NRL contract season is in full swing, with over 100 players officially available to negotiate and sign with rival clubs from November 1st.
Joey Manu headlines a blockbuster list of talented free agents, with Jarome Luai bringing an end to his long-running saga after announcing a move to the Tigers and Ezra Mam inking a new deal with the Broncos.
While players off-contract are free to sign with other franchises, the transfers would not come into effect until the end of 2024 unless granted an early release by their current club.
Luciano Leilua linked to shock Dragons return
Luciano Leilua has reportedly requested an early release from his Cowboys contract that still has two years left to run.
According to Michael Carayannis of The Daily Telegraph, the backrower is set for a shock return to his former club St George Illawarra, who he left back in 2019 to sign with the Wests Tigers.
The 27-year-old has been with North Queensland for just two seasons and has played 24 games in that time under Todd Payten.
However, he has allegedly asked for an immediate release from his contract with at least one other NRL club, believed to be the Canberra Raiders, also interested in signing the Samoan international.
Canterbury Bulldogs reportedly won’t sign the May brothers
Canterbury are reportedly out of the running for the signature of Terrell May.
The Sydney Roosters prop is due to come off contract at the end of the year and it was believed the Dogs had picked him as a possible option to bolster their pack following the exits of the likes of Tevita Pangai Junior and Luke Thompson.
May recently spoke about his desire to link up with his two brothers Tyrone and Taylan at whichever club could offer the trio contracts.
“I want to be honest here, my talks are with whoever wants to sign us three brothers, that’s where I want to be,” May told The Bloke In A Bar podcast.
However, reporter Danny Weidler has since poured cold water on the prospect of the Dogs pulling off an impressive recruitment coup for all three May brothers.
Terrell May is now expected to remain with the Roosters on a two-year deal.
Adam Reynolds set for contract extension at Broncos
Adam Reynolds is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to remain at Red Hill with the halfback currently locked in negotiations for a new deal with Brisbane.
The Broncos face a tough task of keeping together the core of their side which made the grand final in 2023, with the likes of Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam set for major pay increases.
Reynolds’ contract also comes to an end in 2024 with the 33-year-old keen to prolong his career.
“He’s happy at the Broncos and won’t be going anywhere else, so we’ll get the deal done in time,” Reynolds’ manager, Steve Gillis, told News Corp.
The captain is happy in Queensland and is also eyeing a move into coaching at the Broncos following his retirement.
“I know Adam is very settled there and that’s the plan – for him to find another role at the club,” Gillis added.
Daniel Suluka-Fifita linked to Bulldogs move
Daniel Suluka-Fifita is reportedly on the radar of Canterbury after the prop toured the club’s facilities ahead of a possible switch.
Suluka-Fifita is still contracted to the South Sydney Rabbitohs for the next two year but could be set for a release after struggling to crack the Bunnies’ top side last year.
The Bulldogs have a spot on their top 30 roster available following Raymond Faitala-Mariner’s exit to the Dragons with the Bulldogs looking to add the former Roosters forward to their pack.
Zac Woolford’s Canberra release request knocked back
Canberra hooker Zac Woolford has had a release request denied by the club after he eyed a potential move to St George Illawarra.
The Dragons are in the market for recruits as they look to boost their depth in key positions with Shane Flanagan reportedly keen to sign Woolford.
