The 23 players first grade players still without an NRL club for 2021

These are the best 23 players yet to sign a new NRL deal. Could they beat the worst teams of 2020? Have your say here.

David Riccio

@DaveRic1

3 min read

November 30, 2020 - 11:03AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Just some of the players on the hunt for somewhere to play in 2021.

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Out of work, without a home and desperate for an NRL lifeline.

These are the 23 players who represent the NRL‘s 17th team, all of whom remain without a first grade contract for 2021.

Among them are Test stars, premiership-winners, former State of Origin players and inspiration to many of the game’s current stars, Benji Marshall.

When ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys is questioned where the game draws enough talent to add a second Brisbane team - he can point to this list compiled by The Sunday Telegraph.

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Benji Marshall isn’t ready to hang up his boots just yet. Picture: Gregg Porteous/NRL Photos

Ahead of every club commencing their 2021 pre-season next week, the likes of former Kiwi teammates Jordan Kahu and Marshall will be training on their own.

This time last year, Eels backrower Brad Takairangi had just finished playing for the Cook Islands in the World Nines tournament - now he’s scratching to keep his NRL dream alive.

Storm outside back Marion Seve is looking for a job and has been offered to Penrith as a replacement for Caleb Aekins, who has shifted to Canberra.

So too, is former Cronulla premiership-winning centre Ricky Leutele and Cowboys 2015 grand final-winning forward John Asiata, who has high hopes of securing a deal with the Brisbane Broncos, possibly as early this week.

For a large majority of the names on the list, their best days in the NRL are behind them.

But depth wins premierships and the list is devoid of anything but players with first-grade experience.

Tautau Moga played four games for the Knights in 2020. Picture: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

Undoubtedly the move of Marshall, 35, is what all rugby league fans are fascinated to learn.

The superstar five-eighth was informed by the Tigers earlier this year that he wouldn‘t be re-signed, leaving him to play his last of 324 career games in September.

The Golden Boot winner has refused to concede his career is over, holding talks with the Cowboys and Sharks, both of which have proven fruitless.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten is a former Tigers teammate of Marshall.

But the Tigers legend’s $280,000 asking price has left the Cowboys baulking as they also assess the possibility of bringing Gareth Widdop back from the UK Super League.

The Cowboys were happy to consider signing Marshall for $140,000.

Cronulla have decided to re-sign rookie half Braydon Trindall over Marshall.

Canterbury have also been widely-connected to Marshall - but they have no interest in the two-time Dally M five-eighth after signing Penrith rookie Matt Burton and former Roosters half Kyle Flanagan.

The Dogs also have talented half Jake Averillo in their roster.

John Asiata is tipped to find a home with the Broncos. and Valentine Holmes. Picture: Evan Morgan

A large majority of clubs have only one or two spots remaining in their top-30 roster for 2021.

Many of the players who are yet to find a club could be forced to wait until as late as February to secure a lifeline.

“The quality on the list actually surprises me,” one leading club recruitment manager said.

“I’ll be stunned if we don’t see a fair few of these names snatched up by clubs before Christmas - but others will have to wait a little longer as clubs get their rosters finalised.

“There’ll be some more player movement yet and clubs are always looking for depth, which is what plenty of these guys can provide a team.’’

A strong ball-running edge forward for Cronulla, Scott Sorensen has been linked with a move to the Tigers, while one player who has escaped joining the list is Jordan Rapana.

The skilful outside back will ink a new 12-month contract with the Raiders this week.

THE NRL’S ‘17TH TEAM’

1 Jordan Kahu - $220,000

2 Tautau Moga - $160,000

3 Tim Lafai - $200,000

4 Ricky Leutele - $200,000

5. Brendan Elliot - $150,000

6 Tyrone Roberts - $100,000

7 Benji Marshall - $280,000

8 John Asiata - $250,000

9 Issac Luke - $150,000

10 Tom Amone - $120,000