Instead we're going with the 10 players we believe represent real value.
So before you hit the comments, to surmise - these are players we believe may move, will be chased by multiple clubs and will provide value to new clubs come November 1st.
Honourable Mentions: Xavier Coates, Nathan Brown, Curtis Sironen, Scott Drinkwater, Tohu Harris, Hudson Young, Brent Naden.
4. Sitili Tupouniua
If Talakai isn't the game's most in demand value forward, it's young Tupouniua. He's played most of his Roosters career from the bench given the massive names in front of him, however I expect him to pick up a big contract as a starter if he chooses to leave Bondi. I'd be surprised if the Chooks don't re-sign him but he if he wants regular run on action he may need to move. There are plenty of sides who could use his talents. 100% worth the investment.
Capewell, Burton, and Crichton, will all re-sign. As for Flannagan, I am surprised the Roosters will let him go?
Crichton has already stated that he wants to stay at Penrith. So he won’t be going anywhere.
Less sure about Capewell & Burton?
Penrith won’t release Burton for next season. Neither should they.
If he decides to go the way of Wade Graham , he may become a great future lock at Penrith? Has the size, with a bit more bulk on him.
Capewell, been good when he’s not been injured. Penrith has to find a place In the forwards for young rising star
Lindsay Smith . So will they look to keep a non Penrith product in Capewell?
A year ago, no one knew Crichton or Naden. Or wanted to buy them. Naden a Penrith junior , had been up to Newcastle & was unwanted by them.
So I just hope he remembers Penrith gave him the chance to come back & opportunity to play first grade.