The NRL season may be over, but the player market is already heating up ahead of November 1, with clubs beginning to shape their rosters for 2027 and beyond.
From player movement to changes behind the scenes, ESPN NRL Insider Isaac Issa has the latest whispers from around the competition.
Samrani expected to test open market
Jordan Samrani is expected to test the open market from November 1. ESPN understands he will explore his options for 2028 and beyond.
Following a breakout season with the Parramatta Eels, Samrani is open to assessing opportunities elsewhere when the contracting window opens on Sunday.
Cochrane set to link up with Titans feeder
Taye Cochrane is set to link up with Gold Coast Titans feeder club Ipswich Jets for the 2027 season following his departure from Canterbury.
ESPN understands the young fullback has signed with the Queensland Cup outfit after the Bulldogs opted against offering him a contract for next season.
Cochrane scored six tries in 14 NSW Cup appearances for Canterbury in 2026, having been part of the club's Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side in 2024.
The move follows Phil Gould's confirmation that Cochrane would leave the Bulldogs, with ESPN revealing he had not been offered a new deal.
Bulldogs opt against Cochrane deal
Canterbury have opted against offering Taye Cochrane a contract for 2027, with the young fullback set to depart Belmore.
ESPN understands Cochrane was not offered a new deal, following Phil Gould's confirmation he would not remain at the Bulldogs next season.
Cochrane scored six tries in 14 NSW Cup appearances this year, playing predominantly at fullback.
He was part of Canterbury's 2024 Jersey Flegg premiership-winning side before progressing to NSW Cup the following season.
Panthers make retention intentions clear on Patea
Penrith have informed Luron Patea's management of their desire to retain the young prop beyond 2027, although he still intends to test the open market from November 1.
ESPN understands multiple clubs are interested in speaking to Patea, who is approaching the final year of his Panthers contract.
ESPN previously reported that Penrith had yet to begin extension discussions with Patea.
Tigers keen to retain Mason
Wests Tigers are keen to retain Heath Mason, with the club working through roster space to accommodate the young utility.
ESPN understands Mason remains part of the Tigers' long-term plans, although his future is yet to be resolved ahead of 2027.
Cowboys open to keeping Taumalolo
North Queensland are open to retaining Jason Taumalolo beyond 2027, with the veteran forward's assessment of how his body is holding up set to guide the next step.
ESPN understands the Cowboys will take their lead from Taumalolo as he weighs up his playing future, reflecting his standing as a club legend.
Taumalolo is contracted until the end of next season and becomes eligible to negotiate with rival clubs for 2028 onwards from November 1.
Panthers lock in Patea
Penrith have secured Tua Patea until the end of 2029, with the youngster signing an extension that includes a pathway from a development contract into the club's top 30.
Patea capped off the 2026 season with a hat-trick in the Panthers' Jersey Flegg Grand Final victory, having started the year with an NRL training block.
The new deal will see him join Penrith's full-time NRL squad as he works towards a first-grade debut.
Bulldogs closing in on Skelton return
Jeral Skelton is closing in on a return to Canterbury following his departure from the Wests Tigers.
ESPN understands the Bulldogs are in advanced discussions to bring the outside back to the club for the 2027 season.
An agreement is understood to be close, although the deal has yet to be finalised.
Multiple NRL sides eye Knights forward
A Sydney club and a Queensland-based club are monitoring Newcastle forward Mat Croker ahead of November 1.
ESPN understands the two clubs have shown interest in the 27-year-old, who is approaching the final year of his Knights contract and can negotiate with rivals for 2028 onwards from next month.
Rivals keeping tabs on Dragons' Tu
Multiple clubs are monitoring St George Illawarra outside back Setu Tu, with the Dragons yet to begin talks over a contract extension.
Tu is contracted until the end of 2027 and is expected to test the open market from November 1, when rival clubs can negotiate a deal for 2028 and beyond.
The former Warriors outside back joined the Dragons on a development contract this season and is set to move into the club's top 30 squad in 2027.
His ability to cover multiple positions across the backline adds to his appeal as clubs assess their recruitment options.
Roosters eye Dockar-Clay reunion
The Roosters have shown interest in a potential return for Zach Dockar-Clay as they explore options to bolster their hooking and utility depth.
ESPN understands the 31-year-old has emerged as an option following his departure from Manly, with discussions remaining at an early stage.
Dockar-Clay spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Roosters before joining the Sea Eagles on a one-year deal for 2026.
Manly confirmed his departure last month after a season in which he claimed the club's NSW Cup best-and-fairest award.
Bostock brushes Dragons links
Dolphins star Jack Bostock has dismissed recent links between himself and the Dragons, admitting this isn't the first time he'd been floated for a club switch.
"I've been linked to a few a clubs," Bostock admitted.
"I don't know about [the Dragons links]."
He said that while he "obviously sees it in the media," his sole focus is the Kangaroos.
Sloan's Dragons stay still a possibility
Tyrell Sloan could yet remain at St George Illawarra next season, with discussions ongoing over a potential stay despite his planned move to Castleford.
There is interest in keeping Sloan at the Dragons, but several hurdles remain before that can become a reality.
Roster space and salary cap room would need to be worked through, while any arrangement would also require Castleford to agree to release him.
Sloan previously admitted he would "love to" remain in the NRL when speaking to Channel Nine in August, after his Castleford deal had been announced.
No agreement has been reached and a stay is far from guaranteed.