NRL uncontracted players 2021: Who could end up at your club?

Canterbury’s roster cull has started with the club set to keep only four of the 16 players off-contract. Who survives the cull?

Digital artwork for Daily Telegraph NRL

Canterbury’s roster cull has begun as the Bulldogs also puts a freeze on contract extension offers placing the future of 16 players in limbo.

Former Origin forward Dylan Napa, who has been shopped to other clubs, is set to lead coach Trent Barrett’s roster overhaul which included fellow off-contract players Jeremy Marshall-King and Nick Meaney.

It’s believed the club will retain around four of the 16 players fighting to save their careers at Belmore.

It’s understood the club has also decided to put a freeze on making any official extension offers while the side is struggling on the field.

They form part of the 160 players without a contract to play in season 2022.

One leading player agent told The Daily Telegraph once the market picks up there will be “carnage for high profile players” on mega deals and that the lack of movement has put players in “survival mode”.

Cronulla’s Josh Dugan, Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson are faced with huge pay cuts, regardless of where they land in season 2022, although the latter revealed on Monday incoming head coach Craig Fitzgibbon is “interested” in keeping the experienced five-eighth.

“Me and Fitzy have had a good chat. He’s shown some interest in me but not contract has been signed and no contract has been offered,” Johnson said.

Dragons coach Anthony Griffin is also set to meet with Corey Norman this week about his future at the club.

At Redfern, the Rabbitohs are “hopeful” of retaining either Dane Gagai or Jaydn S’uA but salary cap pressures are likely to see S’uA squeezed out.

Fatima Kdouh looks at 20 of the biggest names looking for certainty in their NRL future.