Surprisingly, we get 2 out of the 10 named?
10. Jake Averillo – Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
A highlight machine, Jake Averillo has blistering pace and elusiveness, which has made him one of the more exciting prospects in the NRL.
His Round Nine monster performance against the Dragons gave us a glimpse of the star potential Averillo possesses, with two individually brilliant tries.
Averillo, at just 22, has shown his versatility in his four seasons in the NRL.
Capable of filling the fullback and five-eighth roles, it’s clear the centre position is his strong suit.
9. Blake Taaffe – South Sydney Rabbitohs
With just 20 NRL games to his name, Taafe is the most inexperienced player on this list.
He has been effective in his limited action with a 70 per cent winning percentage across his 20 NRL game career.
Dominating in the NSW Cup currently, Taafe has already shown he is a first-grade level talent featuring heavily in the Rabbitohs' 2021 grand final run, filling in for Latrell Mitchell.
8. Daine Laurie – Wests Tigers
Laurie has been dropped from the Tigers and is trying to reinvent himself in the No.6 jersey in reserve grade.
The emergence of Jahream Bula has made Laurie’s return to first-grade unlikely, which could force him to move elsewhere.
Laurie possesses great attacking skill around the opposition's goal-line and has a safe pair of hands under the high ball. He would be an asset to various clubs across the league.
7. Jordan McLean – North Queensland Cowboys
Selected for the NSW Blues in 2022 and with eight Australian Kangaroos caps, McLean is the highest-profile prop still off-contract.
Averaging over 100 running metres over the past six seasons, McLean has consistently been solid in the forward pack.
At 31 years of age, his next contract will most likely be his last. Even as he enters the later end of his career, McLean can still provide value.
6. Tom Starling (Player Option) – Canberra Raiders
Starling has found his role at the Raiders as the ultimate bench spark in the hooker position.
With a playstyle that emulates Damien Cook, Starling scurries around the ruck well, finding openings in the defence.
With more clubs adopting an interchangeable hooker rotation, Starling’s qualities have become a premium in the NRL.
Starling does have a player option, but with his value growing since his last contract, he will likely test the free market.
5. Luke Brooks – Wests Tigers
The player that divides opinion like no other, Luke Brooks, remains one of the starting halfbacks left without a contract past 2023.
Brooks has severely underperformed his current $1 million dollar deal, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t still have a place in the NRL.
The 2018 Dally M Halfback of the Year has played just under 200 NRL games and would provide valuable experience to any side.
Brooks and the Tigers' relationship has been tumultuous, and it could be time for a fresh start.
4. Daniel Tupou – Sydney Roosters
The 6’4 winger who has terrorized opposing wingers for the last 12 seasons is without a contract past 2023.
The one-club man has averaged 150 run metres with ease across his career, and it’s a surprise he has yet to know his NRL future.
An Origin and Australian Kangaroo representative with three premierships to his name, Tupou is likely to be either re-signed or snatched up relatively soon.
3. Tyson Frizell – Newcastle Knights
An elite edge, Tyson Frizell has consistently been the best in his position across his decade-long career.
At 31 years of age, Frizell will likely be signing his last contract.
There will be no shortage of suitors considering Frizell’s decorated NRL career, with multiple Origin series wins and 14 Kangaroo caps.
He will find a new home comfortably if the Knights don’t extend his contract.
2. Jack de Belin (Player Option) – St George Illawarra Dragons
Since his almost 1000-day enforced hiatus, Jack de Belin has slowly regained the form that made him a New South Wales Blue in 2018.
De Belin has returned to full fitness and is pumping out 80-minute performances in the lock position week after week.
With 194 NRL appearances, de Belin has a wealth of experience. He is incredibly solid in defense and has a ballplaying skillset that helps link the spine to the backs.
With an option in his deal, de Belin may choose to forego testing the free market altogether.
1. Shaun Johnson - New Zealand Warriors
The most in-form off-contract player available, Johnson has been the Warriors' leader in 2023.
The Kiwi legend has shown that even at 32 years of age, he remains one of the most talented halves in the competition.
In the upper echelon of various attacking categories in the NRL, it’s criminal that Johnson hasn’t secured his NRL future yet.
Johnson has been vocal about his desire to stay at the Warriors, but if they are unable to hand him a new deal, he may be forced to walk.
