The NRL season may be over, but the player market is heating up as we move beyond 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.
Lipowicz to stay at Wakefield as Bears delay move
Zac Lipowicz will remain with Super League champions Wakefield Trinity in 2027 after the Perth Bears released him from the first year of his two-year deal.
The 24-year-old approached Perth about staying in England for another season after spending 2026 with Wakefield. The Bears agreed to his request, with the 2028 option in his deal still in place.
Bears general manager of football Gareth Holmes said Perth would stay in touch with Lipowicz and Wakefield throughout the season and monitor his progress before a decision is made on the 2028 option.
Warriors secure Seve homecoming
The Warriors are set to sign emerging centre Kingston Seve on a two-year deal after Newcastle granted him a release to return home to New Zealand.
ESPN understands Seve sought the release to make the move home, with the Warriors securing the promising outside back.
Seve featured in Newcastle's SG Ball and Jersey Flegg sides this season and represented Queensland in the under-19 State of Origin clash.
He will now continue his development with the Warriors as he works towards an NRL debut.
Sharks move to extend young star
Cronulla have tabled an offer to Liam Ison as they look to retain the young fullback beyond 2027.
ESPN understands the Sharks view Ison as part of their long-term plans and have moved to extend his stay.
The 21-year-old is contracted until the end of 2027, having signed an extension following a breakthrough 2024 season when he made his NRL debut and helped Newtown claim the NSW Cup premiership.
Ison's progress was interrupted by a ruptured ACL early in 2025, which ruled him out for the remainder of that season.
Cronulla's latest offer underlines their continued faith in his future.
Eels win race for Schiller
Parramatta have won the race for James Schiller, with ESPN understanding the outside back has agreed to terms on a two-year deal from 2027.
Multiple clubs, including the Wests Tigers, had shown interest in securing Schiller's services, but the Eels have moved to bolster their outside-back stocks.
Manly shut down Paseka enquiry
Manly have knocked back an enquiry from Canberra about Taniela Paseka's availability, with the Sea Eagles unwilling to release the prop.
ESPN understands the Raiders initiated the enquiry, contrary to reports Paseka had been shopped to the club.
While Manly are looking to move on Luke Brooks and Ethan Bullemor as they reshape their roster, Paseka is a player they want to retain.
The front-rower remains contracted to the Sea Eagles until the end of 2029.
Ricky Stuart has since publicly denied Canberra are pursuing Paseka.
Cowboys among clubs eyeing Savage
North Queensland are among the clubs showing interest in Canberra winger Xavier Savage, as rivals assess their recruitment options for 2028.
ESPN understands the Cowboys and a Sydney-based club are keeping tabs on the speedster, who is contracted to the Raiders until the end of 2027 and became eligible to negotiate with rivals on November 1.
Savage scored 13 tries in 19 NRL appearances for Canberra this season.
Bryenton begins Tigers chapter
David Bryenton will begin full-time training with the Wests Tigers on Wednesday, with ESPN understanding the recruit features in Benji Marshall's long-term plans.
Having first reported his signing last month, ESPN can reveal Bryenton's mutually agreed release from the Bulldogs has now been finalised, clearing the way for him to join Marshall's squad for pre-season.
Dolphins win race for Su'a
The Dolphins have won the race to retain Sebastian Su'a, with ESPN understanding the young forward has agreed to terms on a two-year extension that will keep him in Redcliffe until the end of 2029.
Several NRL clubs had identified Su'a as a potential recruitment target, but the Dolphins have moved to secure his future with the club.
Fa'alogo agrees to long-term Storm extension
Sua Fa'alogo has agreed to extend his stay at the Melbourne Storm through to the end of 2032, ESPN understands.
The agreement will keep the fullback in Melbourne for the next six seasons, securing a key figure in the Storm's long-term plans.
Fa'alogo's retention delivers a major boost for Melbourne ahead of the November 1 contracting window, with the club moving to lock down one of its most exciting talents.
Dolphins close in on Lemuelu extension, confident of keeping Farnworth
The Dolphins are closing in on a multi-year extension for Connelly Lemuelu as they also express confidence in retaining Herbie Farnworth.
ESPN understands Lemuelu is nearing an agreement to extend his stay despite interest from Canberra, Parramatta and Cronulla.
Securing the back-rower would deliver a retention boost for the Dolphins, with the length of the proposed deal yet to be confirmed.
The club is also understood to be confident it can retain Farnworth despite links to the Sydney Roosters.
While that confidence is yet to translate into a confirmed extension, keeping the English international alongside Lemuelu would help preserve key combinations on the Dolphins' left edge.
Eels edge ahead in Best race
Parramatta have emerged as the frontrunners to land Bradman Best, with multiple sources indicating the Newcastle centre is increasingly likely to join the Eels beyond 2027.
Best has been identified as a priority target for Parramatta, who are looking to bolster Jason Ryles' backline with an established representative star.
While a deal is yet to be confirmed, the Eels are understood to be in the box seat despite Newcastle's efforts to retain him with a lucrative extension.
Bulldogs unlikely to enter Walker race
Canterbury are unlikely to enter the race for Sam Walker, with the Bulldogs backing their existing halfback options ahead of the upcoming season.
Despite suggestions the club could emerge as a potential destination for Walker, it is understood Canterbury are taking a wait-and-see approach rather than preparing to launch a pursuit.
The Bulldogs' immediate focus remains on the internal battle for the No.7 jersey, with Mitch and Alex Conti set to compete for the role over the offseason.
Canterbury have not completely shut the door on a move should circumstances change, but their current position suggests they are unlikely to become an active contender for Walker's signature.
For now, the Bulldogs are content to watch how the situation unfolds.