Latrell Mitchell is set to hit the open market on November 1, with the South Sydney Rabbitohs star currently contracted through to the end of the 2027 season.
The development comes just a week after the Rabbitohs' finals hopes were ended by the Newcastle Knights, with the club now facing a significant period of decision-making around their roster.
According to News Corp, South Sydney are prepared to play the waiting game with Mitchell, with the club's immediate priority understood to be securing the future of second-rower Tallis Duncan before November 1.
Duncan is one of several players who could attract interest from rival clubs once the November deadline arrives, and the Rabbitohs are reportedly keen to finalise his future before turning their attention to some of their other stars.
Mitchell is among a group of prominent South Sydney players who could negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, with Campbell Graham, David Fifita, Brandon Smith, Jayden Sullivan and Jack Wighton also facing the prospect of becoming available if their respective futures are not settled.
For Mitchell, his next contract could be an intriguing one given the centre's recent injury record.
The 29-year-old managed just 12 appearances throughout the 2026 season, while he has played only 34 games across the past three seasons.
There is little doubt about Mitchell's ability when he is on the field, with the State of Origin star remaining one of the most damaging players in the competition. However, his availability is likely to be a significant consideration for both South Sydney and any rival clubs weighing up a move for him.
The changing salary cap landscape could also play a role in determining Mitchell's value.
The NRL salary cap could rise as high as $16 million by 2028, although negotiations between the NRL and Rugby League Players' Association over the future salary cap are yet to commence.
That potential increase could give clubs greater room to manoeuvre when negotiating with the competition's biggest stars, while also making the November 1 market particularly interesting.
Should Mitchell reach November without a new deal at Redfern, he would join a strong group of centres able to negotiate with rival clubs, including Newcastle's Bradman Best, Dolphins star Herbie Farnworth and Jack Bostock.
For the Rabbitohs, the decision is therefore unlikely to be as simple as determining whether Mitchell remains one of their best players.
His enormous impact when fit has to be weighed against his recent lack of availability, while the club must also balance his potential contract against the need to retain a wider group of players.
With November 1 fast approaching, South Sydney appear willing to wait before making that call.
