PARRAMATTA EELS
Off-contract 2024: Daejarn Asi, Haze Dunster (Mutual option for 2025), Ky Rodwell, Makahesi Makatoa, Morgan Harper, Ofahiki Ogden, Tevita Taumoepenu, Zac Cini
Off-contract 2025: Brendan Hands, Bryce Cartwright, Clint Gutherson, Joey Lussick, Joe Ofahengaue, Kelma Tuilagi, Maika Sivo (Mutual option for 2026), Matt Doorey, Ryan Matterson (Player option for 2026), Sean Russell, Shane Lane (Mutual option for 2026), Toni Mataele, Will Penisni (Player option for 2026), Wiremu Greig
Jason Ryles has some tough decisions ahead as the Eels navigate an offseason of changes. The club has already confirmed the departures of Zac Cini, Daejarn Asi, Ofahiki Ogden, Makahesi Makatoa, and Morgan Harper. However, the big challenge lies with a host of high-profile players entering free agency on November 1, with several contract options adding complexity to the situation.
Clint Gutherson is perhaps the biggest name on the list, and Parramatta’s management is reportedly eager to keep their captain beyond the 2025 season. Should the Eels let him hit the open market, Gutherson will likely attract interest from several clubs, including the Dragons, who have been linked to a potential move for the versatile fullback.
Meanwhile, key forwards Bryce Cartwright and Joe Ofahengaue are also facing the prospect of free agency, and both will be crucial for the Eels’ forward pack moving forward. Shaun Lane has a mutual option for 2026, and it’s highly probable he’ll take it up, while Ryan Matterson, who holds a player option for 2026, has been informed he can leave if he finds a better offer. Matterson’s future is uncertain, given his injury struggles in 2024, with just 16 appearances and a history of concussions. A rival club may hesitate to take a risk on him, especially considering his fitness concerns.
Maika Sivo, too, could be on the move, with reports suggesting the club is open to letting him go. A potential Super League move could be on the cards for the prolific try scorer. However, the player the Eels cannot afford to lose is Will Penisini. The 22-year-old centre, who could hit free agency if he declines his player option, has shown he’s a top-tier outside back. Ryles will undoubtedly do everything he can to retain Penisini, who is set to form a dynamic partnership with incoming star Zac Lomax.
2025 losses: Ethan Sanders (Raiders), Blaize Talagi (Panthers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Gold Coast Titans)
2025 gains: Zac Lomax (Dragons), Isaiah Iongi (Panthers), Dean Hawkins (Rabbitohs)
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS.
Off-contract 2024: Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Jordan McLean, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki
Off-contract 2025: Braidon Burns, D’Jazirhae Pua’avase, Harrison Edwards (Club Option for 2026), Jake Clifford, Reece Robson, Robert Derby, Semi Valemei, Thomas Duffy, Tom Chester, Viliami Vailea, Zac Laybutt
Todd Payten’s squad is set to lose a wealth of experience this offseason, with Kyle Feldt, Jake Granville, Chad Townsend, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, and Valentine Holmes all heading to new clubs. Veteran prop Jordan McLean is also off-contract but has expressed a desire to remain in Townsville, recently telling Wide World of Sports that he’d like to “stick around” because “it feels like home” to him.
As November 1 approaches, the Cowboys will face a challenge in retaining several key young stars who are integral to their future plans. Blues Origin hooker Reece Robson, off contract at the end of next year, will attract plenty of suitors after cementing his spot as NSW’s first-choice in 2024. Young centres Zac Laybutt (22) and Viliami Vailea (21) are also off-contract beyond next season, and both have shown promising NRL potential, which could spark interest from rival clubs. However, Holmes’ departure has freed up significant cap space, which should allow the Cowboys to re-sign “some of our young lads.”
Jake Clifford has recently signed a one-year extension through 2025, and his value could soar if he continues his strong form from the latter rounds of 2024, with playmakers in high demand across the competition. Thomas Duffy, the highly rated 21-year-old former QLD Under 19s No.7, also has a deal expiring at the end of next year, and North Queensland will likely want to lock him in. Squad players Braidon Burns, Tom Chester, and Semi Valemei are also in limbo, and could field offers from other clubs if they’re not re-signed before November 1.
2025 gains: Karl Lawton (Sea Eagles), Kai O’Donnell (Leigh Leopards – Super League)
2025 losses: Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins), Chad Townsend (Roosters), Jake Granville (TBC), Valentine Holmes (Dragons), Kyle Feldt (retired)
ROOSTERS
Off-contract 2024: Blake Steep, Brandon Smith (Player option for 2025), Michael Jennings, Tyler Moriarty, Zach Dockar-Clay
Off-contract 2025: Chad Townsend, Egan Butcher, James Tedesco, Robert Toia, Sam Walker
The Roosters are set to lose a number of high-profile players at the conclusion of the 2024 season, with Michael Jennings also heading out the door, though it remains uncertain whether he will secure another NRL contract elsewhere. The departures of Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu have significantly freed up the club’s salary cap, a portion of which will be allocated to securing Sam Walker with a lucrative two-year extension, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026. Walker, who missed the finals series this year due to a knee injury sustained in Round 26 against Canberra, isn’t expected to return until mid-next season.
“The deal will be announced in the next week or so, before other clubs can approach him, not that they haven’t shown interest already,” The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield shared on NRL360 Monday night. “It’s a solid deal, two years, worth a million dollars a year.” This extension will prevent Walker from hitting the open market on November 1.
Meanwhile, James Tedesco, whose current deal is set to expire, could be a prime target for rival clubs if the Roosters don’t offer him an extension. The Sydney Morning Herald reported in August that Tedesco, who believes he can play for several more years, is hopeful of securing a new deal with the Roosters. However, with the fullback set to turn 32 by the end of his current contract, Roosters management may only offer a one-year extension, likely to reassess his performance next season before making a final decision.
Elsewhere, Robert Toia remains highly rated within the rugby league community despite struggling with knee injuries in recent years. Nevertheless, he’s considered a future NRL star and will almost certainly be retained by the Roosters as they look to bolster their squad.
2025 losses: Joseph Suaali’i (rugby union), Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Hull KR), Joseph Manu (rugby union), Luke Keary (Catalans), Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs).
2025 gains: Mark Nawaqanitawase (rugby union), Chad Townsend (Cowboys)
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