The five best off-contract forwards in Super League after Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR men confirm future

Following the news that Jeremiah Mata’utia’s time at Leeds Rhinos will be over at the end of the season, he is one of a number of forwards on the lookout for a new deal.

Mata’utia only joined the Rhinos at the beginning of the season, arriving from the Australian reserve grade. However, he has been incredibly limited in his Leeds appearances, making just one in Super League under Brad Arthur.

The majority of his game time has come at Hull FC, where he played nine games before being recalled by the Rhinos.

Mata’utia was followed by Hull KR prop Sauaso Sue in having his future confirmed, with the Robins prop extending his time at Craven Park for another year.

Whils Sue is set for 2027, Mata’utia remains in a list of Super League forwards still without a club for 2027, and there are some big names with just months left on their remaining deals.

With that in mind, we have taken a look at five of those forwards who are still on the look-out for a new deal, be that at their current side or elsewhere.

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Five best off-contract forwards including Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors men

Jeremiah Mata’utia (Leeds Rhinos):

Starting with the aforementioned towering youngster, Mata’utia will be on the move next year, and whilst Leeds failed to unveil his potential, another Super League side could well do that.

He has shown glimpses of what he can do in a Black and Whites shirt, and you’d expect it to be a low-risk, high pay-off move for whoever takes him under their wing.

Patrick Mago (Wigan Warriors):

Moving on to perhaps the most impactful name on the list, Mago has been Wigan’s super sub this year, coming off the bench to provide excellent impact when the Warriors need it most.

The former South Sydney man has been with the club for five seasons, and at present won’t be going into a sixth, but options in his contract mean that Wigan can activate an extension should they wish.

Jake Wingfield (St Helens):

Another man who has an extension option in his contract, Wingfield differs to Mago in that his extra year is activated if he makes a certain number of appearances.

However, an ACL injury ruled him out for the season in March, and as a result he will be unable to make the amount of required matches. That could force a departure from the Red Vee, and it’s easy to see why a lot of clubs would be interested in him, given his versatility and age.

Isaac Liu (Leigh Leopards):

The Leigh captain turned 35 in April, so will no doubt be weighing up his options as he enters the final few months of his current contract. Whilst retirement could be on the former Kiwi international’s mind, he is still performing at an incredibly high level.

Whilst a club switch seems unlikely at this stage, the loose forward is still waiting on the Leopards to offer him a new deal for next season. Should he depart, it would leave a huge hole not only in Leigh’s squad, but their leadership group as well.

Joe Stimson (Castleford Tigers):

Stimson recently confirmed to All Out Rugby League that he would not be staying at Castleford beyond this season, and as a result, interest from Huddersfield Giants has been rumoured, though boss Jim Lenihan denied that when asked.

He is still keen to play in Super League, and at 30, there is still plenty he could offer to any side who with to take a punt on the Australian.