reuben​ Purdue

The 20-year-old Cowboys⁢ star is⁢ attracting considerable attention despite being contracted until the end of⁢ the 2026 season. Purdue ⁣has already made 32 NRL appearances, frequently⁢ enough playing⁣ out of position in the centres, showcasing his versatility⁢ and impact.

While proving a lethal attacking‍ threat on the⁤ edge,‍ Purdue sees‌ his future in the halves, having played eight⁢ games at⁣ five-eighth under coach Todd Payten. His current salary, estimated between $300,000 and $400,000, is‌ expected⁣ to rise substantially as he hits the open market.

Purdue’s ability ​to play multiple positions – outside backs, halves, and even fullback – coupled with his immense potential, makes him a​ highly ‌sought-after commodity.⁢ The Cowboys’ status ​as his junior club (Norths Devils Mackay and ‍St Patrick’s ‌college) gives them an advantage in negotiations.

However, clubs like the ​South Sydney rabbitohs, st George Illawarra​ Dragons,⁤ and Gold ‍Coast Titans⁤ are potential suitors. A team with a dominant halfback, similar to Penrith’s pairing of Blaize Talagi and Nathan Cleary, could ‌also be a strong ⁢contender.

Lindsay Smith

Penrith Panthers prop Lindsay Smith has ‍been ‌a consistent performer ‍for several years and is now in line for a “monster deal” to remain ​with ⁣the champion ⁢club, according to‌ News Corp. The details ‌of the⁣ contract -⁣ years and salary – are ⁢yet to be finalized, but a significant pay rise is almost certain.

The 25-year-old is expected to be a‍ free agent by November 1st, ⁣currently on ⁤tour ⁤with the Kangaroos for the Ashes series. his growing stature in ​the game, highlighted ​by his Test debut in 2024 and an‍ upcoming⁢ Ashes appearance, suggests he will continue to improve⁤ with age.

Smith ⁤is viewed⁢ as the long-term leader of Penrith’s forward pack, but the emergence of the Perth Bears in 2027 presents ​a potential ​challenge.the ​Bears, with their financial resources, could​ offer⁤ a ​more lucrative deal than the Panthers can afford given their existing salary cap commitments.

Other Sydney‌ clubs,including the Rabbitohs ‍(who have lost Davvy Moale for 2027) and the⁣ Dragons (with David Klemmer nearing the end of‌ his contract),could also be interested in acquiring an elite middle forward like ​Smith.

Hamish ⁣Stewart

Dragons lock Hamish​ Stewart is ‌one of several​ young talents who have impressed this season. Alongside Dylan ⁢Egan, who recently signed a contract extension until the end of 2027,⁤ Stewart has secured regular ⁣playing time under Shane Flanagan.

Both players had their⁣ seasons ​cut short due to injury, but Stewart is now poised for a substantial pay increase.​ The 21-year-old has a ⁤player option for 2027, which he is unlikely to exercise given⁢ his recent development.

Currently earning close to ​the NRL minimum wage, Stewart‍ could receive a significant raise even to stay with​ the Dragons.‌ However,‍ rival clubs are⁤ expected to‌ circle if⁣ he becomes available,⁤ recognizing his potential as a key figure⁣ for years to come.

Jye⁤ Gray

Rabbitohs fullback Jye⁣ Gray enjoyed‍ a breakout season‍ in⁢ 2025, stepping up during a series of injuries to ⁣latrell Mitchell and ultimately cementing the No.1 jersey.This performance​ has‌ attracted interest from an unexpected source: the rebel ‌rugby competition ⁢R360.

The 21-year-old currently earns around $400,000,but has reportedly been offered a massive three-year deal worth $2.4 million to ⁢switch ‍to rugby union. While NRL clubs may struggle to ‌match that⁣ figure, Gray is highly likely to receive a⁢ healthy pay rise on his next‍ deal.

Rabbitohs officials have expressed their⁢ desire ​to ⁢retain Gray, praising his development both on and off the ‌field. “We ⁢would⁣ love him⁣ to ⁢stay ‍at⁢ the club long-term,” said South ‍Sydney football manager Mark Solly.‌ “But we also understand that if⁢ the ‍salaries being discussed ⁢in​ R360 are true, Jye faces a tough decision.”

Gray is‌ expected to delay a decision until there is more clarity surrounding R360,⁤ potentially waiting until after November 1st.