NRL contract news: Official signings and extensions amid November open market period

NRL contract season is in full swing, with over 100 players officially available to negotiate and sign with rival clubs from November 1st.

Joey Manu and Ezra Mam now headline a blockbuster list of talented free agents, after Jarome Luai finally revealed his next move. 

Jai Arrow and Josh Curran locked in their futures before the open market period in major boosts for the Rabbitohs and Bulldogs, while the Cowboys have retained a key star on a massive deal. 

The Sporting News has all the latest official signings for 2024 and 2025 below.

MORE: Every club's priority off-contract player | The top-five available players in every position

Ronald Volkan inks one-year Dragons deal

Ronald Volkman has signed a one-year deal with St George Illawarra as Shane Flanagan attempts to add more playmaking depth to his side.

The 21-year-old was granted an early release from his New Zealand Warriors contract to link up with the Dragons. 

Click here for the full story on Ronald Volkman's move. 

Jarome Luai signs five-year deal with Wests Tigers

Jarome Luai has brought an end to the swirling speculation around his future after making the move to Wests Tigers on a five-year deal from 2025. 

"I've definitely gotten a lot more attention than what we would have liked these past few months," Luai told the media at a press conference he arranged. 

"The purpose of this was to clear everything up and get everything out of the way out of respect and courtesy for the year ahead for my team and my teammates in 2024. 

"So, without further ado, for 2025 I’ll be heading to the Wests Tigers to continue my career."

Click here for the full story on Jarome Luai's departure from the Panthers. 

Moses Suli re-signs with Dragons on three-year deal

After a string of disappointments in the player market, the Dragons have been handed a boost with Moses Suli signing an extension to remain at the club until at least the end of 2027. 

The Tongan international, who has made 39 appearances or the Red V since joining in 2022, was praised by coach Shane Flanagan upon announcement of the re-signing.

"He’s a powerful, mobile centre whose best football is still in front of him and he will be a key part of our backline over the coming years," the coach said. 

Click here for the full story on Moses Suli's contract extension. 

Junior Tupou signs with the Dolphins from 2025

Junior Tupou has signed a three-year deal to join the Dolphins from 2025, further improving their attacking weapons in the backline.

The Wests Tigers young gun made his NRL debut in 2022 and has since gone on to feature in 26 games for the club. 

The 21-year-old was often a shining light for the wooden spooners during an otherwise horrid campaign this year, scoring six tries and regularly showcasing his destructive running capabilities. 

"The signing of Junior adds even more depth to our squad as we look ahead to establishing ourselves as a strong club of the future," Dolphins' CEO, Terry Reader, said. 

"He is one of the most exciting young backs in the NRL at the moment so we will be excited to have him join our evolving roster."

Addin Fonua-Blake joins the Sharks in bombshell move

Addin Fonua-Blake has been the subject of conjecture ever since announcing his intention to leave the New Zealand Warriors and return to Australia to be closer to his family. 

After initially convincing the prop to remain at the club in 2024, the Warriors have now confirmed AFB will depart at the end of next year to link up with Cronulla. They will receive an as-yet-unnamed player in return. 

The Sharks beat the likes of the Dragons and the Bulldogs to the signing of the 28-year-old who has inked a long-term deal with Craig Fitzgibbon's side from 2025 onwards. 

Click here for the full story on Addin Fonua-Blake's move to the Sharks. 

Tom Dearden inks long-term deal to stay with Cowboys

Tom Dearden has signed a five-year deal to remain in Townsville, with the Cowboys fending off interest from NRL rivals to lock down the playmaker. 

The 22-year-old was reported to have been a target for the Dragons after he hit the open market in November, however he has instead opted to remain with North Queensland. 

The extension will keep him at the club he joined two years ago from the Broncos until the end of 2029.

"This is a great day for our club, locking in one of the most talented young playmakers in rugby league," Cowboys general manager of football, Micheal Luck, said.

Click here for the full story on Tom Dearden's contract extension. 

Naufahu Whyte re-signs with Sydney Roosters

Naufahu Whyte has been rewarded for his continued growth in the NRL, signing a two-year contract extension with the Sydney Roosters, keeping him at the club until the end of 2026. 

The versatile back-rower moved over from New Zealand as a teenager and has made 11 appearances in the top grade since making his debut two years ago, with eight of those games coming this season. 

Whyte was also named in the Kiwis squad for the recent Pacific Championships, but failed to feature during the tournament as he edges closer to an international debut.

The 21-year-old joins the likes of Siua Wong, Nat Butcher and Sitili Tupouniua in re-committing to the Roosters, who have moved to shore up their second-row stocks long-term.

Click here for the full story on Whyte's extension. 

Corey Allan heads to Dragons on one-year deal

St George Illawarra have added versatile outside back Corey Allan to their squad on a one-year deal.

Having spent time at the Rabbitohs, Bulldogs and Roosters, Allan has amassed plenty of experience across his 63-game NRL career.

Allan has scored 13 tries and will give incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan another depth option in the backs.

Click here for the full story.

Solomon Alaimalo joins Tigers for 2024

Wests Tigers have landed in-demand rugby convert Solomon Alaimalo on a one-year deal.

The towering 27-year-old has previously starred in the Super Rugby, earning rookie of the year honours following his debut in 2017 with the Chiefs.

Several clubs were linked with a move for the Auckland-born outside back, but it's the Benji Marshall-led Tigers who have landed him.

Click here for the full story.

Kurt Capewell granted early release, signs with Warriors

Kurt Capewell will officially join his fourth NRL club next year, with the representative back-rower granted a release by the Broncos and signing a three-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

The 30-year-old had been at Brisbane for the past two seasons, playing an integral role in their return to finals football and their recent grand final appearance, but was not in the club's plans beyond next year.

Capewell had been linked with a move to Auckland for the past month, with the Broncos opting to retain the likes of Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura on long-term deals.

With over 130 first grade appearances and a premiership to his name, Capewell will add valuable experience in the forward pack for the Wahs, who also just re-signed captain Tohu Harris until 2025. 

Click here for the full story on Capewell's extension. 

Jackson Ford, Rocco Berry ink fresh Warriors deals

Rocco Berry and Jackson Ford have been rewarded for standout campaigns, re-signing with the New Zealand Warriors beyond next year.

The pair were both set to come off-contract at the end of 2024, but the club have moved quickly to retain their services after they played a crucial role in the side's unlikely rise to the top-four and prelim finals.

Berry has extended his stay in Auckland until the end of 2026, while former Dragons back-rower Ford has inked a fresh one-year contract with the Warriors.

The news comes just days after the club announced the retention of inspirational captain Tohu Harris.

Click here for the full story on Ford and Berry's extension. 

Warriors captain Tohu Harris signs one-year extension

New Zealand Warriors fans have been granted an early Christmas present, with courageous captain Tohu Harris signing a one-year contract extension.

The 31-year-old was one of the competition's most consistent players last season, making 23 appearances for the Wahs in their run to an unlikely prelim final berth. 

Harris was set to come off-contract at the end of next year and was technically available to rival clubs, but has opted to prolong his stay until at least the end of 2025.

The news comes as a major boost for the Warriors, who are set to lose star front-rower Addin Fonua-Blake. 

Click here for the full story on Harris' new deal. 

Cronulla Sharks add depth with Billy Burns signing

Billy Burns will head across the Tom Ugly's Bridge next season, signing a one-year deal with the Sharks.

After making his debut for Penrith as a teenager, the 25-year-old has been used sporadically for St George Illawarra in recent years, making 29 first grade appearances for the club over three seasons. 

"It's good to be here. It's a new kid at school type of feeling, but getting in here and meeting the boys, they're all genuine and good blokes," Burns said.

"I was attracted to the Sharks by how proud the club is, as well as the coaching staff with Fitzy leading the charge. The pride in the club and the jersey is something I wanted to be a part of."

Click here for the full story on Burns' signing below. 

Sitili Tupouniua inks long-term Sydney Roosters extension

Sitili Tupouniua has joined a growing list of players to re-commit to the Sydney Roosters, signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him at the club until at least the end of 2027.

After an interrupted run with injury over the past two years, which saw the back-rower limited to just eight appearances last season, the 26-year-old has been shown an enormous amount of faith by the Tricolours.

“This club has become a second family to me so I’m really happy to continue my journey with the Roosters,” he said.

“I’m committed to giving my all for this club and I’m excited to contribute to the team’s success in the coming years."

Click here for the full story on Tupouniua's contract. 

Zac Laybutt re-signs with Cowboys until end of 2025

Promising young outside back Zac Laybutt has inked a fresh one-year extension with North Queensland, keeping him at the club until at least the end of 2025.

The 21-year-old made the jump to the NRL squad last season and earned a first grade debut, as well as featuring for Papua New Guinea during the end-of-year Pacific Championships tournament.

Cowboys head of football Micheal Luck lauded the signing as a major boost for the club moving forward.

“Zac is a tremendously talented young player, but what he was able to achieve last year exceeded the already high expectations we had for him,” he said. 

“What was most impressive was how he handled the step up through the grades from under 21s to Queensland Cup to the NRL and he looked comfortable with every progression.

“Zac is a very coachable young player who came into first grade as a centre, but he also has the ability to play five-eighth or fullback. We’re thrilled to have secured Zac for another year, he makes our club a better place."

Laybutt is expected to compete for the vacant centre role at the Cowboy in 2024, with veteran Peta Hiku moving on. 

Jacob Saifiti confirms three-year Knights extension

Jacob Saifiti has knocked back attempts from rival clubs to lure him away from Newcastle, with the representative front-rower officially inking a three-year contract extension.

The 27-year-old has cemented himself as the leader of the Knights forward pack in recent years alongside twin brother Daniel, playing over 140 matches for the club.

Click here for the full story on Saifiti's new contract. 

Tom Eisenhuth inks deal with Dragons

Shane Flanagan has made his latest signing as St. George Illawarra Dragons head coach, bringing in former Melbourne Storm forward Tom Eisenhuth on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old has joined the Dragons effective immediately for the 2024 NRL season.

Click here to read the full story on Eisenhuth's move. 

Connor Tracey departs Sharks, signs with Bulldogs

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have officially secured the services of Connor Tracey from the Cronulla Sharks.

A utility back, Tracey will head to Belmore on a three-year deal as Phil Gould continues his recruitment drive.

It is widely reported — although not confirmed — that the Bulldogs have parted ways with promising teenager Michael Gabrael as part of a swap deal.

Click here to read the full story on Tracey's deal. 

Nat Butcher signs three-year extension with Roosters

Sydney Roosters have continued their impressive recruitment and retention spree, with consistent back-rower Nat Butcher extending for a further three seasons.

The 26-year-old has cemented himself as a reliable fixture in the forward pack at Bondi in recent years, playing 126 first grade matches including the club's 2019 grand final triumph over Canberra.

“I’ve been part of the Roosters since I was 17 and it’s my home," he said. 

“We’ve got a great crew here and I love that everyone in the building is committed to the same goal, so I’m stoked that I’ll continue to be part of this club."

Click here to read the full story on Butcher's extension. 

Harley Smith-Shields released by Raiders, signs with Titans

Promising young centre Harley Smith-Shields has been granted an early release from his deal with the Raiders, officially putting pen to paper with the Titans. 

The outside back, who missed the entire 2022 season due to an ACL injury, struggled for game time in Canberra this past season, only appearing in the top grade on six occasions.

The 23-year-old will now move to the Gold Coast and battle with the likes of Aaron Schoupp, Brian Kelly and Jojo Fifita for a spot in the club's outside backs cartel under new head coach, Des Hasler. 

“Harley has shown he has a high level of football IQ and is looking for an opportunity to take his game to the next level... I’m confident he will be pushing to be part of our first grade squad on a regular basis," Hasler said. 

“We look forward to welcoming him to the Gold Coast and are excited to see where he can take his football at the Titans for 2024 and beyond.”

Canberra also announced the release of Brad Morkos from the final year of his contract. 

Toby Rudolf inks extension with Cronulla

Cronulla have re-signed cult hero Toby Rudolf which will keep the forward in the Shire until at least the end of the 2026 season.

Rudolf, who was due to come off-contract at the end of next season and free to negotiate with rival clubs, has inked a two-year contract with the Sharks.

Click here for the full story on Rudolf's extension

Jordan Riki re-signs with Brisbane Broncos

A big week for the Broncos: first Piakura, now Jordan Riki.

Coming off arguably his finest NRL season, Broncos edge Riki has chosen to stay loyal to the Broncos, signing a three-year extension on Friday.

The extension will keep the 23-year-old at Red Hill through the 2027 season, and arguably lengthen the Broncos premiership window with the skilful backrower on 67 appearances into his NRL career.

Click here for the full story on Riki's new deal.

Brendan Piakura re-signs with Brisbane Broncos

Brisbane have received a major boost heading into next season, with boom back-rower Brendan Piakura signing a three-year contract extension with the club.

The 21-year-old has long been touted as a future superstar and after biding his time in the lower grades, became a regular fixture for the Broncos in their charge towards the NRL Grand Final against Penrith.

After coming through the academy system at Red Hill, Piakura featured in 13 games for the club this past season and now looks set to become an integral part of the lineup for years to come.

Piakura's new deal comes after interest from a number of rival franchises since the November 1 free agency date, but the bustling edge forward has instead opted to remain at the Broncos until the end of 2027.

Click here for the full story on Piakura's new deal. 

Ata Mariota, Michael Asomua extend with Raiders

Canberra have made two important retention moves heading into next season, with young guns Ata Mariota and Michael Asomua both inking fresh two-year deals.

The 21-year-old Mariota, who was born in Samoa and relocated to New Zealand in his formative years, has played 17 first grade games for the Raiders and has cemented himself as a permanent fixture in the lineup. 

The front-rower was already signed with the Green Machine until the end of next season, but his efforts on and off the field have prompted the club to lock him up long-term. 

Asomua on the other hand is yet to make the jump to NRL, but has produced some strong performances in the lower grades and will be upgraded to the top 30 roster as part of his new contract. 

Click here to read the full story on Mariota and Asomua's extensions. 

Sandon Smith re-signs with Sydney Roosters

Rising star Sandon Smith has secured his NRL future, inking a two-year contract extension with the Sydney Roosters.

The 20-year-old made his first grade debut this past season for the Tricolours, impressing in a myriad of roles during his 15 appearances, cementing himself late in the year as the club's No.14 utility. 

Smith has progressed through the lower grades at Bondi since joining as a 15-year-old and became the first player from the club's Central Coast partnership to make the jump to the top level. 

The decision comes after interest from a number of NRL rivals, with Smith knocking back a potential move despite the likes of Luke Keary, Sam Walker and Brandon Smith in front of him in the spine.

Click here for the full story on Smith's extension. 

Cowboys young gun Tom Chester inks one-year extension

Promising utility Tom Chester has inked a one-year extension with the Cowboys, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2025 NRL season.

The local product made his NRL debut last year and has made nine appearances in the top grade, but suffered a devastating knee injury against the Sharks in Round 9.

The 22-year-old is capable of filling in at fullback, centre or in the halves and North Queensland's head of football Micheal Luck believes the best is yet to come for Chester.

“It was a horrible way to end what was a promising season for Tom last year, but he has worked as hard as anyone in our building to come back from injury over the last six months,” he said. 

“Tom still has a little way to go, but we know he won’t leave any stone unturned to make the best possible recovery.

“Tom is a terrific team man and he is a great asset for Todd [Payten] because he can play a number of positions. We believe his best spot is fullback, but we see potential for him to play in the outside backs as well.

“This additional year gives Tom some surety about his future as he makes his recovery from a serious injury.”

Chester is unlikely to earn the No.1 jumper at the club given the presence of Scott Drinkwater, but could pave his way in the outside backs or off the bench next year. 

Charlie Staines re-signs for a further two years at Wests Tigers

Staines will have the opportunity to win a permanent spot in the backline after an injury-marred first season at Concord.

Staines scored three tries in nine appearances for Wests Tigers in 2023 after crossing for 23 tries in 38 appearances in his three seasons at Penrith Panthers.

Click here for the full story on Staines' re-signing.

Matt Moylan granted early release from Cronulla Sharks

The career of Matt Moylan in the NRL has officially come to a premature end, with the veteran playmaker granted an early release from his contract at the Sharks to take up a deal with Super League franchise, Leigh Leopards. 

The 32-year-old had been linked with a move away from Cronulla for a number of weeks, with his spot in the first grade lineup for next season unclear given the emergence of a number of younger players at the club.

Click here for the full story on Moylan's departure. 

Siua Wong inks fresh two-year Sydney Roosters deal

Sydney Roosters have tied down exciting rookie back-rower Siua Wong on a fresh two-year deal, after the young prospect enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2023.

The 20-year-old was due to come off-contract at the end of next season and was been free to negotiate with rivals from November 1, but the club have moved to lock in the boom youngster until the end of 2026.

Wong was a star for the Tricolours in their run into the finals and looks set to become a permanent fixture in the starting lineup next season, holding out the likes of Angus Crichton on the edge. 

Click here for the full story on Wong's extension. 

Connor Watson, Billy Smith re-sign with Roosters

Roosters duo Connor Watson and Billy Smith have both extended their stay with the club heading into 2024.

An experienced utility, Watson missed the entirety of last season due to a knee injury, but is expected to return next year and has signed a fresh two-year deal.

Smith on the other hand enjoyed his best season in the top grade and has re-signed for another year.

Click here for the full story on Smith and Watson's extension. 

Storm re-sign Dean Ieremia, Grant Anderson and Tepai Moeroa

Melbourne have moved to sure up their top 30 squad for next season, extending outside backs Grant Anderson and Dean Ieremia, as well as experienced forward Tepai Moeroa.

All three players have inked fresh one-year contracts and will remain at the Storm until at least the end of 2024. 

Bulldogs add four new names for 2024 NRL season

Canterbury have continued their major signing spree for the 2024 season, adding four more players to their squad.

In an announcement on Wednesday, it was revealed that Knights utility Kurt Mann, Jake Turpin, Drew Hutchison and Poasa Faamausil will all join the Bulldogs on two-year deals. 

Click here for the full story on Canterbury's latest acquisitions. 

Warriors winger Dallin Watene-Zelezniak commits until 2025

Dallin Watene-Zelezniak has capped off a remarkable career resurgence, inking a one-year extension with the Warriors following a record-breaking campaign. 

Fresh off the best season of his NRL journey, the 28-year-old has moved to secure his future at the start of the November open market period, re-signing with the club until the end of 2025.

Click here for the full story on DWZ's new deal. 

Jai Arrow re-signs with Rabbitohs until end of 2027

Rabbitohs star Jai Arrow has re-signed for a further three years, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2027 NRL season in another huge coup for the foundation franchise. 

The versatile forward has become an integral part of the South Sydney lineup since moving on a big-money deal in 2021, helping them to a grand final appearance in his first season. 

Click here for the full story on Arrow's extension. 

English forward Morgan Smithies signs with Raiders

Canberra Raiders have continued their rebuild in the nation's capital after signing Wigan lock-forward Morgan Smithies on a three-year deal. 

The former Warriors star, who made 114 appearances for his local club, follows in the footsteps of a host of other English players to join the Raiders, including Elliott Whitehead and John Bateman. 

Click here for the full story on Smithies' move to the Raiders. 

Lachlan Croker inks two-year Manly Sea Eagles extension

Manly have been given a huge boost the day before the November 1st open market period, with reliable hooker Lachlan Croker signing a two-year extension with the club.

The 26-year-old has become one of the Sea Eagles' most consistent players in recent seasons, taking out the Best and Fairest Award in 2022 and playing over 100 games in the maroon jumper.

Click here for the full story on Croker's extension. 

Josh Curran signs two-year deal with Canterbury Bulldogs

Josh Curran has been granted an early release by the New Zealand Warriors, with the back-rower officially signing a two-year deal with the Bulldogs beginning in the 2024 season. 

After being granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, the 24-year-old has jumped at the opportunity to head to Canterbury, despite heavy interest from the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Click here for the full story on Curran's move.