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NRL Player Movement Update: Signings, Departures, and Contract Negotiations Across Multiple Clubs

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NRL Player Movements: A Comprehensive Roundup

Multiple NRL player movements have been reported across several clubs, including the Perth Bears, Brisbane Broncos, Newcastle Knights, and Dolphins. The following provides a factual account of reported transfers, contract negotiations, and player interests.

Perth Bears Roster Construction

The Perth Bears, preparing for their inaugural 2027 NRL season, have secured approximately 22 players in their top 30 squad. The club has made several notable signings and is pursuing additional talent.

Confirmed Signings

  • Gehamat Shibasaki has signed a two-year deal with the Perth Bears worth $500,000 per season. The 28-year-old centre began the 2025 season on an $80,000 train and trial contract with the Brisbane Broncos, later becoming a premiership-winning centre, representing Queensland in State of Origin, and playing three Tests for the Kangaroos. He scored two tries in the grand final.
  • Jope Rauqe, a New South Wales under-19s representative and Fiji Test debutant, has signed with the Bears as a long-term development prospect.
  • Siosifa Talakai has agreed to a three-year contract with the Bears, commencing in the 2027 season through 2029. The 28-year-old has played 133 NRL games (scoring 27 tries) for the Rabbitohs and Sharks since 2016, and has represented New South Wales in two Origin matches (2022) and Tonga in two Tests.
  • Scott Sorensen, a Penrith Panthers premiership winner, joined the Bears on a two-year deal.

Reported Player Interests

  • Luke Garner, Penrith Panthers forward, is reportedly attracting interest from the Perth Bears. Garner is off-contract at the end of the 2026 season and joined the Panthers in 2023 from the Wests Tigers.
  • Marata Niukore, Warriors prop (29 years old), has reportedly held discussions with the Bears. He has scored 18 tries in 157 NRL games for the Eels and Warriors since 2018.
  • Jack Cole, Panthers playmaker (22 years old), has reportedly held discussions with the Bears. He has scored three tries in 17 NRL games for Penrith.
  • Gairo Voro, London Broncos pivot, has received a development offer from the Bears. Bears coach Mal Meninga confirmed interest, noting Voro's performance in the 2025 Pacific Test series for Papua New Guinea.

Coach's Statements

Bears coach Mal Meninga stated that Shibasaki is a Test player who will add a new dimension to the backline, praising his size and experience.

Meninga described Rauqe as an outstanding prospect with physical tools to become an NRL star. Regarding Gehamat Shibasaki, Meninga acknowledged interest but indicated that his potential asking price might exceed the club's financial capabilities, stating:

"I just think Gehamat could price himself out for us. We haven't pursued it too much, I just assumed he would stay with the Broncos."

Gehamat Shibasaki's Contract Situation

Interest from Multiple Clubs

Gehamat Shibasaki is reportedly sought by five clubs for the upcoming season. The interested parties include the Brisbane Broncos, Perth Bears, PNG Chiefs, and two Sydney-based clubs. Shibasaki earned $160,000 in the previous season and his new contract could potentially increase his value by $500,000.

Broncos' Position

Broncos coach Michael Maguire expressed the club's intention to retain Shibasaki, stating:

"We're working towards keeping Gem. His attitude and work ethic is everything we want to stand for at the Broncos."

Agent's Statements

Shibasaki's agent, Wayde Rushton, confirmed that external options are being explored. Rushton noted that the anticipated departures of Payne Haas and Adam Reynolds at the end of the season could potentially create salary cap space, increasing the likelihood of Shibasaki remaining with the Broncos. Rushton stated:

"Gem loves Brisbane, but understands there's salary cap pressures, so we need to just work out where he fits in the salary cap and where he is best suited. With Payne and 'Reyno' going at the end of the season, I'd say there would be more of a chance of him staying at the Broncos, yes... but he also has major interest (from other clubs)."

Bronson Xerri's Future at Bulldogs

Bulldogs centre Bronson Xerri has met with at least two rival clubs, including the Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels. His relationship with the Bulldogs reportedly suffered after being dropped to reserve grade. Xerri was subsequently left out of Round 16 and named on the extended bench for Round 17.

Xerri is contracted until the end of 2027, but the Bulldogs are reportedly open to letting him leave with a year remaining. There is no indication of a mid-season release. The Bulldogs are close to signing Penrith's Jesse McLean for next season.

Dane Gagai Likely to Leave Knights

Newcastle Knights have informed Dane Gagai that they cannot offer him a contract for next season due to salary cap constraints and the development of younger backs. Gagai, who debuted at Brisbane in 2011, is being pursued by the Broncos.

The Broncos are reportedly seeking to replace Gehamat Shibasaki, who is leaving the club. The Broncos tabled a deal worth over $250,000; other clubs are also interested. Gagai recorded 78 tackle breaks (second-most among NRL centres) and 7 try assists in the 2026 season.

Kodi Nikorima to Decide Future

Kodi Nikorima is weighing offers from rival clubs and stated he will decide in the next couple of weeks. Nikorima expressed a desire to stay with the Dolphins, calling Brisbane home. The Dolphins have reportedly signed George Williams from Super League for next season. Dolphin's price on the open market may exceed what the Dolphins can offer.

Herbie Farnworth Denies Roosters Link

Herbie Farnworth stated he has not spoken to anyone from the Sydney Roosters, despite rumors linking him to that club. Farnworth indicated he will speak to the Dolphins first about an extension. He is contracted for the current season and the next.

Additional Player Movements

  • Alex Johnston, South Sydney Rabbitohs winger and NRL's record try-scorer, has indicated he would consider a move to the PNG Chiefs franchise if they enter the NRL in 2028. Johnston, who has Papua New Guinean heritage, is contracted with the Rabbitohs until the end of 2025.
  • Francis Molo, Dolphins prop, has reportedly signed a two-year contract extension worth approximately $1 million, securing his presence until the end of the 2028 season. Molo, 31, reportedly received offers from other NRL clubs and Super League teams.