NRL Round-Up: Contract Talks, Transfers, and Club Moves (2026 Season)
A comprehensive look at the latest player movements, contract negotiations, and club decisions across the NRL.
Wests Tigers
Manase Fainu Interest
The Wests Tigers are reportedly considering signing former Manly hooker Manase Fainu upon his eligibility for parole in October 2025. Fainu is currently incarcerated for a 2019 stabbing offense (wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm) and has not played in the NRL since 2019.
The Tigers' interest is partly linked to retaining Fainu's brother, Samuela Fainu, a forward currently with the club. Any signing would require approval from the Tigers board and the NRL deeming Fainu a fit and proper person, per the NRL's guidelines.
Jake Averillo Signs
The Tigers have reportedly signed versatile player Jake Averillo to a four-year deal worth approximately $2.75 million, according to Code Sports. Averillo may play in the halves or backline.
Royce Hunt Departure?
Tigers forward Royce Hunt has been linked to Leeds Rhinos in the Super League, with Leeds coach Brad Arthur confirming discussions.
Warriors
Tanah Boyd Contract Talks
Off-contract at the end of 2026, Warriors halfback Tanah Boyd has begun contract negotiations. According to journalist Brent Read, Boyd's preference is to stay with the Warriors, and he will only seek a move if a deal cannot be reached.
Rocco Berry Update
Centre Rocco Berry, recovering from a shoulder injury sustained last season, stated his desire to remain with the Warriors. He is expected to miss part of the upcoming season.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck Future
The 32-year-old outside back is off-contract at the end of 2026. The Warriors and Tuivasa-Sheck are reportedly open to extending his contract. He has previously indicated openness to a club switch or a move to the rugby union competition R360, which is now delayed until 2028. Several Sydney clubs have shown interest.
Kurt Capewell's Goal
Thirteen-time Queensland Maroons representative Kurt Capewell is in the final months of his current deal. He stated his objective is to win a premiership with the Warriors.
Player Swap: Grant Anderson Target
The Warriors have reportedly identified Brisbane Broncos recruit Grant Anderson as their primary target in a potential player swap involving prop Mitch Barnett. Barnett's two-year deal with the Broncos, which includes an option for a third, is contingent on the Warriors receiving a player in return.
Anderson, 26, joined the Broncos from the Melbourne Storm. A previous attempt to secure Antonio Verhoeven was blocked. Warriors CEO Cameron George confirmed the club has squad space for an immediate switch and is awaiting confirmation from the Broncos.
Brisbane Broncos
Patrick Carrigan Seeking Pay Rise
Forward Patrick Carrigan is reportedly seeking a pay rise following teammate Payne Haas's upcoming departure to the Rabbitohs in 2027. Carrigan is currently contracted until the end of the 2028 season on a reported $825,000 per season.
Reports suggest Carrigan could become a $1 million player for the Broncos.
Carrigan has also indicated he would consider a move to the potential PNG Chiefs team.
Sydney Roosters
Daniel Tupou Commitment
Veteran winger Daniel Tupou stated he cannot see himself playing for another NRL club as he negotiates a new deal with the Sydney Roosters. He is approaching 190 career tries.
Gold Coast Titans
AJ Brimson Frustration
Under contract until 2030, Brimson has reportedly expressed frustration over frequent positional changes (fullback, halves, and centre). Multiple Sydney clubs, including the Bulldogs, have inquired about his situation.
Potential destinations if he leaves may include the Sea Eagles, Panthers, Roosters, Bulldogs, or Sharks, as these clubs may seek a fullback in the coming seasons.
Sam Verrills to Bulldogs?
Reports of Bulldogs recruitment boss Phil Gould meeting with Titans hooker Sam Verrills at Magic Round have been downplayed. According to Brent Read, the move is not happening due to concerns over Verrills' injury history.
North Queensland Cowboys
Murray Taulagi Extension
The Cowboys have initiated contract extension discussions with winger Murray Taulagi after assessing his fitness early in the 2026 season. Taulagi scored nine tries in seven games before a concussion sidelined him.
St George Illawarra Dragons
Emre Guler Departure
Forward Emre Guler will leave at season's end to join Wakefield Trinity in the Super League on a multi-year deal.
Moses Suli Told to Find New Club
Outside back Moses Suli has reportedly been told he can find a new club next season, despite being under contract until 2027.
PNG Chiefs (Inaugural Season 2028)
Connor Watson Signs
Connor Watson has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs on a two-year contract for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. He will play the 2027 season with St George Illawarra Dragons after signing a one-year deal.
Watson played five State of Origin matches for NSW in 2024 and 2025. He joins Jarome Luai and Alex Johnston on the Chiefs' roster.
Joey Manu Considering Return
Joey Manu, currently under contract with French rugby club Racing 92, is considering a return to the NRL after his contract ends. His father, Nooroa, confirmed in an interview with Code Sports that PNG is an option and that Joey will return to Australia around June to weigh his options. The Sydney Roosters remain a possible destination.
Rugby Union Stars Rule Out Move
Speaking before their Super Rugby clash, both Zac Lomax and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii stated they have not considered joining the PNG Chiefs when their current contracts expire after the 2027 season. Both are committed to rugby union.
Coaching Appointment
Manly Sea Eagles: Kieran Foran
The Manly Sea Eagles have appointed Kieran Foran as head coach through the end of the 2029 season.
Foran had served as caretaker coach since Anthony Seibold's dismissal in March. Since Foran took over, the Sea Eagles have won seven of nine matches and are currently fifth on the ladder. Foran won a premiership with Manly in 2011 and played nearly 200 NRL matches for the club across two stints.