BIGGEST NRL STARS OPEN TO NEGOTIATE WITH RIVAL CLUBS
* Jack Wighton (Canberra)
The 26-year-old Clive Churchill Medallist reportedly rejected an extension offer from the Raiders after the NRL grand final and will test his value on the open market. However, with halves partner Aidan Sezer set to head to the Super League, it’s unlikely the Raiders will let their five-eighth go.
* Latrell Mitchell (Sydney Roosters)
The 22-year-old dual-premiership winner is one of the hottest players on the NRL market with Parramatta, South Sydney and Canterbury all reportedly interested in him. After finishing this season with 19 tries, the young centre will command offers of $1 million or more as he enters the prime of his career.
* Jared Waerea-Hargraves (Sydney Roosters)
A warrior for the Roosters across 10 seasons, his next contract is expected to be his last. The 30-year-old prop is vice-captain at the club but could be forced to move on if offers are more attractive elsewhere. Has been linked to Penrith.
* Siosiua Taukeiaho (Sydney Roosters)
Since signing his previous NRL deal in 2016, the 27-year-old has become a mainstay of the Roosters’ pack, won two premierships and established himself as one of the best forwards in the competition. He averaged 139 running metres per game last season despite playing less minutes, and could command top-dollar for his versatility.
* Jake and Tom Trbojevic (Manly)
Individually they are two of the best players in rugby league. Together, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Their hearts lie with Manly, but given the club is yet to put a contract offer in front of them, NRL rivals will be scrambling to come up with a multi-million dollar offer to land two of the game’s biggest fish.
* Jai Arrow (Gold Coast)
The Titans finished last this year but the Queensland representative was one of their best despite an injury-interrupted season. Tough as nails through the middle, the 24-year-old would add class to any pack and could be the ideal replacement for Sam Burgess at Souths.
* Tyson Frizell (St George Illawarra)
Rumours of his unrest at the Dragons have plagued the NSW and Kangaroos second-rower this year and, although he has denied he wants out, he’ll be in hot demand on the market. The 28-year-old has already been linked to Souths as Burgess’s replacement.
* David Fifita (Brisbane)
He’s only 19 but made his State of Origin debut for Queensland this season and quickly became one of Brisbane’s best. With a wealth of young talent at the Broncos already signed up long-term, he remains without an extension beyond 2020. The Bulldogs, Eels, Souths and Roosters are all reportedly ready to throw $1 million a season at him.
* Other notable players: Kieran Foran (Canterbury), Ryan James (Gold Coast), Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne) and Cody Walker (South Sydney).
