NRL Transfer market special: Rosters, re-signings and the latest player moves
The Eels have as many as six spots open for the upcoming season – one of the highest totals of any club. We reveal the players they are targeting in our ROSTER RATER.
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Clubs must have at least 26 of their top 30 spots locked in before November 1. Michael Carayannis explores the state of each club’s roster ahead of the NRL’s financial year kicking off next month.
From star players still unsigned to some sides already having a full quota – this is the definitive transfer market list.
RAIDERS
Roster spots left: 0
Roster insight: Will announce the signing of journeyman hooker Danny Levi on a two-year deal. Levi will take the Raiders squad to 30 spots already so unless they move a player on, their roster will remain as is for next season. Levi spent this season with Huddersfield in the Super League.
SHARKS
Roster spots left: 2
Roster insight: Officially have four roster spots left but the Sharks are close to locking in skipper Wade Graham and outside back Mawene Hiroti to new one-year extensions. Back-up hooker Jayden Berrell also re-signed for a further 12 months. Have not taken up Jensen Taumoepeau’s option. Will keep the two spots open for potential mid-season pick-ups.
DRAGONS
Roster spots left: 3
Roster insight: Have re-signed Tautau Moga and will give Queensland Cup prop Nick Lui-Toso a one-year deal. Those go with the additions of Tigers duo Jacob Liddle and Zane Musgrove. Remain on the lookout for another middle forward and an edge back-rower but usually like to keep at least one spot free to make a late-season signing.
STORM
Roster spots left: 0
Roster insight: Have already locked in their squad for 2023. Have made some handy additions with the likes of Warriors duo Eliesa Katoa and Aaron Pene. Veteran Tariq Sims (Dragons) adds some experience while Joe Chan (Catalans) – son of former Kiwis and Cook Islands prop Alex Chan – is rated as one of the best young prospects.
COWBOYS
Roster spots left: 4
Ben Condon left last week to take up a spot at Manly. In discussions with premiership-winner James Tamou about making a return and back-rower Jack Gosiewski. Have not taken up Brendan Frei’s option but signed former Fijian rugby sevens star Taniela Sadrugu to a one-year deal.
ROOSTERS
Roster spots left: 4
Roster insight: Officially have 25 players registered but that does not include Matt Lodge, who is set to re-sign with the club for next season. Boom young second-rower Siua Wong is also likely to come into the top 30. The club recently added some depth at hooker signing former Bronco Jake Turpin and they are having discussions with Corey Allan.
BULLDOGS
Roster spots left: 11
Roster insight: According to the NRL’s official contract list, the Bulldogs have just 19 registered players. That is an obviously not right as it does not include their impending recruits of Viliame Kikau (Panthers), Reed Mahoney (Eels), Ryan Sutton (Raiders) and Andrew Davey (Sea Eagles). Are in discussions to shed players, with the likes of Corey Allan, Kyle Flanagan and Ava Seumanufagai on the chopping block. Have also signed Parramatta outside back Hayze Perham, Franklin Pele (Cronulla) and Jacob Preston (Roosters).
DOLPHINS
Roster spots left: 6
Roster insights: Still have a heap of roster spots left but are now being patient as they look to land a long-term marquee signing. If they struggle to find any top-end talent this off-season, they may forward-pay players part of their 2024-25 contract in 2023, giving them a huge kitty to make a splash in the following season.
RABBITOHS
Roster spots left: 0
Roster insight: No wiggle room after locking in their squad for next season, which includes upgrading a host of youngsters into the top list. Have not taken up Richard Kennar’s option but have offered a part-time deal to the outside back.
SEA EAGLES
Roster spots left: 3
Roster insight: Zac Fulton will take up one of the remaining three spots when his new two-year deal is officially signed off. Ben Condon joined them from the Cowboys. Another spot is expected to go to Wests Tigers prop Austin Dias. Have been on the lookout for a back-up half with their last spot.
EELS
Roster spots left: 4
Roster insight: Have a bit of room and space left. Want to sign an outside back and back-rower to add to their depth. Still hoping to clear out more space, with Nathan Brown and Bryce Cartwright on the market for rival clubs.
WARRIORS
Roster spots left: 0
Roster insights: One of the most active clubs heading into the season. Signed Marata Niukore (Eels), Luke Metcalf (Sharks), Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles), Mitchell Barnett (Knights), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Raiders), Te Maire Martin (Broncos) and Jackson Ford (Dragons). Jazz Tevaga took up his player option for next season.
PANTHERS
Roster spots left: 5
Roster insights: Two of the available spots will be taken up by Bronco Zac Hosking and veteran prop Matt Eisenhuth who has recommitted for a further 12 months but that deal is yet to be announced. The Panthers are waiting on premiership winner Jaeman Salmon to let the club know if he will accept a new deal or take up a rival offer from Canterbury.
BRONCOS
Roster spots left: 1
Roster insights: Reece Walsh (Warriors) is the only big-name player they have added to their roster for next season. Also signed Jock Madden (Tigers), while Jesse Arthars (Warriors) returns from loan. Billy Walters’ new two-year deal has yet to be officially announced, which will leave the Broncos with one spot left.
TIGERS
Roster spots left: 2
Roster insights: Have been fairly active in the background in recent weeks. Linked to a host of big-name players, including David Klemmer and John Bateman. Only a transfer fee will stop them from securing ex-Raider Bateman. Have signed Charlie Staines from Penrith. Much will rest on Luke Brooks’ future.
TITANS
Roster spots left: 3
Roster insights: On the lookout for an outside back before pre-season training resumes. Have been linked with ex-Wallaby Curtis Rona. Gold Coast have locked up their spine with the additions of Kieran Foran (Sea Eagles) and Sam Verrills (Roosters). They have added ex-Storm and Bulldogs backrower Joe Stimson.
KNIGHTS
Roster spots left: 3
Roster insights: A lot bubbling away in the background. Have made it clear they are after a half, with Luke Brooks still at the top of their wish list. Have pulled out of discussions with Manly’s Reuben Garrick. Had kept a spot open in the hope one of their 2024 English recruits in Kai Pearce-Paul or Will Pryce could get out of their contracts early, but that now looks next to no chance.
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