NRL 2021 contract news: Feeding frenzy set to erupt with eight halfbacks up for grabs

A $7m feeding frenzy could erupt between clubs with eight elite halfbacks off contract at the end of this season. It’s a situation one former playmaker warned could cause problems.

Adam Reynolds, Ash Taylor, Jarome Luai and Jahrome Hughes.

South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds may trigger what has been described as the “greatest merry-go-round of halfbacks in the history of the game”.

Never before has eight elite halfbacks come off contract at the same time, prompting what will be a $7 million frenzy.

Clubs are already discussing the cluster of top-level No.7s available for next season including Reynolds, Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne), Shaun Johnson (Cronulla), Tom Dearden (Brisbane), Jarome Luai (Penrith), Kieran Foran (Manly), Mitchell Pearce (Newcastle) and Ash Taylor (Gold Coast). The other options for clubs would be to invest in the future and target a young gun like off-contract Rooster Sam Walker.

The Daily Telegraph revealed Reynolds is considering quitting the Rabbitohs after being offered a one-year contract extension for next season, far less than the three-year deal he wants.

Reynolds is open to offers from rivals clubs and has already been linked to the Gold Coast Titans.

“I can’t remember a time in recent history where there has been so many halfbacks that have left it so late and are coming off contract together,” Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.

“It could be a domino effect with the halfbacks. There could be some big changes among the playmakers. It could be very interesting.”

Adam Reynolds is open to offers from other clubs after being offered a one-year extension at South Sydney. Picture: Brett Costello

Former premiership-winning halfback Craig Gower tipped the anticipated shuffle among halfbacks could cause angst.

“It’s going to be interesting to see who makes a play for someone else,” Gower said. “Who has a halfback but would rather another player?

“It’s going to ruffle a few feathers – it could cause a shit fight. It’s the last thing you want in your head as a player going into a season, people talking about contracts.

“I know it’s part of the game but, for me, I’d rather just be concentrating on playing good footy.”

Former champion South Sydney halfback Craig Coleman added: “There is never usually that many halfbacks coming off contract the same time.”

Clubs are already discussing contract values with the eight players to cost between $700,000 and $1 million a season.

Penrith’s Jarome Luai is off-contract at the end of this season. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Luai is expected to be re-signed by Penrith but, at present, remains off contract after 2021.

One leading player manager said: “There are eight halfbacks coming off contract. It could become the greatest merry-go-round of halfbacks in the history of the game.

“This is unprecedented that so many chief playmakers would be rolling off at the same time. It would only take one to join another club for the whole thing to rotate.

“Say Jahrome Hughes left then Melbourne would need a halfback. That would then mean another one leaves, then another one. It would become chain-reaction.

Jahrome Hughes is attracting plenty of interest from rivals clubs. Picture: Getty Images

“They are the game’s chief playmakers who can take you to the Promised Land. Halfback is the hardest judged position.”

The Warriors have tried to poach Hughes with a three-year deal worth more than $2.5 million.

Coleman also offered an opinion on the possibility Reynolds may quit if not offered a long-term contract.

“In 1992, Souths said they didn’t want me after 13 seasons,” Coleman said. “It’s part of the deal. I would loved to have stayed at Souths and been a one-club player. But that’s reality.”

Originally published as NRL 2021 contract news: Feeding frenzy set to erupt with eight halfbacks up for grabs