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Top 5 off-contract props in 2018

Which out-of-contract props have made the list?

Published by
Danielle Ries

Heading into the pointy end of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership season, there are still some big props yet to decide their future in rugby league.

Zero Tackle has taken a look at the off-contract props for next season and decided on a top five.

Siosaia Vave - Parramatta Eels

Currently on a two-year deal with the Parramatta Eels which will expire at the end of the 2018 season, Siosaia Vave's playing career is up in the air.

The 29-year-old has only managed six appearances for the blue and gold this season, but his size and strength could be a valuable inclusion to any club.

The Tongan international has had his issues with injuries and fitness over the past couple years, which could hurt his chances of getting a renewed contract, but can still be a great signing for any club if he sorts those two things out.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Siosaia Vave of the Eels looks to pass during the round 12 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Parramatta Eels at Suncorp Stadium on May 24, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Max King - Gold Coast Titans

This young Titan has impressed in his first two years of playing in the NRL, but will find himself off contract come seasons end.

After being highly regarded by the Titans, they will be doing all they can to keep the 21-year-old rising star on the Gold Coast.

King's strong running game and work ethic would be a wonderful addition to the Titans if they can negotiate a contract extension, if not, other clubs will be hoping to lure the youngster in.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Max King of the Titans is tackled during the round 11 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Newcastle Knights at Cbus Super Stadium on May 19, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Jeremy Latimore - St George Illawarra Dragons

At the age of 31, Jeremy Latimore is using all his experience to help the Dragons make finals in 2018, but is out of contract at the end of the season.

Having returned to St George on a one-year deal for 2018, Latimore is still turning out solid performances which could prove he can go around for more years to come, that is if the Dragons extend his contract or if a rival club signs him.

Latimore has 10 NRL seasons under his belt and still has a lot to offer any team for 2019 and beyond.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Jeremy Latimore of the Dragons cools down during the round 18 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at UOW Jubilee Oval on July 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Dunamis Lui - Canberra Raiders

This 28-year-old prop is in some serious form, but finds himself out of contract for 2018 and beyond.

Having made all 18 appearances for Canberra this season, Dunamis Lui is putting forward a case for the green machine to re-sign the prop.

If the Raiders cannot obtain Lui's services, opposition clubs will surely be circling to lock down his signature.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Dunamis Lui of the Raiders is tackled during the round two NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Matt Lodge - Brisbane Broncos

In what was a very conversational signing for 2018, Matt Lodge made his return to the NRL, but it could only last one year as the prop is yet to secure his playing future.

Lodge has been one of Brisbane's best players this season, appearing in 18 matches and making a total of 2339 running metres, but has not received a contract extension at this stage.

Lodge's off-field track record could deter teams from signing the prop, but his on-field performances have proven he can match it with the best props in the game.

However, Lodge is almost certain to be rewarded with a two-year extension at the Broncos, with the two parties currently in talks to confirm that deal.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Matthew Lodge of the Broncos attempts to break away from the defence during the round 18 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Published by
Danielle Ries