In the thrilling yet unpredictable arena of rugby league, where player loyalties can shift faster than a halftime substitution, a whirlwind of transfers and tantalizing rumors is keeping fans on the edge of their seats – and this season's drama is just heating up!
Phillip Sami appears poised to stick around with the Titans, as the newly appointed coach Josh Hannay has reportedly expressed his strong desire to keep the talented flyer at the club for the 2026 season. According to reports from AAP, Sami's manager, Paul Hogan, recently chatted with Hannay to iron out any uncertainties about his client's future. There had been widespread speculation that Sami had been given the green light to talk with other teams and potentially leave the Gold Coast squad, even though his existing deal is valid through the end of 2026. But here's where it gets controversial: Hogan clarified that no official permission was ever granted by the Titans for such negotiations. 'We were never at any stage given formal permission by the Titans to negotiate with other clubs for next year,' Hogan stated firmly. Instead, Sami has engaged in multiple discussions with Hannay about the upcoming year, and the coach has made it abundantly clear that he wants him on the team. Hogan even noted that during their recent conversation, Hannay reiterated his enthusiasm for Sami's continued presence. And this is the part most people miss – Hogan emphasized that Sami himself is genuinely excited about the prospect of being guided by Hannay and elevating his performance to new heights. While Sami will be free to explore options with rivals starting November 1 for the 2027 season, the question of whether his Gold Coast chapter will be extended hangs in the balance. Since taking the reins as Titans coach, Hannay has already orchestrated several roster changes, with players like Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Alofiana Khan-Pereira, and Carter Gordon heading out the door. On a similar note, David Fifita seems set to head to the Rabbitohs, with talks about his move still underway.
TIGERS' TOP CONCERNS
Shifting gears to the Tigers, star fullback Jahream Bula might be on the brink of an exit after next season, as whispers suggest the club is hesitant to exercise the mutual option in his contract for 2027. The 23-year-old is slated to earn around $700,000 in 2026, but if both sides agree to activate that option, his salary could climb as high as $900,000. However, according to Michael Chammas from the SMH, the Tigers might not be inclined to pull the trigger at this point. In a bold prediction on the Triple M podcast The Journos, Chammas ventured, '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.' For newcomers to the sport, a mutual option is like a safety net in a contract – it allows either the player or the club to decide on extending terms at a predetermined price, giving some flexibility but often leading to negotiations or standoffs. Bula is managed by the polarizing agent Isaac Moses, whose relationship with the Tigers has been rocky at best. Moses also represents Lachlan Galvin, who recently forced a mid-season switch from the Tigers to the Bulldogs. Continuing on the podcast, Chammas explained that Moses is actively seeking interest from other clubs on Bula's behalf. 'The way it works is if Jahream wants to stay at the Tigers, it’ll cost them $900,000 but if he’s not doing that well, he’s got a safety net and the Tigers can pick him up at $800,000. However, if neither party triggers the option, he becomes a free agent. I think that’s what will happen. He will look around first before he triggers his option because the Tigers won’t trigger his.' When asked by Channel Nine's Danny Weidler if Bula might reunite with Galvin at the Bulldogs, Chammas replied, 'Maybe. I’m not saying anything is done or happening but the Tigers are rightfully baulking at the $800k trigger.' This agent dynamic adds a layer of intrigue – is Moses pushing for the best deals for his clients, or stirring up unnecessary drama? It's a debate that's divided fans for years.
FORMER STORM POWERHOUSE EYES A SPORT SWITCH
Meanwhile, ex-Storm standout Nelson Asofa-Solomona is openly considering a leap to rugby union as he contemplates his career's next chapter. The Storm granted him an early release from the last two years of his lucrative contract – reportedly worth $850,000 annually – to pursue these fresh opportunities. The 29-year-old Kiwi forward, with 215 games under his belt and two premiership wins for Melbourne, had fallen out of favor with coach Craig Bellamy due to disciplinary issues, which led to this crossroads. But here's where it gets controversial: Asofa-Solomona isn't ruling out union, despite his deep love for league's excitement. He's gearing up for the Pacific Championships opener, where New Zealand takes on Samoa in Auckland this Sunday. Speaking on New Zealand's Newstalk ZB radio, he shared insights into his future plans: 'I’m pretty blessed to have some options … I could not tell you what I’m going to do. I need to sit down, write things out, and make a sound decision, but I’m not closing the door on league or rugby.' He revealed that the breakaway rugby union competition R360 has reached out to him, but like others in similar situations, he's in a holding pattern to see how it develops. Reflecting on his long stint with the Storm since 2011, he said, 'It’s time for something fresh, the next chapter.' While union is on the table, he admitted, 'It’s been a long journey with the Storm since 2011. But it’s time for something fresh, the next chapter. I have been approached by R360 and that’s the option I’m blessed with but what everyone is waiting for is to see how it unfolds … It’s more of just a waiting game. It [rugby] is an option but then again I love the game of rugby league – it’s so exciting – that’s what I love about the game.' This code switch could redefine careers, but is it worth risking the familiarity of league for the unknowns of union? Fans are split, with some seeing it as bold innovation and others as a risky gamble.
PANTHER IN TRANSIT
Over in the transfer saga, Daine Laurie is reportedly locking in a multi-year agreement with the Raiders, choosing to bypass an offer from a Sydney-based competitor. As detailed by Code Sports, the Bulldogs had shown interest, potentially sparking a reunion with his former Penrith assistant coach Cameron Ciraldo. Instead, Laurie's headed to Canberra, providing coach Ricky Stuart with a flexible backup for fullback Kaeo Weekes. The versatile former Panthers and Tigers player, who can slot into the halves or outer backs, has racked up 76 NRL matches since his 2020 debut. He'll reportedly join his new squad next month to tackle a rigorous pre-season under Stuart.
ADDITIONAL GRAND FINAL UPDATES
For more on the buildup, check out stories on Broncos' succession plans and Latrell 2.0's move, plus round one teams for the Pacific Championships featuring stars like Haas on Samoa. There's also buzz about potential NRL returns for Super League talents like forgotten Test flyers and guns from the Broncos and Dragons. And don't miss the clip on Papenhuyzen possibly leaving post-Grand Final defeat.
NRL SCOOPS TWO PROMISING RUGBY UNION YOUNG GUNS
The Rabbitohs have made a bold rugby raid, securing the signature of All Blacks prospect back rower Saumaki Saumaki for 2026. The talented youngster, who competed in this year's Super Rugby Under 20s for the Crusaders, will transition to rugby league after impressive scouting reports from South Sydney's team across the Tasman. 'All the mail we got on him was outstanding and we thought he was worth a go,' declared Souths chief executive Blake Solly. 'He played for New Zealand Schoolboys in rugby and you have to be pretty good to do that.' Saumaki, eligible for the New Zealand schoolboys team again in 2026, also hails from the prestigious Nelson College, a hotbed for rugby talent – think of it as a training ground where future stars hone their skills in both codes. On the flip side, the Warriors have nabbed another Crusaders gem, flyhalf Harry Inch, who's just 19. He's been released from the Crusaders system to join the Warriors, having trained with their senior squad this pre-season and played for the Under 20s. The Tasman Rugby Union has confirmed both departures, highlighting how league is increasingly dipping into union's talent pool for fresh blood.
With all these shifts, it's clear the NRL landscape is evolving rapidly. What do you think about these player movements? Should clubs prioritize loyalty and pay big bucks to retain stars, or is embracing change – like code switches or new faces – the way forward for the game? And on the controversial side, is Moses' influence helping or hindering players' careers? We'd love to hear your opinions – agree, disagree, or share your own predictions in the comments below!
