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Five of the NRL’s biggest names have emerged as potential recruitment targets with contract options in their favour allowing them to talk to rival clubs regarding bombshell moves.
The NRL’s unique contracting system allows players to negotiate and sign with other clubs 12 months ahead of their arrival.
All NRL contracts begin on November 1 and every season a new crop of players hit the open market, with Jarome Luai and Bradman Best front and centre in 2023.
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But where the system becomes complicated is with player and club options that render some of rugby league’s superstars free to sit down with suitors earlier than expected.
Should players waive the options in their contract, they become free agents and can negotiate with rivals immediately.
Brandon Smith’s move to the Roosters was a huge coup for the Tricolours, but as it stands he’s free to move ahead of the 2025 season.
David Fifita’s contract situation made consistent headlines in 2023 after a clause was revealed meaning he could leave the Titans if Justin Holbrook was sacked.
Even after he signed a new deal, the gun backrower could still now depart the Gold Coast next year if he pleases due to player options in his deal.
Meanwhile, Harry Grant, Dylan Brown and Ryan Matterson will become the hottest names on the market come November 1 once again because of options in their contracts.
Here foxsports.com.au explains why these five players could depart their respective clubs and where they could land!
DAVID FIFITA: Contracted until end of 2024 with player options for 2025 and 2026
David Fifita’s potential Titans departure emerged as the shock fallout from Justin Holbrook’s axing mid-season.
The Queensland representative became a free agent due to a clause in his contract which was finalised in March.
However, in a huge boost Gold Coast powerbrokers announced the gun backrower had signed another new deal in August 2023.
But it soon emerged it included options in his favour for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Fifita’s current contract is reportedly worth $1 million-per-year and it remains unlikely he will earn more should he move to a rival club.
However, if the Titans struggle under Des Hasler in 2024 he could look elsewhere to chase a premiership trophy.
Fifita has previously been courted by Ricky Stuart and the Raiders and even toured their facilities in the nation’s capital.
Meanwhile, Fifita’s former club, the Broncos, were also reportedly keen on signing him at the start of the season and reportedly even cleared cap space to pave the way for his arrival.
Should Fifita decide to depart, Brisbane’s chances of having cap space looks unlikely, having recently re-signed Ezra Mam and currently negotiating new deals for both Reece Walsh and Adam Reynolds.
Shane Flanagan is on the lookout for quality players and undoubtedly has made contact with Fifita about a move to the Dragons.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are also still searching for a marquee signing and could throw the bank at Fifita who has a close relationship with Wayne Bennett.
HARRY GRANT: Contracted until end of 2025 with player option for 2026
Harry Grant was named the Storm’s new captain on Wednesday, with Craig Bellamy handing his trusty hooker the reins ahead of the 2024 season.
The representative star signed a new contract in March 2022 reportedly worth around $1 million-per-season.
His deal includes a player option for the 2026 season, meanin, should he waive the option, could hit the open market on November 1.
Almost every NRL club would snap at the chance to sign a player of Grant’s quality, but it looks incredibly unlikely he won’t take up his option.
The gun No.9 is a key figure in one of rugby league’s best teams and is a member of a settled spine alongside Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes.
Playing under Bellamy, who is one of the NRL’s great coaches, is another huge positive for Grant in Melbourne.
Rival clubs would have to table a mammoth offer to pry Grant away from the Storm at the end of the year.
Only the Dolphins, Raiders and Dragons likely have the salary cap space to accommodate a deal that would need to be worth well above his current $1m yearly pay.
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DYLAN BROWN: Contracted until the end of 2025 with player options until 2031
Dylan Brown signed one of the most unusual contracts in the history of the NRL that spans nine years.
His current contract expires at the end of 2025, with player options that could see his tenure extend until the end of 2031.
Eight clubs were reportedly keen on his services and come November 1, they could once again make a play to sign him.
The 23-year-old technically could become a November 1 target at season’s end and told foxsports.com.au the options in his favour are there to allow him flexibility.
“Obviously teams change with the salary cap,” Brown said.
“Obviously it is a long deal and I love Parramatta, but things change. I’m still only young, so I don’t know what I want to do in the future.”
With his options open and the Eels missing out on finals in 2023, there’s a slim possibility Brown may look to greener pastures if Parramatta have another poor campaign.
Elite playmakers are a rare commodity in rugby league and Brown could be the best defensive half in the game.
His running game is also incredibly impressive and a host of clubs could be lining up to snatch him in November.
The Tigers are unlikely to make a play for his services with Jarome Luai arriving in 20245, but the Dolphins, Raiders, Titans and Sharks could make a play.
Having recruited Addin Fonua-Blake, it remains to be seen whether Cronulla have cap space for another million dollar man.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins have cash to splash and are still looking for a marquee star, while the Raiders are also always on the lookout for quality players.
RYAN MATTERSON:Contracted until the end of 2025 with player option for 2026
Ryan Matterson has been an integral figure for the Eels since rejoining the club ahead of the 2020 season.
The 29-year-old mainly comes off the bench under Brad Arthur, providing impact on the edge of the field and through the middle at lock.
He even played at five-eighth last year and grew up wearing the No.6 before making a switch into the forward pack.
It was announced in 2022 he re-signed a four-year deal, however the final year of his contract is a player option.
Therefore Matterson could negotiate with rivals at the end of the 2024 season, potentially making a move to a rival clubs for 2026.
Coaches are always on the lookout for representative forwards, with Matterson making his NSW debut in 2022.
The Raiders have consistently been chasing quality backrowers, with David Fifita in Stuart’s scopes.
Meanwhile, they acquired the services of both Morgan Smithies and Panthers gun Zac Hosking, but could still be looking for forward reinforcements with both Elliott Whitehead and Josh Papalii likely playing their last seasons.
The Storm have also made it clear they are in the market for forwards but may not have the funds to sign Matterson who is reportedly earning around $600,000-per-season.
Bennett’s Dolphins will almost certainly entertain signing him, with Kenny Bromwich and Felise Kaufusi coming to the end of their careers.
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BRANDON SMITH: Contracted until the end of 2024 with player option for 2025
It was a shock to many when Brandon Smith’s player option was revealed for the 2025 season.
His move to the Roosters was huge news at the time, departing the Storm for another premiership contender.
However, his first season under Trent Robinson began with a whimper before a thumb injury kept him sidelined for an extended period.
When the 27-year-old returned to the field he showed why the Tricolours handed him a $800,000-per-year contract with several impressive performances.
His three-year deal was originally expected to extend into the 2025 season, however Smith is currently a free agent and is yet to activate his extension.
The gun hooker is reportedly happy at the Tricolours club and is likely to extend his stay, but a big money offer could be hard to refuse.
Smith had contracts tabled from rival clubs worth north of $900,000-per-season, with the Dolphins one of many suitors.
Bennett’s franchise were one of two clubs Smith had culled his decision down to before eventually decided to move to Sydney.
Smith also toured the Cowboys and Titans’ facilities, having travelled up the east coast of Australia to sit down with a host of clubs.
Should the Dolphins sharpen their pencil and table a seven figure contract, Smith may be unable to refuse the offer.
The Raiders could also make a play to sign Smith as a marquee star in a move that could improve their hooking stocks.
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