The world of NRL contracts is a constantly evolving space, and while we are now more than four months into the 2027 recruitment window, there is little doubt the more than 130 players still off-contract at the end of the year will present plenty of storylines before the year is out.
While most eyes will focus on the top end of town, and the players who can change games immediately, there are also a whole host of younger players coming off-contract.
While young players have a track record of moving on too quickly at times, and not giving the system a chance to work, there is also no doubt that many are overlooked by coaches when they are ready for more minutes at the top end of town.
That is occurring again already in 2026, and with the Perth Bears to join the competition in 2027, there will be more spots on rosters, both in Top 30 squads and development lists, than ever before.
Here are the nine players who may well be set to switch clubs at the end of 2026 if they don't get more minutes from their current sides.
6. Michael Asomua (Canberra Raiders)
A power packet with the ball in hand, Asomua is 22 years of age and an extremely experienced reserve grade player.
The outside back has started the year in the NSW Cup and looked strong during his two showings to date, taking his career tally to 78 matches in that competition.
Despite all that experience, he has only made a single NRL appearance - coming in Round 27 last year when the Raiders rested the entirety of their first-grade side for the trip to Redcliffe just a week out from the start of the finals series.
Asomua didn't look out of place on that occassion either, but there is little doubt the Raiders have a long line of wingers behind starters Xavier Savage and Savelio Tamale. The signing of Sione Finau from the Dragons, as well as the fact Jed Stuart remains ahead of him, could see Asomua looking elsewhere.
While there hasn't been any great deal of speculation, it's hard to imagine the Perth Bears haven't picked up the phone for the young talent.
