With the NRL reaching its halfway point for the 2024 season, we will examine those players currently without a contract for the 2025 season. This will be my personal best starting 13, and we will also consider where they could end up.
1. David Armstrong – Newcastle Knights
It is no secret that David Armstrong is a gun. The New South Wales-born fullback was elevated to the Newcastle top 30 this past February and has scored 5 tries in 5 appearances. However, since then, Armstrong has become back up again, this time to fellow rookie Fletcher Sharpe. When Kalyn Ponga returns, Armstrong will be the third-choice fullback for the Knights, leading to him requesting a transfer. There is no doubt that Armstrong is a future NRL calibre player. However, he has rejected multiple offers from other Australian clubs. This now has him nailed on to play in the Super League. Armstrong has been heavily linked with the Leigh Leopards and has been said to have signed a deal there for 2025. With Leigh offering a deal before his emergence, now he has first-grade games under his belt; this will surely be a shrewd signing for Lam’s Leopards.
Prediction: Leigh Leopards
Embed from Getty Images2. Jordan Rapana – Canberra Raiders
Rapana has for sure paid his dues for the Canberra Raiders. However, with over 200 appearances for The Green Machine, his time in the NRL could be up after this year. At 34, the 2017 Dally M Winger of the Year is not getting any younger. With all of his appearances coming at fullback this season for the Raiders, it is clear that Rapana’s play is slowing down. This, paired with Under 19s State of Origin Player of the Match Chevy Stewart coming through the ranks, Rapana should bow out after this season.
Prediction: Retirement
Embed from Getty Images3. Reimis Smith – Melbourne Storm
This decision will be tough for Craig Bellamy and the backroom staff at Melbourne. This is because, defensively, Smith is very good. His poor attack lets him down. Melbourne should re-sign Smith because he has great defensive abilities and would be a key depth piece. However, if Warbrick were to shift to centres and then Fa’alogo to wing, there may not be any space for Smith at the Storm. I feel he will re-sign, although he won’t be short of NRL offers if he does not.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images4. Kayal Iro – Cronulla Sharks
This season, Kayal Iro has been a firm figure in the Sharks team. After consistently performing in the NSW Cup, Iro looked Super League-bound at the start of the year, with the Castleford Tigers approaching Cronulla for his services. Now, Iro is not short of NRL offers. After being given a starting berth in Round 4 by coach Craig Fitzgibbon, Iro has not looked back. I believe he will re-sign with the Sharks and be a mainstay for years.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images5. Kyle Feldt – North Queensland Cowboys
Kyle Feldt made history for the Cowboys in Round 5 of the 2024 NRL season. He became the all-time leading try scorer in Townsville, surpassing Matt Bowen’s record of 130. Feldt is a veteran winger who is still putting up good numbers for the Cowboys, with 9 tries in 14 games this season. For this reason, I believe North Queensland will re-sign Feldt, as he provides a reliable option outwide.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images6. Kodi Nikorima – Dolphins
Kodi Nikorima has had a great year for the Dolphins. This will mean he won’t be short of NRL suitors come 2025, as many clubs will be scrambling to sign an elite playmaker. I can see the Penrith Panthers potentially making a move for Nikorima. This comes as Jarome Luai is off to the Tigers for 2025, and there is no locked-in partner for Nathan Cleary, and Nikorima could be that guy.
Prediction: Penrith Panthers
Embed from Getty Images7. Shaun Johnson – New Zealand Warriors
Steps are moving closer for Shaun Johnson to remain a New Zealand Warriors player for 2025. Although admittedly, this has been a down year for Johnson as he has not performed to as high of a standard as he did in 2024, he is still an elite half and is one of the best in the NRL.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images8. Jordan McLean – North Queensland Cowboys
If I were the North Queensland Cowboys, I would look to re-sign McLean instantly. Although McLean is not getting any younger and will be 33 years old at the start of the 2025 season, he is very effective. McLean has been consistent during his 6 years in Townsville and has been one of, if not the best, middle forward for them. It would be smart to re-sign McLean as it maintains a high experience level.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images9. Jake Granville – North Queensland Cowboys
Another North Queensland Cowboys player, another re-signing. However, this one will be just for depth and backup reasons. Granville has been a stalwart for the Cowboys, however he has seen reduced playing time this season, appearing in 9 games. With the Cowboys also signing Karl Lawton from Manly in 2025, Granville’s playing time will be reduced even more. However, I believe Granville should be re-signed for depth reasons, meaning he will be used as and when needed.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images10. Chris Patolo – Canterbury Bulldogs
Chris Patolo’s NRL career looks to be over beyond 2024. A prop forward who is a big body hasn’t translated very well to first grade. A major downfall of Patolo’s is that he is very injury-prone, missing 10 rounds this season. He also doesn’t put his size to good use, being very sheepish sometimes. However, at just 22 years old, there is still a player in there, so I think the most beneficial thing will be going to the Super League. A team like the Castleford Tigers could do with signing somebody like Patolo due to having several middles off contract and the prop depth needing an upgrade.
Prediction: Castleford Tigers
Embed from Getty Images11. Angus Crichton – Sydney Roosters
If the NRL had a comeback Player of the Year award, Angus Crichton would surely hear his name calling out. After playing reserve grade at the start of the year, the back-rower is now playing Origin footy for the NSW Blues. With links of moving to Union played down, it seems like Crichton will be an NRL player come 2025. The Chooks would be foolish not to re-sign one of the most inform second row forwards in the competition, it’s just if they can find an agreement with Crichton. After attempting to sign David Fifita and potentially upsetting Angus, I believe they will agree for next season.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty Images12. Euan Aitken – Dolphins
Although Wayne Bennett did say he wouldn’t try to poach any Dolphins players when moving to South Sydney, it certainly looks like Euan Aitken will be playing for the Bunnies in 2025. Aitken has been an ever-present NRL forward, making over 190 appearances. If the Souths complete this signing, they will be getting a great edge player, who will also be a massive loss for the Dolphins.
Wayne Bennett
Prediction: South Sydney Rabbitohs
Embed from Getty Images13. Tom Eisenhuth – St. George Illawarra Dragons
Tom Eisenhuth is set to sign a new deal with the Dragons. After a breakout season with the Red V, Eisenhuth is showing confidence in his game that has never been seen from him before, showing never seen before confidence. His emergence is a testament to Shane Flanagan and shows what a great coach he is and how he can bring the best out of players. Although Eisenhuth is admittedly not the flashiest player, he has quietly been one of the season’s signings.
Prediction: Re-sign
Embed from Getty ImagesIn my opinion, this was the best XIII in the NRL currently without a contract for 2024.
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An interesting read, well put together