Top five NRL free agents heading to open market on November 1

NRL clubs and coaches are preparing to reshape their rosters for the 2026 season as players enter free agency on November 1.

Roughly one-third of the league’s players will come off contract this Friday, which could spark one of the greatest transfer periods in the history of Australian rugby league.

Let’s take a look at the top five players who will hit the open market, the clubs they could join, and how that would affect premiership betting markets at top online bookmakers.

Ben Hunt – St George Illawarra Dragons

Potential move: Canterbury Bulldogs
Bulldogs 2025 NRL Premiership odds: $17 at Neds

The St George Illawarra Dragons and Ben Hunt have made a mutual agreement for an immediate release, with the star halfback now looking for a new club in 2025. Rumours have swirled for months that the 34-year-old has been in contact with the Bulldogs and Phil Gould about a potential move to the club. Were he to partner Matt Burton in the halves with the attacking power of Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau, the Bulldogs would become a real premiership threat.

Selwyn Cobbo – Brisbane Broncos

Potential move: Cronulla Sharks
Sharks 2025 NRL Premiership odds: $13 at Bet365

Selwyn Cobbo is reportedly in negotiations with the Broncos to extend his stay at the club; however, a move to the Sharks in 2026 would arguably make them premiership favourites. Powerhouse front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake will join the club in 2025, and Cobbo could join a backline that features Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien, Ronaldo Mulitalo and William Kennedy.

Ryan Papenhuyzen – Melbourne Storm

Potential move: Parramatta Eels
Eels 2025 NRL Premiership odds: $34 at PlayUp

Ryan Papenhuyzen will have a massive decision to make about whether or not he continues to chase premiership success in Melbourne. Rumours have circulated that the Storm fullback could replace Clint Gutherson at the Eels long-term, forming a dangerous spine with Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown. Were he to make the move, Papenhuyzen could become a major attraction for other stars to join Parramatta as they look to end their near 40-year premiership draught.

Kotoni Staggs – Brisbane Broncos

Potential move: Newcastle Knights
Knights 2025 NRL Premiership odds: $51 at Neds

Kotoni Staggs is another player the Broncos are working to retain. Unfortunately, there may not be enough space for him at the club with other players garnering more attention. Newcastle would be an interesting destination for Staggs, who shapes an ideal replacement for the ageing Dane Gagai and would join the likes of Kalyn Ponga, Bradman Best and Greg Marzhew in an already talented and powerful backline.

Clint Gutherson – Parramatta Eels

Potential move: Canberra Raiders
Raiders 2025 NRL Premiership odds: $61 at Unibet

Clint Gutherson could be at a new club as early as 2025, and reports suggest he has been in discussions with Shane Flanagan and the Dragons. However, a move to the nation’s capital would also be very intriguing. His tough style of play suits the ‘Green Machine’ perfectly, he would be a mentor to young stars like Xavier Savage and provide the club much-needed stability in the spine.

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