Editor
The NRL contract season is under way, with over 100 players officially available to sign and negotiate with other teams beginning in November of last year.
Joey Manu tops the list of talented free agents; Ezra Mam re-signed with Brisbane, and Jarome Luai eventually revealed his next move.
After signing a new contract, Nick Meaney will remain with the Melbourne Storm through at least the conclusion of the 2026 season.
In order to accommodate Ryan Papenhuyzen’s return, the adaptable former Dogs star switched to center field last year, where he performed admirably.
After the two-year contract was announced, Meaney stated, “Moving to Melbourne has been a great decision career-wise and just for life in general.”
“We are thrilled that Nick has decided to stay on with our team longer,” stated Frank Ponissi, General Manager of Football at Melbourne.
“Not only is he a valuable player because of his wonderful versatility in playing in so many positions, but more impressively he has been one of our most consistent and reliable players since he debuted for the club in Round 1, 2022.”
Francis Molo, 29, will remain with the team through the conclusion of the 2026 campaign thanks to the signing of a two-year contract extension.
Given how he has embraced our team’s direction, Francis is well deserving of this extension, according to Shane Flanagan.
As we continue to assemble the squad over the next few months, I anticipate him becoming a key member of our front pack.
With the signing of his contract extension, Sam McIntyre will remain in Townsville through at least the end of the 2026 campaign.
Although he signed with the Cowboys in the middle of the previous season, the 26-year-old found it difficult to become a regular until this season.
The club’s general manager of football, Michael Luck, stated, “Sam came to our club looking for an opportunity and has impressed everyone in the building through his professionalism, work ethic, and what he’s done on the field both at Queensland Cup level and now in the NRL.”
The Tongan international Isaiya Katoa has re-signed with the Dolphins for three more years, meaning he will be with the team through at least the conclusion of the 2028 season.
Since leaving Penrith, the 20-year-old has participated in more than 20 games for Wayne Bennett’s team.
He was added back into the team and assisted in leading the Dolphins to their first victory over the Dragons in the second round after missing out on selection for the team’s season opener this season.
Following the announcement that fellow center Izack Tago has signed an extension, Penrith has also confirmed that Taylan May has renewed his commitment to the team.
The 22-year-old accepted a two-year agreement and said, “This club and the Panthers jersey means a lot to and I’m proud to stay here for another couple years – this play is home.”
May made his debut in 2021 and since then, he has become a mainstay in Ivan Cleary’s all-conquering squad, starting off on the wing and currently in the centers.
The Warriors have inked two-year contract extensions for Luke Metcalf and Freddy Freddy Lussick.
Metcalf declared, “I’m really excited to extend.”
“I don’t see me moving to another location.
“I’m genuinely thrilled to be in New Zealand and with the Warriors. It was an obvious choice because my partner adores it and we are working on a unique building.
Veteran Zane Tetevano has signed a one-year contract with Canterbury, the team announced.
Dogs executive Phil Gould stated, “Zane is a highly respected senior player who will bring leadership and work ethic to our group.”
The forward joined the Sydney Roosters after making his NRL debut in 2011 and went on to win a premiership in 2018.
The 33-year-old last played for Penrith in the NRL before being released to join Leeds in the Super League, where he worked as a trader until the Dogs approached him.
On the eve of the new campaign, Cronulla re-signed prop Tuku Hau Tapuha for a one-year agreement.
Coach Craig Fitzgibbon sees the 22-year-old, who came from the Roosters last year, as a long-term prospect because the two used to work together in Bondi.
Hau Tapuha expressed his happiness at being able to return to this club for the upcoming season.
“I look forward to this year – it’s a big year for me, big year for the squad in general and I look forward to the challenge ahead.”
Luke Keary signed a one-year contract extension with the Roosters, meaning he will play into his 13th season in the NRL next year.
The 32-year-old was thought to be getting closer to retirement after going through some challenging times recently due to an ACL injury and concussion problems.
The five-eighth, who has played in nearly 200 first-grade games since making his South Sydney debut in 2013, has accepted to a new short-term contract with the Roosters. During that time, he has scored 44 tries and provided 145 assists.
