Big Picture: November 1 Free Agency Opens
The November 1 free agency window is almost here, and rugby league clubs are lining up to offer eye-catching contracts. With cap space, rising stars, and a few marquee veterans in play, this year’s market promises to be as active as any in recent memory. From genuine spine talents to versatile forwards, the landscape is shifting as clubs chase value and potential impact.
1. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui: The $1.5 Million Question
The Titans captain is the marquee name of the window. Fa’asuamaleaui has been linked with a raft of rivals, including the Perth Bears, as clubs weigh the cost of a true elite forward. The lure isn’t just money—it’s leadership, presence, and a proven representative pedigree. A fresh deal could push toward $1.5 million per season, making him one of the biggest earners in the competition if he moves clubs to chase sustained success.
2. Connor Tracey: A Solid Upgrade without Breaking the Bank
Tracey’s value lies in his versatility and reliability. Securing the No.1 jersey at the Bulldogs under Cameron Ciraldo boosts his appeal, especially with the ability to cover multiple backline roles. If he hits the open market, Tracey could command a meaningful pay rise without inflating the price tag, appealing to clubs seeking depth and consistency in the outside backs.
3. Billy Burns: From Minimum Wage to Contender Value
Burns played his way into serious conversations late in 2025. A Parkes native with a non-glamorous, high-effort game, he could be rewarded handsomely if he’s given a larger plate by a rival club. His case is built on impact in the spine and his readiness to contribute immediately, which could translate into a strong contract offer if he tests the market.
4. Jesse Colquhoun: Lock Power Surge
The Sharks’ 24-year-old lock has shown resilience and consistency after injury setbacks. With McInnes unavailable at crunch time, Colquhoun stepped up and proved he can handle extended stints in the middle. If Cronulla can keep him, great—but if he tests free agency, expect him to enter the market with significant interest from teams prioritizing a mobile, perform-ready forward.
5. Jayden Campbell: Potentially the Biggest Spine Upgrade
Campbell’s value is tethered to where he plays—halfback or fullback—and a long-term deal could unlock a substantial pay rise. The Titans have shown willingness to back him, but rival clubs are circling. If he moves, his leadership and versatility in the spine will fetch premium compensation.
6. Tyran Wishart: Versatility as a Selling Point
Wishart’s ability to slot into halves, backline, or hooker makes him an attractive commodity for clubs seeking flexibility in the spine. Bellamy’s go-to utility could become a sought-after asset for teams needing a dynamic impact player who can fill multiple roles on match day.
7. Jaxon Purdue: A Rising Star in a New Deal Arena
Purdue is the Cowboys’ next big thing, with a ceiling that spans centre to five-eighth and beyond. His current contract looks modest; a new deal—or a move to another club—could see his salary jump sharply as teams chase a multi-positional weapon who can spark their attack.
8. Lindsay Smith: The Panthers’ Long-Term Forward, in Play
Smith has become a mainstay and a leader in the Panthers’ pack. A monster deal seems plausible as Penrith seeks to lock in their forward core, but the looming threat of the Perth Bears could test the market for his services. If he sticks, expect a sizable uplift in his next contract.
9. Hamish Stewart: Dragons’ Young Gun on the Rise
Stewart’s emergence at lock under Shane Flanagan has fans excited. With a 2027 option likely to be declined, he could collect a hefty pay rise to stay in a key spine role or be prize bait for rivals seeking a dynamic middle forward with leadership potential.
10. Jye Gray: Rugby’s Rugby? A Salary Duel Across Codes
Gray’s 2025 breakout made him a dual-code hot topic. A reported $2.4 million offer from R360 lingers in the background, challenging NRL clubs to match or lose a rising No.1. Retaining Gray will require substantial investment, but his value across the backline is a compelling bargaining chip for the Rabbitohs and others.
What the Market Means for Clubs
The free-agent market is balancing youth velocity with veteran leadership. The threat of the Perth Bears entering in 2027 adds a strategic layer: clubs must decide whether to secure homegrown talent now or prepare to compete with a fresh recruitment war in the coming years. For many players, November 1 is a chance to reset careers, with pay rises that reflect their on-field impact and potential.
Bottom line
With a mix of star power and developing talent, the 2025 free-agent window could redefine player salaries for years to come. Whether staying put or chasing a new challenge, these ten names are at the center of a market where every dollar counts toward team success.
