NRL 2020: List of NRL free agents heading into 2021
Eels back-rower Andrew Davey will not have to pick up his tool bag for another two years after securing a new NRL deal. Plus check out all the unsigned players for 2021.
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Andrew Davey will not have to pick up his tool bag for another two years with the shock Eels debutant scoring himself another NRL deal.
Davey’s NRL fairytale is set to continue with the 28-year-old builder signing a deal with Manly.
Since making his NRL debut in July, the Eels forward caught the attention of Des Hasler and has been rewarded with a two-year deal at the Sea Eagles.
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Davey was set to return to Queensland to resume his building career before Brad Arthur picked him to face the Panthers last week.
The Emerald-raised forward was broke and set to give up on his rugby league dream.
“By far, coming back (after the COVID-19 break) was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I knew what I was going to be getting paid,” Davey said.
“You think that ship has sailed. I thought it sailed three or four years ago. I started to better myself and to do it now at 28 is pretty special.”
Davey will now put off his building return after earning a deal with the Sea Eagles.
COVID to deny English star shot with Raiders
Australian immigration officials have warned Canberra it may be forced to abandon the contract of English and Wigan star Harry Rushton next season through COVID.
The shock development means the Raiders could now have a roster spot open, and some salary cap relief, for next season with the club ready to discuss pursuing a replacement.
In better news for the club, one of the finds of the season, hooker Tom Starling, has been rewarded for his breakout 2020 season by securing a new two-year deal.
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Blooded this year as a result of the season-ending injury to Josh Hodgson, Starling has done what few thought possible by not just covering the loss of the champion hooker, but driving the Raiders into a potential top-four spot.
It’s a double boost for the Raiders, who also extended the contract of star prop Josh Papalii for a further three seasons.
The Queensland State of Origin enforcer had recently been linked with a return to his home state, but has recommitted to the Raiders until the end of 2024 with a further option for 2025.
“I love this club and I love Canberra,” Papalii said.
“This is my home now and my family and I are very happy to be remaining with the Raiders and in Canberra. I came here as a junior player, made my debut here and played my 200th NRL game here and there’s no other club I want to play for.”
Rushton, who plays for Wigan in the Super League, was to be the fifth English player at Canberra after signing a three-year deal in June.
His deal could fall over with Canberra’s immigration consultant saying Rushton was unlikely to be allowed into Australia because of COVID restrictions. The Raiders wanted Rushton here for off-season training from early November.
On the day the Raiders re-signed prop Josh Papalii to a new three-deal, CEO Don Furner revealed concerns about Rushton’s chances of playing in the NRL next season.
Should the Rushton deal fall over, Canberra would start the hunt for a new backrower. It is undetermined whether Rushton’s deal would be cancelled or just postponed for 2021.
The immigration consultant stated that a massive backlog of visa applications from Australians living in the UK — and wanting a return home — would hurt Rushton’s chances.
Australian residents have been given priority.
The visa denial would be a savage bow to Rushton, who was craving to play NRL. Canberra already has five Brits – John Bateman, Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead, Ryan Sutton and George Williams — although Bateman will return to England after this season.
Furner had planned to discuss the matter with NRL management on Tuesday and will contact Rushton, his agent and Wigan.
“The last five English players haven’t been a problem but we are concerned about whether we can get Harry into the country,” Furner said. “Harry might be a victim of COVID.
“If it does work out that way then we would have to look around to fill that spot and we have time to do that. With COVID, it’s unlikely now we will be able to get him here because of the advice we have received. It’s problematic.
THE NRL PLAYERS UNSIGNED FOR 2021
With uncertainty still reigning over the size of first grade squads for next season as the NRL continues to work through the coronavirus pandemic, there’s a mad scramble for contracts as some players do all they can to keep their futures alive.
News Sport has drawn up a list of top-tier talent who are still without a club for 2021 – some, like the Morris twins, are still courting multiple offers or are assured of another deal should they want it. Others aren’t so lucky – they aren’t just playing for pride, they’re playing for their football lives.
FULLBACK
Brendan Elliot, Albert Hopoate, Caleb Aekins, Charlie Staines, Glenn McGrady, Dylan Smith, Josh Hoffman
Analysis: Elliot’s seen plenty of first grade as Tom Trbojevic’s back up in recent years, but a serious knee injury could put his chances of earning a new deal in jeopardy. Caleb Aekins and Charlie Staines have both impressed in limited minutes for Penrith - Staines in particular could have his pick of clubs after crossing for six tries in his first two matches.
WINGER
Michael Oldfield, Jordan Rapana, Marcelo Montoya, Sandor Earl, Isaac Lumelume, Tyronne Roberts-Davis, Patrick Herbert, George Jennings, Braydon McGrady, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Young Tonumaipea, Selestino Ravutaumada, Abbas Miski, Andre Niko, Richie Kennar, Ilikena Vudogo, Robert Jennings, Brett Morris
Analysis: Isaac Lumelume has impressed in his brief time in first grade but with Suliasi Vunivalu and Josh Addo-Carr both leaving the Storm he might be difficult to pry away from Melbourne. Michael Oldfield would be a smart buy for any club in the league - through his long career, which has taken him to six different clubs, the Raiders flyer has always been a tidy and professional performer, be it as a first-string or back up outside back. Given Canberra are saving a roster spot for Jordan Rapana, Oldfield may well be available.
CENTRE
Tim Lafai, Isiaah Tass, Dale Copley, Marion Seve, Tautau Moga, Gerard Beale, Tom Opacic, David Russell, Brad Takairangi, Braydon McGrady, Cory Denniss, Steven Marsters, Watson Heleta, Kea Pere, Ioane Seiuli, Jackson Ferris, Matthew Timoko, Jordan Kahu, Josh Morris
Analysis: South Sydney are spoiled for choice in the backline, but Steven Marsters contributions in his first three games of first grade might prove difficult for other clubs to ignore.
Marsters, who joined the Rabbitohs from the Dragons over the off-season, looks a serious prospect but former league champ Michael Ennis believes his best course may be to stay with South Sydney for the time being.
“He’s shown great skill but he’s also a really big, athletic kid who I think defensively has been most impressive,” Ennis said.
“He’s in a really good system at Souths under Wayne Bennett, with a real high quality spine, and as a centre you need that service from your spine.
“I’d be staying there as long as possible.”
Young Sharks centre Jackson Ferris and Parramatta utility Brad Takairangi would also be handy squad additions for a number of clubs.
FIVE-EIGHTH
Jack Cogger, Kieran Foran, Mason Lino, Benji Marshall, Connor Watson, Adam Keighran, Jaeman Salmon, Will Smith, Dean Blore, Tyrone May, Drew Hutchinson, Jordan Rankin, Jarrett Jubloo, Tyson Gamble, Tristan Sailor
Analysis: Kieran Foran’s recent shoulder injury has thrown his future into jeopardy, Benji Marshall is facing retirement while Mason Lino has a chance to shine for the Knights and Tristan Sailor will surely find a home - but the pick among the five eighths could well be Penrith’s Tyrone May.
May spent 12 months out of the NRL due to police charges but has reinvented himself as Penrith’s utility in 2020. The 24-year old has played centre, five-eighth, second row, lock and hooker for the Panthers this season and done a fine job in each position.
What could determine May’s future is what he wants his career to look like right now.
“I think Tyrone this season has shown not only his versatility, but his quality.
“It’ll get to a point with Tyrone where he wants to establish himself a position and settle there - when that is I’m not quite sure.
“All those guys have come through together, so he’s clearly enjoying his football playing with his mates at Penrith, but for other clubs he’s shown a high quality standard of skill and he’s been very strong defensively.
“He would be very, very handy for a side looking to pick someone up in a key position - if he was going to remain as a utility, I think he’d just stay at Penrith.
“Jarome Luai and Nathan Cleary are playing very well, and you’ve also got Matt Burton there - he’s a big part of Penrith’s puzzle at the moment, and if a side were looking for someone in a key position he’d certainly be one they’d look at.”
HALFBACK
Braydon Trindall, Tyrone Roberts, Luke Metcalf, Cooper Johns, Jai Field, Lachlan Lam, Jack A Williams, Sean O’Sullivan
Analysis: Jai Field has already attracted interest from Super League, which could only increase as Parramatta get closer to the finals, and Braydon Trindall has impressed amid Cronulla’s halves injury crisis.
Ennis believes Trindall’s best option may be to remain at Cronulla for at least one more year given stars Shaun Johnson and Matt Moylan are both off contract at the end of 2021.
“If I were giving young Trindall advice, I’d say to stay in the system. Obviously Morris has a big opinion of him, he’s shown that faith in him to give him an opportunity this year and another pre-season will definitely do him well,” Ennis said.
“The fact next year you’ve got Moylan and Johnson off-contract, I would remain there and continue to put pressure on those guys.
“Whilst he’s got the combinations he got there, and he’s in a system where the coach likes him, for another 12 months I would definitely look to bide my time and see what the club does with those big names.
“If they do decide to keep Johnson and Moylan, he’s shown enough that other clubs would be interested in him.”
PROP
Sauaso Sue, Aiden Tolman, Keegan Hipgrave, Max King, Josh King, Lachlan Burr, Leivaha Pulu, John Asiata, David Gower, Peni Terepo, Kaide Ellis, Tom Amone, Kurt Dillon, Ky Rodwell, Garrett Smith, Matt Croker, Dan Vasquez, Rhys Kennedy, Oliver Clark, Sia Soliola
Analysis: John Asiata should have no trouble securing a contract for next season - though it will not be at the Cowboys after the utility told the Cowboys he would be leaving at the end of the 2020 season. Aiden Tolman might not be so lucky – at 31, and after 271 NRL game, his time as a regular starter might be drawing to a close. James Tamou was on this list, but the current Penrith player has been snapped up by the Wests Tigers on a two-year deal.
HOOKER
Cameron King, Nathan Peats, Danny Levi, Cameron Smith, Connor Watson, Nathaniel Roache, Reuben Cotter, Rhyse Davies, Ray Stone, Joe Lovodua, Jake Friend, Freddy Lussick, Kyle Schneider, Luke Huth, Chris Randall, Kobe Hethrington
Analysis: Danny Levi has been solid for Manly without being spectacular while Nathan Peats has not managed to recapture the form that earned him Origin selection in 2017. Joe Lovodua is a talented utility and a club could do worse than to take a chance on Nathaniel Roache – the young Kiwi is very talented, but injuries have cruelled his first grade career thus far.
BACK ROW
Kayleb Milne, Kevin Proctor, Sam Stone, Corey Waddell, Tony Williams, Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones, Isaiah Papali’i, Andrew Davey, Pat Hollis, Bailey Sironen, Jack Johns, Luca Moretti, Chris Lewis, Kelma Tuilagi, Kai O’Donnell, Pride Petterson-Robati, Jamil Hopoate, Ben Te’o, Sam McIntyre, Chris McQueen, Scott Sorensen, Josh Carr, Tom Eisenhuth, Elijah Taylor
Analysis: Arguably the deepest position. There’s something for everybody - canny veterans who can help fill out a squad (Aidan Guerra, Kevin Proctor), promising youngsters who just need a change of scenery or a consistent shot in the top grade (Isaiah Papali’i, Brodie Jones) and former stars who are after one last chance (Tony Williams, Chris McQueen, Ben Te’o).
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