Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Harry Newman will depart the club at the end of the year but he might not be the only Super League talent destined for the NRL.
The Rhinos have not confirmed that Newman will head to the NRL, however, sporting director Ian Blease referenced the centre’s NRL desires and previous reports had suggested that the 25-year-old had signed with incoming club Perth Bears.
Perth will become the NRL’s 17th club when they enter the competition ahead of the 2027 season and they’re on the recruitment drive, tapping into the off-contract Super League and NRL markets.
At the time of writing, around 150 Super League players are without deals for the 2027 season and we’ve picked out five who could be the next players to make the move to the NRL.
A number of players have made the move in recent years with Newman expected to be the latest but he certainly won’t be the last.
Which off-contract Super League players could be next for NRL move?
Umyla Hanley
The Leigh Leopards centre had a breakout season in 2025, earning himself a place in the Super League Dream Team as he racked up an impressive 11 tries and eight assists, whilst also making over 2,000 metres.
That will have certainly caught the eye and another impressive season could earn him a move to the NRL with Hanley still only 23 years of age
Brodie Croft
Another Leeds Rhinos man who could be destined for the NRL is playmaker Brodie Croft with the Australian previously linked with moves back down under. He’s one of several at Headingley without a deal beyond the end of the season, just like Jake Connor and co-captain Cameron Smith meaning there’s plenty of work to do at Headingley to stave off any NRL advances.
Liam Knight
The Hull FC forward is another who has NRL experience that has been linked with an NRL return. He joined the Black and Whites early in the 2025 season after Ligi Sao’s season-ending injury and made a clear impact but he could still harbour NRL ambitions. Heading into his age 31 season, a move in 2027 could be his last shot at a return.
Tristan Sailor
Signed by St Helens ahead of 2025, Sailor failed to make the desired impact and was moved around a lot. With the Red Vee signing Jackson Hastings on a one-year deal and having George Whitby as their star of the future, it could mean the former Brisbane Broncos man finds himself seeking a return down under.
Matt Dufty
One man who already looks to be on the outer at his Super League club is Matt Dufty with Warrington Wolves awarding Cai Taylor-Wray their number one shirt for 2026. Dufty has NRL pedigree and has been a Man of Steel candidate when on form, even making 3,293 metres last year in just 22 games.
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