The NRL season may be over, but the player market is already heating up ahead of November 1, with clubs beginning to shape their rosters for 2027 and beyond.
From player movement to changes behind the scenes, ESPN NRL Insider Isaac Issa has the latest whispers from around the competition.
Bulldogs closing in on Skelton return
Jeral Skelton is closing in on a return to Canterbury following his departure from the Wests Tigers.
ESPN understands the Bulldogs are in advanced discussions to bring the outside back to the club for the 2027 season.
An agreement is understood to be close, although the deal has yet to be finalised.
Rivals monitoring Knights forward
A Sydney club and a Queensland-based club are monitoring Newcastle forward Mat Croker ahead of November 1.
ESPN understands the two clubs have shown interest in the 27-year-old, who is approaching the final year of his Knights contract and can negotiate with rivals for 2028 onwards from next month.
Rivals keeping tabs on Dragons' Tu
Multiple clubs are monitoring St George Illawarra outside back Setu Tu, with the Dragons yet to begin talks over a contract extension.
Tu is contracted until the end of 2027 and is expected to test the open market from November 1, when rival clubs can negotiate a deal for 2028 and beyond.
The former Warriors outside back joined the Dragons on a development contract this season and is set to move into the club's top 30 squad in 2027.
His ability to cover multiple positions across the backline adds to his appeal as clubs assess their recruitment options.
Rivals monitor Patea as open market looms
Penrith young gun Luron Patea is expected to test the open market from November 1, with multiple clubs keeping tabs on the promising prop.
Patea is contracted until the end of 2027, but the Panthers are yet to begin talks over an extension, leaving rival clubs poised to explore a deal for 2028 and beyond.
Penrith have not granted Patea permission to negotiate with other clubs before November 1.
The Panthers junior made his NRL debut in 2024 and has shown promise during his first-grade opportunities, providing another emerging option in Penrith's forward pack.
He is among several Panthers players approaching the final year of their contracts, with veteran prop Moses Leota also unsigned beyond 2027.
Roosters eye Dockar-Clay reunion
The Roosters have shown interest in a potential return for Zach Dockar-Clay as they explore options to bolster their hooking and utility depth.
ESPN understands the 31-year-old has emerged as an option following his departure from Manly, with discussions remaining at an early stage.
Dockar-Clay spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the Roosters before joining the Sea Eagles on a one-year deal for 2026.
Manly confirmed his departure last month after a season in which he claimed the club's NSW Cup best-and-fairest award.
Bostock brushes Dragons links
Dolphins star Jack Bostock has dismissed recent links between himself and the Dragons, admitting this isn't the first time he'd been floated for a club switch.
"I've been linked to a few a clubs," Bostock admitted.
"I don't know about [the Dragons links]."
He said that while he "obviously sees it in the media," his sole focus is the Kangaroos.
Sloan's Dragons stay still a possibility
Tyrell Sloan could yet remain at St George Illawarra next season, with discussions ongoing over a potential stay despite his planned move to Castleford.
There is interest in keeping Sloan at the Dragons, but several hurdles remain before that can become a reality.
Roster space and salary cap room would need to be worked through, while any arrangement would also require Castleford to agree to release him.
Sloan previously admitted he would "love to" remain in the NRL when speaking to Channel Nine in August, after his Castleford deal had been announced.
No agreement has been reached and a stay is far from guaranteed.