The NRL contract season is in full swing, with over 100 players officially available to negotiate and sign with rival clubs starting November 1st.
Joey Manu and Ezra Mam lead a plethora of skilled free agents, with Jarome Luai putting an end to his long-running saga by confirming a move to Detroit.
While players who are out of contract are free to join with other teams, the moves would not take effect until the end of 2024, unless their present club gave them an early release.
The Sporting News will feature all of the latest rumours and contract updates below.
MORE: Each club’s top off-contract player | The top-five available players at each position
Dogs react to Tevita Pangai Junior Broncos rumours
Canterbury CEO Aaron Warburton has confirmed that the club will have no objections to Tevita Pangai Junior potentially signing with Brisbane this year, despite announcing his retirement from the game in 2023.
The former NSW representative rejected a lucrative contract with the Dogs after deciding to pursue a professional boxing career.
However, the enforcer has since been spotted at Broncos training, and Pat Carrigan has expressed his desire to see his former teammate back to Red Hill.
“Tevita parted ways with the Bulldogs on extremely good terms,” Warburton told the Daily Telegraph.
Canterbury Bulldogs reportedly table Terrell May’s offer
According to The Daily Telegraph, Canterbury has offered Terrell May a long-term contract in an attempt to bring the forward to Belmore.
The Sydney Roosters prop’s contract expires at the end of the year, and the Dogs have identified him as a crucial recruit to improve their pack following the departures of Tevita Pangai Junior and Luke Thompson.
May recently expressed his wish to meet together with his two brothers, Tyrone and Taylan.
“I want to be honest here, my talks are with whoever wants to sign us three brothers, that’s where I want to be,” May told The Bloke In A Bar podcast.
Phil Gould reiterated the Dogs’ interest in signing forwards last year, revealing that they were looking for a veteran for 2024.
We understand that (forward pack) is a concern for us, and we’re working on it, but I believe we’re in a better position than the typical individual,” Gould said on SEN.
“Internally, we’re convinced that we have certain guys there who can perform the job for us.
“No doubt we’re looking for an experienced middle forward though.”
Zac Woolford’s Canberra release request denied
Canberra hooker Zac Woolford had his release request declined by the club after considering a move to St George Illawarra.
The Dragons are looking for recruits to help them build depth in crucial positions, with Shane Flanagan apparently interested in signing Woolford.
However, despite being told last year that he was free to pursue other possibilities, the Raiders have now declined Woolford’s release request, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Ezra Mam reportedly accepts the Broncos contract offer.
Ezra Mam, the Broncos’ five-eighth, has allegedly agreed to a new long-term contract with the club.
The 20-year-old lit up the NRL this year, delivering one of the greatest grand final performances in history, scoring a hat-trick against the Panthers until a late comeback saw Brisbane fall short of trophy glory.
“I believe it’s getting very close,” Kevin Walters remarked as the team resumed preseason training in January.
“I am confident it will happen; it is just a matter of when.
“I am very convinced he will stay. He loves the location, and we adore him here.”
The announcement comes as the team seeks to negotiate an enhanced extension for Reece Walsh, who will be out of contract at the end of the 2025 season.
