The NRL is approaching a free-agency deadline that could place three of its biggest playmakers within reach of cashed-up expansion clubs.
Nathan Cleary, Sam Walker and Cameron Munster are all contracted until the end of 2027, but their unresolved futures mean the battle for the NRL’s most valuable position could explode from November 1.
November 1 Could Reshape the NRL
Under the NRL’s contracting rules, players entering the final year of their deals can negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
That means clubs will be permitted to approach players coming off contract after the 2027 season about agreements beginning in 2028.
Around 140 players are reportedly in that position, but no names will command more attention than Cleary, Walker and Munster.
As outlined in Nine’s analysis of the NRL halfbacks approaching the November 1 market, the timing could not be more dangerous for their current clubs.
The Perth Bears are assembling their roster after entering the competition in 2027, while the PNG Chiefs are recruiting for their inaugural 2028 season.
Both clubs need recognisable stars capable of selling memberships, attracting commercial partners and providing immediate credibility.
An elite halfback does all three.
Sam Walker Standoff Gives Expansion Clubs Hope
Walker remains contracted to the Sydney Roosters until the end of 2027 and has not requested a release.
However, negotiations over an extension have reportedly been placed on hold after his camp was left dissatisfied with the club’s latest proposal.
The Roosters are understood to have offered Walker a four-year extension beginning at approximately $1.1 million in 2028 and increasing through contractual clauses to around $1.4 million annually.
Neither the Roosters nor Walker’s management has officially confirmed those figures.
Walker’s preference is reportedly to remain at Bondi, but delaying negotiations until after the season creates a serious risk for the club.
Once November 1 arrives, PNG, Perth and any established club capable of clearing sufficient salary-cap space can make its pitch.
Roosters chairman Nick Politis has publicly stated that he wants Walker to remain with the club for his entire career.
“I’ve spoken to Sam and I’ve told him I want him at the Roosters for life,” Politis said.
“Sammy has been fantastic for us. We have a great relationship and we want him to stay.”
Coach Trent Robinson has also expressed confidence that Walker’s future remains at the Roosters.
“I don’t have any issues long-term about Sam and what he’s going to do,” Robinson said.
The Roosters may still retain their star halfback, but confidence is not a contract.
PNG Faces a Cleary or Walker Decision
The PNG Chiefs have made no secret of their desire to recruit a marquee halfback for 2028.
Cleary is widely viewed as their dream target, particularly after the expansion club recruited his former Penrith halves partner Jarome Luai.
However, Walker’s potential availability creates a dilemma.
If PNG waits for Cleary to make his decision, Walker could re-sign with the Roosters or accept an offer elsewhere. If the Chiefs commit their largest offer to Walker, they may remove themselves from the race for Cleary.
Braith Anasta described the situation as players and clubs “jockeying for positions”.
“PNG have showed clear interest in Walker and Nathan, right? But there’s only one spot there,” Anasta said on NRL 360.
“If they hold off on Walker, and then Walker goes, ‘I might just stay at the Chooks’, then they don’t get Nathan, they’re left with neither one.”
PNG already has Luai contracted as a foundation playmaker. Adding Cleary or Walker would immediately give the Chiefs one of the most dangerous halves combinations in the competition.
The club’s potential tax advantages could also make its offer considerably more valuable than an equivalent Australian contract.
Cleary Remains the Biggest Prize
Cleary is also contracted until the end of 2027, but Penrith has not yet secured its franchise player beyond that date.
The four-time premiership winner has repeatedly said it is difficult to imagine representing another NRL club.
“It’s pretty hard to imagine right now,” Cleary said earlier in 2026.
“Trying to imagine being somewhere else, it’s tough to think of in my mind.”
However, he has deliberately refused to eliminate other possibilities.
“I wasn’t going to close off any avenues,” Cleary said.
“I just didn’t want to really lock myself in too early.”
Those avenues could include PNG, European rugby league or a switch to rugby union. Cleary’s partner, Mary Fowler, plays for Manchester City, giving him a significant personal reason to consider moving overseas.
Penrith coach Ivan Cleary will also step down after the 2027 season, when Nathan’s current contract expires.
Nathan has insisted his father’s decision will not determine his future, while praising incoming coach Peter Wallace. Yet the matching timelines ensure speculation will continue until an extension is signed.
For Penrith, allowing Cleary to reach November 1 would be a considerable gamble. Money may not be his primary motivation, but that only makes his decision harder for the Panthers to control.
Cameron Munster Already Has Permission to Talk
Munster is another elite playmaker whose Melbourne contract expires after the 2027 season.
Unlike Cleary and Walker, the Queensland captain has already been granted permission to hold early discussions with the PNG Chiefs.
His manager, Anasta, has confirmed PNG’s interest while maintaining that Munster remains open to finishing his career with Melbourne.
The Storm have reportedly offered Munster a two-year extension, although no new agreement has been announced.
Munster will be 33 when the 2028 season begins, making his situation different from those of Cleary and Walker. PNG would be signing an established premiership winner and leader rather than building around a halfback entering his prime.
He could still be an outstanding foundation player, particularly alongside Luai, but the Chiefs must decide whether experience or long-term value is more important.
Cleary would be the transformative signing. Walker would offer youth and longevity. Munster could bring immediate leadership and edge.
PNG probably cannot afford all three.
Daly Cherry-Evans Adds Another Twist
Daly Cherry-Evans is not part of the same November 1 class because his current Roosters agreement runs only through the 2026 season.
The 37-year-old joined Sydney on a one-year contract after leaving Manly and has helped the club become a premiership contender.
Earlier reports suggested he could extend his Roosters stay into 2027. More recent reports have linked him with Hull FC in the English Super League.
No move to Hull has been officially confirmed.
Cherry-Evans’ decision matters because it could influence how urgently the Roosters approach Walker’s contract. If the veteran departs after one season, Walker again becomes the undisputed long-term controller of the club’s attack.
Allowing Walker to reach free agency shortly after losing Cherry-Evans would expose the Roosters to an unnecessary succession crisis.
Perth Cannot Be Ignored
The Perth Bears have already recruited Toby Sexton as their inaugural halfback, but that should not prevent them from pursuing Walker or another elite playmaker.
Expansion clubs rarely receive opportunities to recruit representative halves in their mid-20s.
Perth is also expected to have access to a marquee-player allowance providing additional spending capacity outside the salary cap. That could help the Bears make a competitive offer without completely damaging the balance of their roster.
Sexton could move to five-eighth, provide depth or become part of another roster move if Walker showed genuine interest.
Recruitment plans change when a player of Walker’s quality becomes available.
November 1 Gives Players the Power
Penrith, Sydney and Melbourne remain the favourites to retain their respective stars.
Cleary is deeply connected to Penrith. Walker reportedly wants to remain a Rooster. Munster could finish his career as a one-club Melbourne player.
But November 1 changes the negotiating balance.
Before the deadline, each player can negotiate only with his existing club unless granted permission to do otherwise. After it, they can hear exactly what expansion teams and rivals are prepared to offer.
That means more money, longer contracts and the opportunity to shape an entire organisation.
The expansion clubs do not need to sign every superstar. They need only convince one.
If Penrith, the Roosters or Melbourne allow their playmakers to reach the market, the greatest halfback auction in modern NRL history could begin.
