Connect with us

Rugby League News

Eight current NRL and ex-Super League stars hitting the market as November 1st deadline hits

Super League

November 1st is upon us, at least it is in Australia at the time of writing and that is where it is arguably the biggest day in the rugby league calendar and this year it has implications for eight former Super League men.

In effect, November 1st marks the day that the season officially turns over meaning that clubs are free to begin negotiations with players who have expiring contracts on rival teams.

Anyone with less than a year on their contract hits the open market creating a frenzy of transfer activity.

For example, former Wigan Warriors man Kai Pearce-Paul sees his contract expire at the end of the 2025 season but now that the November 1st deadline has passed, clubs can negotiate a deal with him for the 2026 season.

This year, some of the biggest names in the NRL are on that list including the likes of Dale Cherry-Evans, James Tedesco and Ryan Papenhuzen.

Also on that list are eight former Super League men and we’ve picked them out and assessed their chances of earning new deals, new teams or even Super League returns.

The NRL’s ex-Super League men available to sign for 2026

Canberra Raiders – Danny Levi

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Going alphabetically through the teams and it’s Canberra’s hooker Danny Levi who is the first man on the list. The Kiwi hooker had a successful season with Huddersfield Giants in 2022 but was limited in his first season back Down Under. He’d go on to play 23 in 2024 but has reportedly been told he can pursue options elsewhere.

Canterbury Bulldogs – Ryan Sutton

Somewhat of a forgotten man when it comes to English players Down Under but since his move to the Bulldogs from Canberra, it’s been easy to forget. Sutton has been tormented by injury issues and the former Wigan Warriors man didn’t play a single NRL game for the Bulldogs in 2024. Aged 30 when his contract is up, injuries will dictate what sort of interest he’ll garner.

Newcastle Knights- Jackson Hastings, Kai Pearce-Paul and Will Pryce

Wigan Warriors Jackson Hastings

Credit: John Clifton/SWpix.com

The Knights have three former Super League players off contract for 2026, two of whom are English. With Kai Pearce-Paul expected to command offers of around $600,000, don’t expect to see him in Super League any time soon. The tale could be different for Will Pryce who has generally failed to get into the first-grade but did star in the New South Wales Cup. As for Jackson Hastings, rumours and reports will continue to circulate but he certainly has an affinity with Super League.

North Queensland Cowboys – Jake Clifford

The ex-Hull FC man backed himself and left Super League early to try and star for his boyhood club, something he would do as he led them into the playoffs as the starting seven. Whether he is seen as the long-term option is unclear but he would appear to be the starter in 2025, meaning he can prove himself further.

Parramatta Eels – Joey Lussick

Credit: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

Former St Helens utility man Joey Lussick’s deal with the Eels will expire in 2026 with Parra having a massive number of contracts to sort out. Whether they prioritise Lussick is unclear but the ex-Saint did play 20 games in 2024 so clearly has value in the NRL.

Penrith Panthers – Brad Schneider

The Hull KR cult hero Brad Schneider won himself a ring in 2024 and whilst he wasn’t there on the field in the Grand Final, the 23-year-old played a key role in helping the Panthers get there. He made 14 appearances, including off the bench in two play-off games. He’d also start in the absence of stars such as Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai, showcasing his worth as a brilliant back-up Down Under.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Must See

More in Rugby League News