The 2026 NRL season is already shaping up too be a period of significant player movement, with clubs vying for talent to bolster their rosters. St. George Illawarra has delivered a major recruiting coup, securing the signature of State of Origin and Test forward Keaon Koloamatangi from South Sydney on a five-year deal. Elsewhere, the expansion Perth Bears continue to build their inaugural squad, and several othre high-profile players are already confirmed to be switching clubs ahead of the season.
The St. George Illawarra Dragons have landed a major coup, securing the signature of Origin and Test star Keaon Koloamatangi for the 2027 season. The move signals a significant step forward in the club’s ambitious rebuild.
Koloamatangi, a powerful and highly respected forward, joins the Dragons from the South Sydney Rabbitohs on a five-year deal. Having featured in 126 NRL games over six seasons, including the 2021 Grand Final, his arrival is a strong endorsement of the direction the Dragons are heading.
“I’m excited to be joining the Dragons. The club’s ambition really impressed me,” Koloamatangi said. “I’ve been watching the squad they’re building and the young forwards coming through, and I want to be part of driving that next era. I’ve loved my time at Souths, but I am looking forward to bringing my experience, my standards and everything I’ve got to the Red V.”
In other player movement news, Bulldogs forward Josh Curran is heading west to join the expansion Perth Bears on a three-year contract starting in 2027.
A proud Dharug man who represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2024, Curran brings a wealth of experience to the Bears, having played 106 First Grade matches with the Sydney Roosters, New Zealand Warriors, and Canterbury Bulldogs. He is the eighth player confirmed to join Perth for their entry into the NRL in 2027, alongside Toby Sexton (Catalans), Harry Newman (Leeds), Emarly Bitungane (London Broncos), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), Liam Henry (Panthers) and Sean Russell (Eels).
The NRL player market is heating up ahead of the 2026 season, with several high-profile players switching clubs. Daly Cherry-Evans’ move to the Roosters and Dylan Brown’s transfer to Newcastle are among the biggest moves announced so far.
Strike backs Brian Kelly and Tommy Talau are also on the move, with Kelly released by the Titans to join the Eels on a two-year deal and Talau signing with the Sydney Roosters from Manly.
Kelly brings 190 NRL games of experience to Parramatta, adding valuable depth and attacking flair to the Eels’ backline. A talented ball-runner, Kelly has also represented Country NSW, the Prime Minister’s XIII, and the Indigenous All Stars.
A proud Aboriginal Bundjalung man, Kelly is also known for his community work, actively involved in programs supporting and mentoring Indigenous youth. Sydney Roosters Head of Recruitment Joel Carbone said Talau’s signing will bolster the Roosters’ roster.
“Tommy’s signature adds valuable depth and experience to our backline,” Carbone said. “He’s a strong competitor who has shown he can perform consistently at NRL level, and we believe he’ll complement the talent we already have within our squad.” Talau has played 83 NRL games since his debut in 2019.
Rising playmaker Jonah Pezet is also joining the Eels for one season before moving to the Broncos, while classy outside back Selwyn Cobbo heads to the Dolphins. Enforcer Leo Thompson will add steel to the Bulldogs’ pack, and experienced halfback Jamal Fogarty swaps green for maroon and white, joining Manly.
Several other intriguing storylines are developing as teams prepare for the 2026 season. Can David Fifita revitalize his career under Wayne Bennett at Souths? Will Reed Mahoney bring the spark the Cowboys need to return to the finals?
Will Alofiana Khan-Pereira get more opportunities and continue to score tries across the Tasman Sea? And can Dan Atkinson unlock the Dragons’ attack and guide them back into the top eight for the first time since 2018?
The acquisition of Davvy Moale for one season could be key for the Storm as they navigate the absence of Eli Katoa and aim to remain title contenders. With so much player movement, fans will be watching closely to see which clubs made the right moves to challenge for the premiership in 2026.
Updated NRL Telstra Premiership rosters for the 2026 season are available below. (Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)).
- Club option (CO): Club has the option to activate additional year(s)
2026 gains: Grant Anderson (Storm), Tom Duffy (Cowboys), Aublix Tawha (Dolphins)
2026 losses: Tyson Smoothy (Trinity Wakefield), Selwyn Cobbo (Dolphins), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers), Kobe Hetherington (Sea Eagles), Israel Leota (rugby union), Kobe Hetherington (Sea Eagles), Fletcher Baker (Bulldogs), Coby Black (Raiders)
2027 gains: Jonah Pezet (Eels)
Canberra Raiders
Table of Contents
2026 gains: Jayden Brailey (Knights), Sione Finau (Dragons), Daine Laurie (Panthers), Coby Black (Broncos)
2026 losses: Jamal Fogarty (Sea Eagles), Pasami Saulo (Knights), Trey Mooney (Knights), Danny Levi (released), Albert Hopoate (Warrington), Jordan Martin (released), Adam Cook (Leigh), Manaia Waitere (Storm)
Canterbury Bulldogs
2026 gains: Leo Thompson (Knights), Kade Dykes (Sharks), Fletcher Baker (Broncos), Sean O’Sullivan (Dolphins), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Sea Eagles)
2026 losses: Toby Sexton (Catalans), Reed Mahoney (Cowboys), Blake Taaffe (Castleford), Kurtis Morrin (Titans), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles), Luke Smith (London Broncos), Joseph O’Neill (Dragons)
2027 losses: Josh Curran (Perth Bears)
Cronulla Sharks
2026 losses: Daniel Atkinson (Dragons), Kade Dykes (Bulldogs)
2027 losses: Mawene Hiroti (Titans)
Dolphins
2026 gains: Morgan Knowles (St Helens), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Brad Schneider (Panthers)
2026 losses: Josh Kerr (Dragons), Mark Nicholls (retired), Kenny Bromwich (retired), Harrison Graham (Knights), Max Feagai (Titans), Aublix Tawha (Broncos), James Walsh (Cowboys), Sean O’Sullivan (Bulldogs), Ryan Jackson (released)
2027 losses: Oryn Keeley (Storm)
Gold Coast Titans
| Adam Christensen | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| AJ Brimson | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
| Allan Fitzgibbon | ||||||
| Arama Hau | CO | |||||
| Beau Fermor | 2026 | |||||
| Brock Gray | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Chris Randall | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Jaimin Jolliffe | 2026 | |||||
| Jayden Campbell | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 |
| Jaylan de Groot | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Jojo Fifita | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Josh Patston | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Keano Kini | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | |
| Klese Haas | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Kurtis Morrin | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Lachlan Ilias | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Luke Sommerton | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Mawene Hiroti* | 2027 | |||||
| Max Feagai | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Moeaki Fotuaika | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Phillip Sami | 2026 | |||||
| Sam Verrills | 2026 | |||||
| Tino Fa’asuamaleaui | 2026 | |||||
| Tony Francis | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Tuki Simpkins | 2026 | |||||
| Zane Harrison | 2026 | 2027 |
2026 gains: Luke Sommerton (Panthers), Lachlan Ilias (Dragons), Kurtis Morrin (Bulldogs), Max Feagai (Dolphins)
2026 losses: Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui (Catalans), David Fifita (Rabbitohs), Kieran Foran (retired), Tom Weaver, Sean Mullany, Jacob Alick-Wiencke, Ryan Foran, Ben Liyou, Harley Smith-Shields, Reagan Campbell-Gillard (London Broncos), Carter Gordon (released), Alofiana Khan-Pereira (released), Brian Kelly (Eels).
2027 gains: Mawene Hiroti (Sharks)
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
| Ben Trbojevic | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Blake Wilson | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Caleb Navale | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Clayton Faulalo | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Corey Waddell | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Davvy Moale* | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | |||
| Ethan Bullemor | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | ||
| Haumole Olakau’atu | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 | 2031 |
| Jake Simpkin | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |||
| Jake Trbojevic | 2026 | |||||
| Jamal Fogarty | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |||
| Jason Saab | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | ||
| Joey Walsh | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Kobe Hetherington | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | ||
| Lehi Hopoate | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Luke Brooks | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Nathan Brown | 2026 | |||||
| Navren Willett | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Onitoni Large | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Reuben Garrick | 2026 | |||||
| Simione Laiafi | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Siosiua Taukeiaho | 2026 | |||||
| Taniela Paseka | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | ||
| Tom Trbojevic | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Tolutau Koula | 2026 | |||||
| Zach Dockar-Clay | 2026 | 2027 | ||||
| Zaidas Muagututia | 2026 | 2027 |
2026 gains: Jamal Fogarty (Raiders), Kobe Hetherington (Broncos), Blake Wilson (Sea Eagles)
2026 losses: Daly Cherry-Evans (Roosters), Lachlan Croker (medically retired), Toafofoa Sipley (Warrington Wolves), Josh Aloiai (medically retired), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (North Sydney Bears), Tommy Talau (Roosters), Jazz Tevaga (Wakefield Trinity), Gordon Chan Kum Tong (Bulldogs), Michael Chee Kam (released), Dean Matterson (released), Matt Lodge (Cowboys)
2027 gains: Davvy Moale (Storm)
2027 losses: Reuben Garrick (Roosters)
Melbourne Storm
2026 gains: Manaia Waitere (Raiders), Jack Hetherington (Knights), Trent Toelau (Panthers), Davvy Moale (Rabbitohs)
2026 losses: Bronson Garlick (Rabbitohs), Grant Anderson (Broncos), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (released), Dean Ieremia (released), Jonah Pezet (Eels), Ryan Papenhuyzen (released)
2027 gains: Oryn Keeley (Dolphins)
Newcastle Knights
| Asu Kepaoa | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Bradman Best | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Brodie Jones | 2026 | |||
| Cody Hopwood | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Dane Gagai | 2026 | |||
| Dom Young | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Dylan Brown | 2026 | 2027 | 2028-2035 | |
| Dylan Lucas | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Elijah Salesa-Leaumoana | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Fletcher Sharpe | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
| Francis Manuleleua | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Greg Marzhew | 2026 | |||
| Jacob Saifiti | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| James Schiller | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Jermaine McEwen | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Kalyn Ponga | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Kyle McCarthy | ||||
| Lachlan Crouch | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
| Matt Arthur | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Mathew Croker | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Pasami Saulo | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Peter Hola | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Phoenix Crossland | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | |
| Sandon Smith | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
| Thomas Cant | 2026 | |||
| Trey Mooney | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 |
| Tyson Gamble | 2026 | |||
| Tyson Frizell | 2026 | |||
| Wil Sullivan | 2026 | 2027 | ||
| Wilson Decourcey | ||||
2026 gains: Dylan Brown (Eels), Lachlan Crouch (Newtown Jets), Jake Arthur (Sea Eagles), Peter Hola (Dolphins), Pasami Saulo (Raiders), Matthew Hunter, Asu Kepaoa, Harrison Graham (Dolphins), Trey Mooney (Raiders)
2026 losses: Leo Thompson (Bulldogs), Jayden Brailey (Raiders), Kai Pearce-Paul (Wests Tigers), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Taj Annan (rugby union), Tyrone Thompson (rugby union), Jack Hetherington (Storm)
North Queensland Cowboys
2026 gains: Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Ethan King (Roosters), James Walsh (Dolphins), Matt Lodge (Sea Eagles)
2026 losses: Reece Robson (Roosters), Tom Duffy (Broncos), Jordan McLean (retired), Semi Valemei (Castleford), Jamal Shibasaki (released), Emarly Bitungane (released), Karl Lawton (Hull KR)
Parramatta Eels
| Bailey Simonsson | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Charlie Guymer | 2026 | ||||
| Dylan Walker | 2026 | ||||
| Isaiah Iongi | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | 2029 | 2030 |
| J’maine Hopgood | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Jack de Belin | 2026 | CO | |||
| Jack Williams | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Jake Tago | 2026 | ||||
| Joash Papalii | 2026 | ||||
| Jonah Pezet | 2026 | ||||
| Jordan Samrani | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Josh Addo-Carr | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Junior Paulo | 2026 | ||||
| Kelma Tuilagi | 2026 | ||||
| Kitione Kautoga | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Luca Moretti | 2026 | 2027 | |||
| Matt Doorey | 2026 | 2027 |
 This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More |