Top 5 free agents for 2027 NRL season

As the 2026 NRL season fast approaches, SEN’s Michael Carayannis and Chad Townsend have cast their eye on the free agents who could find new homes in 2027.

Players entering the 2026 season on the final year of their deal are eligible to negotiate with rivals clubs and Carayannis and Townsend have named their top five free agents heading into the 2026 season.

Michael Carayannis

5 - Jaxon Purdue (North Queensland Cowboys)

“I think he’s a bit of a smokey,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

4 - Jaydn Su’A (St George Illawarra Dragons)

“He’s got an option his way to remain.

“If he played in a top four side over the last couple of years, I think he’d be talked about as one of the elite backrowers in our game.”

3 - Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers)

“He has a clause as well in his contract.

“I think he’s an outstanding talent and has the ability to be one of the elite fullbacks in the competition.

“He’s good with the footy but if the ball doesn’t come to him, he can sometimes get lost.

“The fundamentals however are there and he has the opportunity to be a long-term fullback in our game.”

2 - Toluta’u Koula (Manly Sea Eagles)

“17 tries in 22 games in a disappointing Manly side.

“Has an option his way but if I was Perth, I’d be throwing everything I can to get him to play fullback.

“Silky skills and speed to burn. We are just scratching the surface with his talent.”

1 - Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)

“He’s the number one for me.”

Chad Townsend

5 - Jaxon Purdue (North Queensland Cowboys)

“Todd Payten has reported that he’s doing 80% of his pre-season work in his halves,” Townsend said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“He’s not the finished product. He had that stint last season in the halves and it was probably when the Cowboys had the worst part of the year.

“He was moved back to the centres so the jury is still out on whether he’s a halfback or a centre.

“He’s a long-term player.”

4 - Selwyn Cobbo (The Dolphins)

“Signed the one-year deal with the Dolphins after a disappointing individual season in 2025 at the Broncos.

“We know how good he can be on his day. He looks fit at the moment.

“Big year for him being off contract.”

3 -Murray Taulagi (North Queensland Cowboys)

“He’s an international winger and he’s played for Queensland.

“He was unable to get a deal done with the Cowboys. Reports are that they aren’t on the same page and I don’t know whether that’s money or length.

“It looks like he’ll have a look around and see what else is out there.”

2 - Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand Warriors)

“One from across the ditch.

“There were talks about him joining R360. I think it’s an interesting year for RTS.

“He still provides the goods and can do it all.”

1 - Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans)

“The big fish. We aren’t sure what his motivation is right now.

“His brother has signed with Perth but does he want to chase a Premiership.

“We know wherever he goes, he’s going to be paid.”