NRL transfers: Manly exits, Eels’ new plan, Sharks man to test market

With less than a week to go until the open market chaos descends on the NRL, clubs are preparing themselves for what is to come in the coming weeks.

Manly to lose two players

Manly Sea Eagles are lined up to lose two players in the next week, when free agency begins.

Dummy-half Zach Dockar-Clay and back-rower Aaron Schoupp are set to explore their opportunities away from the club.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Dockar-Clay has been linked with a move to Cronulla Sharks

Schoupp is already in talks with North Queensland Cowboys, with negotiations advancing.

Sharks star to hit open market

The Sharks’ roster for 2027 will have significant changes, as numerous Cronulla players head to free agency.

Cronulla’s back-rower, Briton Nikola, is expected to hit the open market on November 1, with his future still undecided.

Nikora has failed to agree a deal with the club to stay post-2027, meaning he will be able to speak to rival clubs in less than a week.

The back-rower will earn $600,000 next season, but is in line to secure a contract worth $700,000-$800,000 when he speaks to rivals.

Eels’ new plan revealed

Parramatta Eels have a plan in place to convince Blaize Talagi to join the club. The five-eighth is in his final year of his contract at the Panthers, and the Eels are heavily interested in him.

Peter Gentle’s arrival as the club’s new head of academy is set to play a major role in their pursuit of Talagi. The club hopes to secure their target to a long-term deal.

The Eels want Talagi to play at centre for 2027, before switching to five-eighth in 2028 when Jarome Luai departs the club.

Parramatta have 17 players off-contract and need to get locking down players as quickly as possible.

They are hoping Talagi is one signing they can make in the coming weeks.