With only 4 teams left standing in the 2025 NRL premiership race, many of the teams who have already been eliminated are already planning ahead for 2026. Some clubs like the Knights and Titans have made changes to their coaching line-up whilst all the clubs are reviewing their roster and making key decisions on whether to resign players on the fringe of their squad or not. Here’s a look at some of the best players that have been released and remain unsigned for next season.

The Dolphins are losing a number of key players to retirement or transfers to other clubs, but their biggest player who remains unsigned form 2025 is Sean O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan was perceived by many to be primary playmaker when he joined the Dolphins out of the Panthers system. But, after failing to ever really cement his spot on the side and with the success of the Katoa-Nikorima partnership there is simply no place for him in the side. A move to the super league looks to be the most likely outcome for this once highly touted playmaker.

Manly are a club that will be looking considerably different in 2026, but one player whose next career step remains uncertain is Tommy Talau. The promising outside back is still only just 25 years old and would have played more games for most other clubs in the NRL, however, the depth Manly have on the edges has made it challenging for him to earn a consistent spot in the side.

The Dragons continue to evolve under the guidance of Shane Flanagan, but one key change in their forward pack for 2026 will be the loss of David Klemmer. The former NSW and Australia front rower has turned into somewhat of a journeyman since making a name for himself at the Bulldogs. Still, Klemmer packs a real punch through the middle of the field and would be a handy pick up for many NRL sides looking to bolster their forward packs in 2026.

The Eels are another side who are continuing to rebuild their roster heading into the new season. The club has gone through a number of different options at hooker since letting Reed Mahoney leave a few years ago, with Joey Lussick being one of those options who was given a crack. However, the crafty number 9 has since fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Ryley Smith and Tallyn Da Silva, which means he will be looking out for a new club in 2026. With the shortage of first class dummy halves in the NRL it’s likely he will be given a gig somewhere, most likely as a utility option of the bench.

With some clubs still focused on 2025 and other clubs looking ahead to 2026 it makes sense that there isn’t a huge amount of movement in the transfer market at this time. Although, most clubs will have told players that won’t be resigned that they should be on the lookout for new opportunities elsewhere. Which released players would you take at your club?