NRL silly season has arrived with the November 1 deadline ushering in plenty of possible exciting developments.
There are just under 50 players who are currently without a deal for the 2025 campaign, while a raft of talent is entering into their final year of their contracts and are free to negotiate with rivals.
Reece Walsh was locked down on the eve of the floodgates opening, but that doesn't mean that there aren't still major players with deals to be signed.
The likes of Ryan Papenhuyzen, James Tedesco and Selwyn Cobbo have all hit the market.
The Sporting News provides the latest player movement updates and rumours ahead of the 2025 campaign.
2025 PREDICTED TEAM LISTS : Broncos | Raiders | Bulldogs | Dolphins | Sharks | Titans | Sea Eagles | Storm | Knights | Cowboys | Eels | Panthers | Rabbitohs | Dragons | Roosters | Warriors | Tigers
Lachlan Ilias signs with Dragons after Rabbitohs release
- November 25
Lachlan Ilias has signed a two-year deal at the Dragons after being granted an early release by South Sydney.
The 24-year-old is expected to replace Ben Hunt at halfback after falling down the pecking order at the Rabbitohs in 2024.
"It’s fantastic to have Lachlan join us at the Dragons," Shane Flanagan said.
"Lachlan joins a squad that is working hard and are committed to an improved 2025.
"We can’t wait for him to rip in with us."
Titans re-sign Jacob Alick-Wiencke
- November 19
Gold Coast have re-signed Jacob Alick-Wiencke on a short-term deal.
"I feel we have one of the most elite forward packs in the competition and I’m really excited to have the opportunity to continue learning from them as I push towards being part of the 17 more regularly," the Papua New Guinea international said.
"I’m really proud to remain a Titan in 2025 and continue my time on the Gold Coast."
Josh Add-Carr heads to the Eels after Dogs sacking
- November 18
Josh Addo-Carr has joined Parramatta just a few weeks after being axed by Canterbury following his drug scandal.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity Parramatta and Jason Ryles have given me to continue my footy career and I’m ready to repay the faith they’ve shown in me," Addo-Carr said.
"Coming here is a chance for me to start a new chapter, prove myself and show what I can do for the club and the fans."
The winger has signed a one-year deal at the Eels, with the club able to extend his stay for another year if they are happy with the recruit.
Terrell May signs with Tigers after Roosters release
- November 18
The Sydney Roosters have granted Terrell May an immediate release from his deal in order for him to sign with the Wests Tigers.
"Terrell is not only a talented footballer, but also a good person and we would like to thank him for his contribution to the club," Roosters Head of Recruitment, Daniel Anderson, said.
The prop only signed a two-year extension at the club earlier this year before falling out of favour in Bondi.
He has since been revealed as a Tigers player after signing a three-year deal.
Michael Chee Kam returns to Sea Eagles
- November 14
Manly have announced the arrivals of Michael Chee Kam and Chris Patolo to the club, while also extending Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega on a one-year deal.
Chee Kam will provide depth in a number of positions as he returns to the club where he made his NRL debut a decade ago.
Meanwhile, Patolo has been handed a train-and-trial deal after his time at Canterbury came to an end.
Dragons re-sign Toby and Ryan Couchman
- November 13
St George Illawarra have announced the re-signing of the Couchman twins, Ryan and Toby, until the end of the 2027 campaign.
The local juniors made their NRL debuts for the club in 2023 and have since shown how they can become important members of Shane Flanagan's rebuild.
"It was definitely important for the club to extend both of the boys," the head coach said.
"They're really good footballers, but also really good people who put in the work. They're local products and they care about the club deeply, so it's exciting to know they're going to be here for a while."
Cowboys sign departing Sea Eagles outside back
- November 12
Manly have confirmed Jaxson Paulo’s departure after just one season at the club.
The 25-year-old initially signed with the Sea Eagles on a three-year deal after leaving the Sydney Roosters.
Paulo will now move to Townsville to join the North Queensland Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season, where he has inked a two-year deal.
"With the movement in our roster late in the season, we were looking to add depth and experience to our outside backs list for 2025 and beyond and a player like Jaxson fits the bill perfectly," Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck said.
Dogs sign Enari Tuala after Knights exit
- November 12
Canterbury have unveiled Enari Tuala as a new signing following the sacking of Josh Addo-Carr.
The former Australia and New South Wales representative's exit created a need for another option in the backline, which the Dogs have filled with Tuala.
The former Newcastle winger has inked a two-year deal with his experience highlighted as a key feature he can offer the club.
"He will enter his ninth season in the NRL, and his experience and professionalism will be a valuable asset," Canterbury boss Phil Gould said.
Former Roosters premiership winner Taukei'aho signs deal
- November 8
Siua Taukei'aho will return to the NRL after a brief stay in the Super League after inking a one-year deal with Manly.
The premiership-winning forward was previously linked to Canterbury, but has ended up on the Northern Beaches.
"Siua is a two-time premiership winner and international representative, he brings significant leadership experience to the team," Anthony Seibold said.
Briton Nikora re-signs with Sharks
- November 8
Briton Nikora has re-committed to Cronulla which will keep him in the Shire until at least the end of the 2027 campaign.
"This is where I started my career and this is where I eventually hope to end it," the backrower said.
"As long as the Sharks want me, I don't see myself anywhere else."
Clint Gutherson joins Dragons after Eels release
- November 8
Clint Gutherson's time at Parramatta has come to an end with the Eels releasing their former skipper from the final year of his deal.
"We would have liked Clint to be part of our squad in 2025, but we respect his desire to explore new opportunities and believe it’s important to support him in what he feels is best for his career," Jason Ryles said.
The fullback was then revealed as St George Illawarra's latest signing after he inked a three-year deal.
Sharks re-sign Oregon Kaufusi
- November 6
Cronulla have agreed to a new deal for Oregon Kaufusi with the prop inking a one-year extension.
"We took some positive steps forward last season and I'm keen to play my part in helping the team continue to improve again next year," Kaufusi said.
"We have a close group here at Cronulla, I enjoy working with Fitzy and the coaching staff and I'm excited about season ahead."
The Sharks also revealed the signing of Hohepa Puru from Canberra during the announcement.
Martin Taupau staying at Red Hill
- November 4
Michael Maguire has continued his preparations at the Broncos by re-signing veteran forward Marty Taupau to a one-year deal till the end of next season.
Taupau joined the club in 2023 and has made 33 appearances over two seasons at the Broncos, who failed to make the finals in 2024.
"Having an extended contract at this stage of my career means a lot to me," Taupau said.
"This contract is more than just another season. Personally, it represents the trust that my team and fans have in me to continue contributing, both on and off the field."
Sam Walker confirms contract extension with Roosters
- November 4
Sam Walker has penned a two-year contract extension, securing his place with the Roosters until at least the end of 2027.
Since making his NRL debut in 2021, the skilful playmaker has established himself as a key member of the squad. While an ACL injury sidelined him in the back-end of the 2024 season, 22-year-old Walker has made 77 top-grade appearances to date.
“I’m really happy to be extending with the Roosters. This club feels like home and I’m grateful for the support of ‘Robbo’, my teammates and all the staff,” said Walker.
“I’m looking forward to getting back to training later this month so I can keep working hard on my rehab and play my role for the team,” he added.
Braydon Trindall signs contract extension at the Sharks
- November 1
Braydon Trindall has put to bed any murmurs of a move out of the Shire by signing a three-year contract extension at Cronulla.
The playmaker enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024 which reportedly had a number of suitors lining up to acquire his services for big money.
However, the 25-year-old declared he only ever had the intention of remaining with the Sharks.
"I didn't want to go anywhere else," Trindall said.
"The club has put a lot of trust in me over the years, so I'm just looking forward to repaying them and repaying the fans."
Xavier Willison agrees to Broncos contract extension
- November 1
Brisbane have kept the good news rolling off the back of re-signing Reece Walsh by also locking down Xavier Willison.
The 22-year-old has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Red Hill until at least the end of the 2027 campaign.
Willison was set to receive plenty of interest from NRL rivals after hitting the open market, but elected to shun this interest to remain at the club he has been at since a teenager.
MORE: Every major contract decision for NRL clubs this year
Ben Hunt linked to Dolphins move after Dragons exit
- November 1
St George Illawarra and their former skipper and halfback Ben Hunt have finally parted ways after months of speculation regarding his future.
The veteran still had one year remaining on his deal but the Dragons opted to pull the plug on the wantaway star as they set their sights on building for the future under Shane Flanagan.
Hunt has expressed his desire about returning home to Queensland for much of the past year which appears to have limited his potential landing spot down to a choice of four clubs.
North Queensland Cowboys don't appear to be in the running, although the three remaining QLD clubs have been linked.
In fact, Dolphins boss Terry Reader hinted at his interest in speaking to Hunt almost immediately after his exit from the Red V was announced.
"We are sure if he is interested in speaking to us, we will hear from his management," Reader said.
However, if Hunt opts to stay in Sydney and chase a premiership in his twilight years, Canterbury and the Sydney Roosters could potentially make a short-term play for him.
MORE: Ben Hunt's potential next move, analysed
Terrell May set for Roosters exit despite contract extension
- November 1
Terrell May signed a two-year contract extension with the Sydney Roosters back in April but is now suddenly on the outer in Bondi.
The prop has reportedly been informed he doesn't fit into the club's vision for the future and he is free to negotiate with rivals.
A host of clubs are in the market for a prop of May's standing and he could be set for a big-money move if the likes of Canterbury or Wests Tigers splash the cash for the unwanted Samoan international.
MORE: Where will Terrell May play in 2025?
Anthony Milford unsure on Dolphins contract renewal
- November 1
Anthony Milford has revealed he has a one-year contract extension from the Dolphins on the table, despite playing just two times for the club last season.
The playmaker is currently away on international duty for Samoa but revealed once the two-match series against England is over, he will weigh up his options.
The former Bronco admitted a move to the Super League did appeal to him as he potentially looks at prolonging his career overseas.
Liam Knight linked to Wayne Bennett reunion at Bunnies
- November 1
Liam Knight could be set for a return to Redfern to link up with Wayne Bennett once again.
The forward ensured a challenging year with the Bulldogs as he made just two appearances in the NRL.
The journeyman spent five seasons with the Rabbitohs prior to his move to Belmore and is rumoured to be set for a reunion with his former mentor.
"He was saying there was talks of it," Jai Arrow told SEN Sportsday.
"But he didn’t really go into details too much because he doesn’t want to jinx it."
