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 seven 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.
5. Kit Laulilii (Wests Tigers)
A talented young forward, Kit Laulilii made his debut aged 18 in the 2023 season, but fast forward to 2026, and he has only managed one match per season in the top grade since.
Seemingly down the pecking order again as 2026 gets underway, Laulilii could be exploring his options elsewhere.
What may have previously tied him to the club was outside back brother Luke Laulilii, but given he has confirmed he will switch to the Perth Bears for 2027, there is now not that pull for Kit to remain at the Concord-based club.
His path to first-grade is clearly blocked by the other talent at the Tigers, including youngsters who have jumped him in the queue since his debut, and a chance of increased minutes at the joint-venture seems slim.
