PENRITH PANTHERS
Off-contract 2024: Matt Eisenhuth, Paul Alamoti, Tyrone Peachey
Off-contract 2025: Asu Kepaoa, Brad Schneider, Harrison Hassett, Mavrik Geyer, Preston Riki, Soni Luke
The Panthers have their salary cap firmly in check for at least another season, with only a few players set to enter free agency. Following their historic fourth consecutive premiership, Sunia Turuva, Jarome Luai, James Fisher-Harris, and Isaiah Iongi are all set to join rival clubs.
Extension Opportunities for Key Panthers Players
Among those without a contract for 2025, both Matt Eisenhuth and Paul Alamoti are reportedly in line for extensions, while Tyrone Peachey has decided to retire. This leaves six players heading to the open market on November 1, with Brad Schneider standing out as a key retention target amid Luai’s departure and the thinning depth in the halves.
Rising Stars and Key Retentions
Although Schneider’s first season with the Panthers hasn’t gone as planned, halves are highly valued in rugby league, and Ivan Cleary has shown trust in him, naming him on the bench for the 2024 grand final. Harrison Hassett is an emerging talent, while Mavrik Geyer and Soni Luke have displayed potential in limited first-grade appearances, with Asu Kepaoa joining as a mid-season recruit from the Tigers earlier this year.
2025 gains: Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Blaize Talagi (Eels)
2025 losses: Sunia Turuva (Wests Tigers), Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers), James Fisher-Harris (Warriors), Isaiah Iongi (Eels)
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITS
Off-contract 2024: Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, Leon Te Hau, Michael Chee Kam, Taane Milne
Off-contract 2025: Alex Johnston, Ben Lovett, Cody Walker, Jacob Host, Lachlan Ilias, Shaquai Mitchell, Siliva Havili, Tallis Duncan, Tyrone Munro, Josh Schuster
The Rabbitohs have confirmed that Michael Chee Kam, Richie Kennar, Izaac Tu’itupou Thompson, and Leon Te Hau will depart the club, which likely means Taane Milne, currently unsigned for 2025, is on track for an extension.
Cody Walker Leads Free Agent Market
Among the players becoming free agents on November 1, the standout name is undoubtedly Cody Walker. Turning 35 in January, the dynamic playmaker shows no signs of slowing down, having played much of the 2024 season at halfback. Bennett has expressed interest in extending Walker’s contract further, noting his professionalism and potential for continued impact, suggesting there’s no reason he can’t keep contributing beyond next year.
Emerging Talent and Potential Moves
Walker has been instrumental to the Rabbitohs since his debut in 2016, and top-tier playmakers like him are rare—especially given South Sydney’s struggles with stability in the halves this past season.
Beyond Walker, both Alex Johnston and Tyrone Munro may attract rival interest. Despite Johnston’s injury, both he and Munro are key to the club’s strongest backline.
Key Players Likely to Stay with Rabbitohs
Johnston’s extension remains uncertain, while Munro has shown remarkable potential, including an unforgettable try scored shortly after his mother’s passing. Tallis Duncan is another player Bennett will likely aim to retain, with the 22-year-old emerging as a key impact player off the bench. Meanwhile, Josh Schuster has been given a fresh opportunity in the NRL; if he returns with a strong performance next year, he could attract offers from other clubs looking to bolster their line up.
2025 gains: Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles), Euan Aitken (Dolphins), Lewis Dodd (St Helens)
2025 losses: Thomas Burgess (Huddersfield), Damien Cook (Dragons), Dean Hawkins (Eels)
DRAGONS
Off-contract 2024: Alec Tuitavake, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Cody Ramsey, Dan Russell (Mutual option for 2025), Fa’amanu Brown (Club option for 2025), Jesse Marschke, Paul Turner, Tom Eisenhuth
Off-contract 2025: Ben Hunt, Christian Tuipulotu, Corey Allan, Jack de Belin, Jacob Liddle (Mutual option for 2026), Kyle Flanagan, Michael Molo, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Ryan Couchman, Sione Finau, Toby Couchman, Viliami Fifita
Tom Eisenhuth Leads Retention Priority for Dragons
Tom Eisenhuth leads the list of players without a confirmed deal for next season, though reports indicate the veteran forward has secured a one-year extension to remain with the Red V in 2025. This extension is well-earned, as Eisenhuth was a dependable fixture in Shane Flanagan’s forward pack.
Ben Hunt’s Contract in Doubt Amid Friction with Management
Among those potentially hitting the open market on November 1, Ben Hunt stands out as the most prominent name. Following a post-season meeting in which he was informed by the coach that his form was lacking, Hunt reportedly felt unsettled. Although he was expected to sign a one-year extension earlier this season, that situation has since soured. Dragons management appears unwilling to extend his contract further, suggesting he could entertain offers in the coming weeks, with past interest from the Titans and Broncos making a move plausible. However, as things stand, Hunt’s tenure with the Dragons may end after the 2025 season.
Couchman Brothers and Promising Talent Under Spotlight
Jack de Belin, meanwhile, signed a new contract for 2025 in July but was reportedly looking for a longer-term commitment. The Couchman brothers, a promising front-row duo, are likely to attract attention from rival clubs in light of the league-wide shortage of top-tier front-rowers. While not at the elite level just yet, they have the potential to become valuable assets for any team.
Rising Stars in the Dragons Backline
Christian Tuipulotu has also emerged as a starting winger for the Dragons, and with Zac Lomax’s departure and Valentine Holmes’ arrival, he is expected to retain his place in the lineup. Given Max Feagai’s exit to join the Dolphins, the Dragons might consider securing Tuipulotu for the long term. Rising forward Michael Molo is also a strong candidate for a new deal. Jacob Liddle, who could be off-contract on November 1, is unlikely to leave, as the Dragons are expected to exercise their option on him for the 2026 season.
2025 gains: Damien Cook (Rabbitohs), Valentine Holmes (Cowboys)
2025 losses: Zac Lomax (Eels), Savelio Tamale (Raiders), Jack Bird (Wests Tigers), Max Feagai (Dolphins) Ben Hunt.
Comments