The latest NRL player movement ahead of November 1 deadline

As the November 1 trade deadline draws closer, The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio gave the latest news on a whole host of stars who could find new homes in 2026.

John Bateman

“John Bateman is a very strong character,” Ricciol told SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“Benji Marshall certainly had his work cut out for him as a rookie coach to manage John’s character.

“There is tension there and they did butt heads on occasions this season.

“John went back to England this season and has returned and is speaking in all the right terms in being rejuvenated and ready to go again.

“He’s being offered to Manly and if the money is right, there is no way in the world that the Wests Tigers will stand in his way and that’s fact.

“The Tigers want players that want to be there. It will come down to money and from Manly’s point of view, it’s experience.

“It’ll come down to whether (Manly) can squeeze Bateman in the cap. “

Ben Hunt

“Hunt is the halfback of the St George Illawarra Dragons and I think fans are getting confused with the whole circus,” Riccio continued.

“At no point have the Dragons given Ben Hunt permission for him to negotiate with rival clubs to get out of next season’s deal.

“They’ve given him permission to find a deal for 2026 and beyond.

“Until the Dragons have an alternative at halfback for next season, they won’t be letting Ben Hunt go. “The counter to that is that there are no suitors for Ben Hunt at this time.

“There are a number of factors. One would be the salary that you would have to pay (for Hunt). Another would be how much Ben Hunt is willing to take. He’d be coming back from a $1 million to at least half of that.

“As far as the Dolphins and Titans rumours, it’s all smoke at this point. There are no formal offers or talks from any club because they are all waiting for this November 1 period to unfold.

“You are not going to invest in a 35-year-old before you see what other dominoes fall after November 1.”

Leo Thompson

“A million percent that he is firmly on the Bulldogs’ radar,” Riccio said.

“There are also six to seven clubs who are interested in Leo Thompson.

“The Bulldogs have been sitting back and waiting for November. The concern for Thompson at the Newcastle Knights is that he is losing his mentors.

“Daniel Saifiti has left for the Dolphins, Dane Gagai has only got next season on contract, Jayden Brailey is an experienced leader of that Knights team that is being linked to rival clubs.

“The Canberra Raiders, where Thompson was formerly at, are keen to get him back.”

Jayden Brailey

“I can tell you that Parramatta are sitting and watching his situation closely,” Riccio said.

“(Newcastle coach) Adam O’Brien doesn’t want to let him go.

“However, due to salary cap stress, Brailey is on the radar.”

Ryan Papenhuyzen

“This will be a delicate scenario in how the Melbourne Storm manage to keep both fullbacks (Papenhuyzen and Sua Fa’alogo),” Riccio added.

“Rival clubs are surprised about how well Papenhuyzen has come back from his injury and suddenly there is an appeal for him.

“His manager would know that and Melbourne will have to get their skates on to get a new deal for Papenhuyzen.

“He’s keen to stay there but the juggling act of keeping the two fullbacks and the increased appeal in rival clubs means he is likely to go to November 1.”

Josh Addo-Carr

“I would say he’s unlikely (to go to the Rabbitohs),” Riccio said.

“Their priority is Tyrone Munro (who) is a sensational young talent and is far more of a priority than Addo-Carr.

“Addo-Carr’s management has been pushing for a three-year deal from rival clubs and they are not interested. Clubs don’t want him for three years, only two.

“The Dragons have been the club linked but they are waiting on Clint Gutherson.”