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The November 1 NRL contract window has officially opened and the chaos that everyone expected has hit immediately. More than 160 players are now legally free to negotiate with rival clubs for deals beginning in 2027 and beyond, and that means every front office in the competition is in scramble mode. The new Perth Bears franchise have pressing urgency because they need to build a full top 30 before they debut, and every other club knows they could lose unprotected stars in the process. Live movement, negotiations behind closed doors, player agents pushing leverage, players exploring life changing cash outside the NRL… and the biggest shock storyline involves Payne Haas.
PAYNE HAAS AND THE $3 MILLION DEFLECTION SHOCK
One of the most dominant forwards of the modern era could be the next seismic code departure. Multiple reports have indicated that Haas is extremely close to agreeing to switch from the NRL into the rebel R360 competition, and the offer he has on the table is reportedly enormous. It is believed to climb as high as $3 million per season — dwarfing anything the Broncos could structure under NRL constraints.
Haas is contracted through the end of 2026, but under regulation, he is legally able to begin talks with rivals as of November 1. Brisbane want to keep him for years. They want to extend him well beyond 2026. But they simply cannot rival that number financially. The problem is, the NRL has already warned that any player who signs with R360 is at risk of an instant 10 year ban. Not just after the contract expires — immediate.
Haas doesn’t actually want to leave Brisbane before his contract ends, and the Broncos have been assured of that. But if he signs with R360, the NRL can blow that up instantly. They can ban him before he finishes the deal. Haas has scored 13 tries in 142 NRL games, starred for NSW Origin and represented both Samoa and Australia internationally. He is 25 and entering the richest physical prime of his forward career. For R360 to land him would be historic.
PONGA PHOTO IGNITES NEW CHATTER
There is another superstar now turning headlines — Kalyn Ponga. A leaked image circulating online shows the Knights captain conversing with Warriors recruitment chief Andrew McFadden at the Warrior’s club-owned Full Time Sports Bar in Auckland. Ponga is locked in contract until 2027 and cannot formally negotiate until next November — but that didn’t quiet the speculation.
He has been linked to R360 before. He has been linked to the Roosters before. He has openly spoken about trying to win a premiership while also securing his financial future beyond football. He once expressed a desire to potentially wear the All Blacks jersey one day — but he does not want to play Super Rugby to do that.
Ponga reportedly brushed off the idea he is joining the Warriors, but this photo raised tension around Newcastle instantly. The Knights have not extended him yet. His concussion history means every contract may become his last big one. 55 tries, 724 points, Origin fame… he will have options next November, and they will be high value.
NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA LEAVES DOOR OPEN FOR EELS
Former Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona says he needs genuine time away from football. He wants to rediscover joy again after a chaotic stretch of years. But when asked if a reunion with former Storm assistant Jason Ryles at the Parramatta Eels could happen — he didn’t reject the idea. He actually left it extremely open.
Ryles and NAS have a deep relationship. Nelson said Ryles is both a mentor and someone he could consider a genuine mate — the exact combination players value. He has scored 35 tries in 215 Storm matches and 16 Tests for New Zealand. He left Storm early on big coin. If he returns — Parramatta is legitimately possible.
GOULD SHUTS DOWN TINO RUMOURS
Phil Gould has reacted strongly to claims that the Bulldogs are preparing to chase Titans and Kangaroos powerhouse Tino Fa’asuamaleaui. The Bulldogs have a salary cap squeeze and had been linked with reshuffling players such as Josh Curran to make space. There were also rumours they were hoping to lure Tigers fullback Jahream Bula in the future. Gould shut it all down publicly, saying their roster is already full. They still technically have four vacancies in 2026 — but because of money constraints, they may have to promote internally instead of chasing marquee talent.
PERTH BEARS NEAR FIRST SIGNINGS
The Perth Bears are reportedly close to officially landing Emarly Bitungane and Luke Smith — the first NRL-based additions towards their roster build. Bitungane and Smith each only appeared in two NRL matches this year, but the Bears view them as low risk early foundation pieces. They will both reportedly join London Broncos temporarily until the Perth Bears enter competition in 2027. Toby Sexton is also expected to join Perth after a Super League season in 2026 with Catalans.
DCE SIGNING CREATES PRESSURE FOR YOUNG HALF
The Roosters’ massive signing of Daly Cherry-Evans for 2026 — and potentially 2027 — could spark an all out fight among clubs for young playmaker Hugo Savala. He was impressive this past season and could suddenly become the odd man out with DCE and Sam Walker the expected starting halves pairing. Savala becomes a free agent this November and clubs who desperately need a young half will absolutely target him — Cowboys, Raiders, Bears, Dragons — all are expected to enquire. The Roosters want to keep him as the future, but money + guaranteed starting role will tempt him elsewhere.
POSITIVE EARLY SIGNS FOR TIGERS STAR
Despite speculation caused by manager dynamics, Tigers fullback Jahream Bula is leaning toward staying and the club will meet with his management within weeks. The Tigers have also signed Penrith young gun Jack Attard as insurance, but all sides appear optimistic Bula will remain long-term.
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