MANLY SEA EAGLES.
Off-contract 2024: Corey Waddell, Matthew Lodge, Raymond Vaega
Off-contract 2025: Aaron Schoupp, Ben Condon, Clayton Faulalo, Daly Cherry-Evans, Ethan Bullemor, Gordon Chan Kum Tong, Jake Arthur, Josh Aloiai, Toafofoa Sipley
Starting with Matt Lodge, he’s reportedly on the way out of the Sea Eagles. Lodge has expressed a desire for a longer-term NRL contract, but the Sea Eagles can only offer up to two years and couldn’t settle on agreeable terms. A move to the Super League now seems likely for the powerful front-rower, who described his contract status as “up in the air.”
Meanwhile, Daly Cherry-Evans may enter free agency on November 1 if the Sea Eagles don’t extend his contract for another season. At 35, the Maroons star isn’t showing any signs of slowing down and has even suggested he’d consider stepping away from representative football to prolong his NRL career. With elite playmakers scarce, Manly will likely make every effort to secure his services beyond the 2025 season.
Elsewhere, Josh Aloiai, Toafofoa Sipley, Ben Condon, and Ethan Bullemor will all be free to negotiate with other teams from November 1. With Jazz Tevaga reportedly joining the club, one of these forwards may be squeezed out after the 2025 season. Additionally, Clayton Faulalo is expected to be a retention priority, given his strong performances in his limited 2024 appearances.
2025 gains: Joey Walsh (rugby union)
2025 losses: Karl Lawton (Cowboys), Jamie Humphreys (Rabbitohs)
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS.
Off-contract 2024: Brodie Jones, David Armstrong, Enari Tuala, Krystian Mapapalangi, Mathew Croker, Myles Martin, Tyson Frizell (Player Option for 2025, Mutual Option for 2026)
Off-contract 2025: Adam Elliott, Dylan Lucas, Jack Hetherington, Jackson Hastings, Jayden Brailey, Kai Pearce-Paul, Leo Thompson, Paul Bryan, Riley Jones, Thomas Jenkins, Will Pryce
New recruitment manager Peter O’Sullivan is clearly looking to shake things up in the Hunter. Several players have been advised they may not be in the club’s plans, with the most notable departure being former Blues prop Daniel Saifiti, who’s now signed a three-year deal with the Dolphins. With the Knights bringing in young talent Matt Arthur to strengthen their dummy-half options, it’s likely that veteran Jayden Brailey will be allowed to explore other opportunities, despite having a year left on his contract.
The Knights face important decisions with Dylan Lucas and Kai Pearce-Paul, two players they must prioritize for contract extensions. Lucas showcased his versatility, excelling in both the centres and back row, while Pearce-Paul, the UK recruit, was a constant threat with his powerful runs and physicality. His potential for further growth makes him a top retention target for the Knights. Fellow Englishman Will Pryce also flashed his talent in limited game time and should be a priority for re-signing.
Halfback Jackson Hastings, who finished the season in reserve grade, had been expected to move on, but he’s dispelled those rumors, affirming his commitment to the Knights. “I have a contract for next year, I haven’t spoken to anyone in Super League,” Hastings said, adding that he is “really enjoying his life in Australia and hopes to stay for as long as possible.
2025 gains: Francis Manuleleua, Taj Annan (Queensland Reds)
2025 losses: Myles Martin (Raiders), David Armstrong (Leigh), Daniel Saifiti (Dolphins)
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS.
Off-contract 2025: Tom Ale, Tohu Harris, Te Maire Martin, Taine Tuaupiki, Marcelo Montoya, Jackson Ford, Edward Kosi, Dylan Walker, Demetric Sikafula (Club Option for 2026), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Chanel Harris-Tavita (Mutual Option for 2026), Bunty Afoa, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey
The departure of the Warriors’ three stars will undoubtedly leave a substantial void. Addin Fonua-Blake’s absence creates a gap in the middle forwards, Jazz Tevaga brings energy off the bench despite limited game time in 2024, and Shaun Johnson has been the team’s cornerstone in recent years. However, an even bigger concern for coach Andrew Webster might be the roster of players entering free agency on November 1. Key players like Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Tohu Harris, Jackson Ford, Te Maire Martin, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Dylan Walker, and Chanel Harris-Tavita are all integral to the squad, and Webster will be eager to retain as many as possible. The cap space created by the trio’s departures may help, but whether it’s enough to keep them all remains uncertain.
Perhaps the most intriguing player in the Warriors’ 2025 off-contract group is Taine Tuaupiki. The 25-year-old fullback demonstrated his skill in his six appearances this season but currently sits behind Nicoll-Klokstad and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the No.1 jersey hierarchy. Tuaupiki could attract considerable interest from other NRL clubs seeking a quality fullback in the upcoming free agency. If Webster decides to shift Nicoll-Klokstad to centre to make room for Tuaupiki, it could set off a chain reaction impacting players like Ed Kosi, Marcelo Montoya, Adam Pompey, or Ali Leaitaua, whose contracts end next year. Each has shown enough in recent seasons to draw attention from rival clubs if the Warriors are unable to retain them. Leaitaua, as a promising young talent, and Ford and Martin, both pivotal to the team’s future, are also likely to be high on the club’s retention priority list.
2025 gains: Erin Clark (Titans), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Jett Cleary (Panthers), Sam Healey (Sharks)
2025 losses: Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks), Jazz Tevaga (Manly), Shaun Johnson (retired)
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