Top 10 off-contract players

Now being in late July it isn't strange to see most of the big names signed to clubs for next season. That said a few stars, or potential stars, remain unsigned for 2019 and beyond. Below are the top 10 names still off-contract. For this I have left names like Smith, Gallen and Farah off. These players will either retire or re-sign for their club and aren't really considered for moving clubs. The below also takes into account only official announcements and not 'mail' from 'those in the know'. Please let us know who you believe is the number one off contract player in the comments below. Justin O'Neill I had to double check this one was I just assumed the Cowboys had re-signed him earlier in the year. The former Origin centre isn't having the greatest of seasons, but name as Cowboy who is. Perhaps a change of scenery would benefit the 27-year old. That said I can't see the Cowboys letting him walk without a fight. O'Neill has two premierships and six rep jumpers for state and country. There are plenty of clubs looking for a centre with his pedigree. [caption id="attachment_21857" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Justin O'Neill of the Cowboys celebrates after scoring a try during the NRL Second Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at AAMI Park on September 26, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Lachlan Coote Another Premiership-winning Cowboy who is yet to extend his stay with the club. With rumours that Valentine Holmes is set to return home to Townsville, Coote may sign a one-year extension to hold the role he currently fills. He, like O'Neill, is not having the greatest of seasons but we all know what he can do. At only 28, Coote has much more to give. [caption id="attachment_34598" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Lachlan Coote of the Cowboys takes on the defence during the round 13 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the North Queensland Cowboys at Lottoland on May 31, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Dale Copley A controversial entry here but I am a fan of the 26-year old. He has 115 NRL games to his name and is yet to reach his full potential. Copley looked a dead certainty to represent Queensland during his time at the Broncos. Although he is yet to take that extra step, there will be no shortage of those looking to add his services. He's the kind of player I'd expect the Bulldogs to be chasing, although the Titans will want to re-sign him. [caption id="attachment_33376" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Dale Copley of the Titans and his team mates look dejected after a Rabbitohs try during the round 15 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Gold Coast Titans at ANZ Stadium on June 16, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] James Segeyaro James Segeyaro is having an amazing season off the bench for the Sharks. There are rumours he is on his way to the Eels but a recent tweet indicating his excitement about Josh Morris joining the Sharks suggests not all is lost for the shire club. Truth be told Segs is too good to be playing a bit part role, but he's re found some amazing form and always has a huge smile on his face. Despite having both Brailey brothers on their books, I'm not sure the Sharks will give up just yet. [caption id="attachment_34314" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: James Segeyaro of the Sharks is tackled by Connor Watson and Shaun Kenny-Dowall of the Knights during the round 12 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Cronulla Sharks at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 27, 2018 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Jarryd Hayne Six weeks ago Hayne wouldn't be on this list, or even a top 20 ... or 30. His form since returning from injury has been incredible and I'd say he's been the Eels best for the past month. He looks at home in the centres although has been looking for the ball. I believe that's Hayne's best role. He needs to become the focal point of the Eels attack out wide. Can't see him leaving the Eels again. [caption id="attachment_31867" align="alignnone" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 24: Jarryd Hayne of the Eels warms up during the NRL Trial Match between the Newcastle Knights and the Parramatta Eels at Maitland No 1 Showground on February 24, 2018 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Ryley Jacks Surely Craig Bellamy won't allow 26-year old Ryley Jacks to walk away from the Storm at the end of the season. Surely! That said, with Brodie Croft and Jahrome Hughes on the books, maybe Jacks is forced to look elsewhere. Jacks is a clever player and has a few seasons is an incredibly successful system. There are plenty of halves looking for options in the six, seven and/or nine. Jacks can provide that. Manly perhaps? [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] during the round 14 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on June 10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia.[/caption] Apisai Koroisau Earlier in the season reports indicated it was just a matter of sorting their cap before Koroisau would re-sign with Manly. That said, given the shape of the club on and off the field, I'm not too sure a player of Api's talents should be so quick to commit. He would walk into at least half a dozen NRL clubs tomorrow and could command a huge pay rise. If he hasn't signed for Manly I would expect Parra to be lurking. [caption id="attachment_29237" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Apisai Koroisau of the Sea Eagles passes during the round five NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on March 31, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Tevita Pangai Jr For the record I can't see any other outcome other than a TPJ re-signing for Brisbane story to come out any day now, but surely there have been feelings put out. Pangai Jr is probably one of very few players on this list that every single NRL could use. He's got an enormous future ahead of him and with the Broncos recently locking down Sua and Haas, maybe TPJ could cash in elsewhere. Can't see it happening but his worth increased every week. Robert Jennings The Souths winger currently leads the NRL try scoring charts with 16. Just behind him are the names Holmes, Addo-Carr and Fusitu'a. That is some amazing try scoring company he's not only in, but leading. Jennings has been a star for the Bunnies and has scored some amazing four pointers. His game is improving hugely and at only 22 is is yet to reach his peak. Watch for the Sharks to come knocking if Souths don't get it done quickly. [caption id="attachment_34677" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Robert Jennings of the Rabbitohs waves to the crowd after winning the round 16 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the North Queensland Cowboys at Barlow Park on July 1, 2018 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Corey Oates The biggest piece of the recruitment puzzle is Broncos winger Corey Oates. As mentioned before he has stated his intention to move into the second row. Given the ridiculous amount of talent in the forwards at the Broncos that just may not happen in Brisbane. The Tigers, Dogs and Eels are all surely on the look out for a big, fast and talented second rower. The Sharks need a replacement for Lewis. The Broncos will not want to lose him. Expect this chase to heat up massively over the next few weeks. Whether it be on the wing or in the second row, this could be the most important contract of his career. Huge! [caption id="attachment_34533" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Corey Oates of the Broncos looks on during the warm-up prior to the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on September 22, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption]