The NRL’s $10m shopping list as free agency deadline looms

Now that the Rabbitohs have secured Wayne Bennett, a host of short and long-term decisions are set to be made over their off contract stars. CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE

(L-R) Sandon Smith and Sam Walker.

Sam Walker has been revealed as a key influence in the Roosters landing the prized-signature of David Fifita.

Now it’s time to take the young halfback off the open market, according to Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

Walker headlines a $10 million shopping list of NRL players that are just six-months away from becoming free-agents.

Off contract at the end of 2025 and free to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1, the list includes Clint Gutherson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Wayde Egan, Ben Hunt, William Kennedy, Cameron McInnes, Kotoni Staggs, Reece Walsh, Daly Cherry-Evans, Alex Johnston, Cody Walker, Damien Cook, Adam Elliott, Jayden Brailey, Brandon Smith, Connor Watson, James Tedesco, Isaiah Papali’i, David Klemmer, Fonua Pole, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Valentine Holmes and Josh Addo-Carr.

The anticipated arrival of Wayne Bennett at South Sydney has the potential to set the open market alight, while the Broncos have plenty of work to do to retain superstar Reece Walsh and outside backs Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo.

Much was made last week of the pitch put forward by champion Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary in Penrith’s attempt to sign Fifita.

However, Robinson has explained how Walker played his own role in helping lure Fifita, a pitch that proves how determined the Roosters are to take the 21-year-old off the open market with a multimillion-dollar contract extension.

Robinson said the Roosters were clear in advising Fifita that the club’s halves in 2025, would be Walker and rookie five-eighth Sandon Smith.

“They (Walker and Fifita) know each other, so we were really clear on our style of play and wanting to continue with those guys and develop into that next generation of a team that we want to become,” Robinson said.

(L-R) Sandon Smith and Sam Walker.

“Sam has been developing, He debuted in 2021, so he’s in his fourth NRL season, he’s coming into his own, he’s still only 21.

“Sandon Smith will come through post Luke Keary’s retirement into that role.

“There’s been a little bit of discussion there (with Walker about re-signing).

“We’ve been on a path for quite a long time with Sam, our focus is really simple in that direction. He’s voiced his view on wanting to be here.

“So for us it’s simple, all it is about is length and dollars.

“And that will happen.

“We’ve invested in Sam as our long-term halfback, so let’s try and get that done as soon as possible.”

Ben Hunt Picture: NRL Photos

The Dragons also have a major call to make in their halves with veteran playmaker Ben Hunt becoming a free agent on November 1.

Hunt repeatedly asked for a release last season before head coach Shane Flanagan was able to calm the halfback’s mind.

One of Hunt’s gripes with Dragons management in the past was the lack of dialogue he had with them about the club’s recruitment plan.

However, he said that he was now on the same page with the club’s decision makers, led by Flanagan.

“He’s (Flanagan) had me in a lot of conversations about different guys they’re trying to approach and trying to get to the club and what they’re doing,” Hunt said.

“I’m feeling pretty comfortable about that and where it’s at and what they’re trying to do.”