NRL Off-Season Buzz: Stars Digging In or Heading Out? It's a Rollercoaster of Decisions That Could Shake Up the Game!
Picture this: the NRL's off-season is heating up with whispers of blockbuster moves, loyalty tests, and even code switches that might leave fans scratching their heads. But here's where it gets controversial—will money, coaches, and personal ambitions tear teams apart or build them stronger? Stick around, because this drama is just getting started, and it's the kind of stuff that could redefine rosters for years to come.
Let's kick things off with Phillip Sami, the star flyer who's apparently locking in his future at the Titans. New coach Josh Hannay has made it crystal clear—he wants Sami sticking around through 2026, and that's music to the ears of both player and management. According to reports from AAP, Sami's manager, Paul Hogan, chatted with Hannay to sort out any confusion about the player's plans. Hogan shared that there was never any official green light from the Titans to shop around with other clubs, despite rumors suggesting otherwise. In fact, Sami's got a contract that runs right through to the end of the 2026 season, and he's thrilled about the idea of working under Hannay to elevate his game to new heights.
Hogan didn't hold back: 'Phil has had several conversations with Josh Hannay about 2026 and Josh made it clear he wanted him at the club. I spoke with Josh yesterday and he reiterated to me that he wanted Phil on board.' And here's the juicy bit most people miss—Sami can start talking to rivals about 2027 on November 1, so while his Gold Coast days might extend, nothing's set in stone yet. It's a prime example of how coaching chemistry can change everything, turning potential departures into exciting comebacks.
Meanwhile, Hannay's already shaking things up with some big roster changes. Players like Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and Carter Gordon are out, while David Fifita is reportedly on the verge of joining the Rabbitohs, with talks still ongoing. For beginners wondering what this all means, think of it like a team sport's equivalent of a major corporate reshuffle—coaches bring in fresh talent to align with their vision, but it can stir up uncertainty among fans and players alike.
Speaking of uncertainty, things are getting spicy over at the Tigers with fullback Jahream Bula. Reports suggest the club might not activate his mutual option for 2027, which could see the 23-year-old exit after next season. To break this down simply: a mutual option is like a built-in contract extension where both sides agree to keep things going, potentially boosting his pay from about $700,000 in 2026 to up to $900,000. But according to SMH's Michael Chammas, the Tigers are hesitating at the $800,000 trigger, and he predicts Bula might walk. 'If you asked me to make a bold prediction for 2026, I think Jahream Bula could depart the club. I don’t think there’s an appetite from the Wests Tigers to activate his trigger at $800,000. I actually agree, I don’t think he’s worth that.'
And this is the part most people miss—Bula's agent, the controversial Isaac Moses, has a rocky history with the Tigers. Moses also reps Lachlan Galvin, who bolted mid-season to the Bulldogs. Chammas hinted that Moses is shopping Bula around, and if the Tigers don't trigger the option, Bula becomes a free agent. Channel Nine's Danny Weidler floated the idea of a Bulldogs reunion with Galvin, and Chammas replied, 'Maybe... The Tigers are rightfully baulking at the $800k trigger.' Is this fair play, or is it agents stirring the pot? It's a debate that divides fans—should clubs pay premium prices for young talent, or is loyalty overrated in today's high-stakes league?
Switching gears (pun intended), former Storm powerhouse Nelson Asofa-Solomona is eyeing a potential leap to rugby union. Released from his last two years with Melbourne, the 29-year-old Kiwi, who pocketed $850,000 annually and played 215 games with two premiership rings, is seeking fresh challenges after disciplinary issues cooled things with coach Craig Bellamy. He's gearing up for the Pacific Championships, where New Zealand faces Samoa in Auckland this Sunday, and he opened up on Newstalk ZB about his options.
'I’m pretty blessed to have some options … I could not tell you what I’m going to do,' he said. 'I need to sit down, write things out, and make a sound decision, but I’m not closing the door on league or rugby.' Asofa-Solomona mentioned interest from R360, a breakaway rugby union comp, but he's playing it cool, waiting to see how it pans out. 'It’s been a long journey with the Storm since 2011. But it’s time for something fresh, the next chapter.' For those new to this, code-switching means jumping from rugby league (NRL) to union—a bigger field, different rules, and often a pay bump, but it can feel like betraying your roots to some fans. Is it a smart career move, or does it dilute the league's talent pool? That's a hot topic sparking endless arguments.
On a lighter note, versatile back Daine Laurie is set for a multi-year deal with the Raiders, turning down the Bulldogs to move to Canberra. Codesports reports the Bulldogs were keen, possibly for a reunion with ex-Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo, but Laurie chose the Raiders instead. As a former Panthers and Tigers star who can slot in at fullback, halves, or outside backs, he's played 76 NRL games since 2020 and will add depth for coach Ricky Stuart, especially backing up Kaeo Weekes. He'll link up with his new squad next month for a grueling pre-season. It's a great reminder of how versatility can open doors in a competitive sport like rugby league.
And if that's not enough, the Rabbitohs are raiding rugby union territory, snagging All Blacks prospect Saumaki Saumaki. The back rower, fresh from Super Rugby under 20s with the Crusaders, will join South Sydney for 2026 after glowing scout reports. 'All the mail we got on him was outstanding and we thought he was worth a go,' said Souths CEO Blake Solly. 'He played for New Zealand Schoolboys in rugby and you have to be pretty good to do that.' Saumaki, eligible for more schoolboy duties in 2026 and a Nelson College grad, is a rising star.
The Warriors aren't sitting idle either—they've nabbed 19-year-old flyhalf Harry Inch from the Crusaders, who gave him a release after training with the senior squad. Both moves have been confirmed by the Tasman Rugby Union. For novices, this highlights how the NRL is increasingly poaching union talent, strengthening the league but potentially weakening its rival code.
Before we wrap up, check out these related stories: NSW and QLD Cup stars eyeing NRL spots, including Broncos' succession plans and Latrell 2.0's switch; Round 1 Pacific Champs teams with Haas leading Samoa; 10 Super League stars who could return to NRL, like forgotten Test flyers and Dragons guns; and a quick clip on Papenhuyzen possibly leaving after the Grand Final.
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What do you reckon? Is it smart for players like Asofa-Solomona to switch codes, or should they stay loyal to league? Do clubs like the Tigers owe stars like Bula big bucks, or is that overpaying? Are agent dramas like Isaac Moses' fair game, or unethical? Drop your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own hot takes!
