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.
3. Kaiden Lahrs (North Queensland Cowboys)
The son of former Queensland State of Origin player Tom Learoyd-Lahrs, Kaiden at just 20 years of age has already looked every part the NRL player, and clearly has a big future in the game.
His frame at 190 centimetres, and his talent with and without the ball, have been evident both in the QLD Cup, and across his seven NRL games to date.
While he hasn't made it onto the park at NRL level yet this year, Lahrs has been around the edge of the Cowboys' side across the first two rounds, and should gain opportunities throughout the year.
Whether the opportunities he gains is enough to convince him to stay remains to be seen.
What is clear is that, with Matt Lodge, Jason Taumalolo and Coen Hess all at the Cowboys, Todd Payten - himself a man under plenty of pressure - is going to need fresh blood whether it's this year or next year.
Lahrs should lead that charge, and losing his signature would be an all-time fumble for the Townsville-based outfit.
