The November 1 signing feed is just around the corner, and the upcoming Pacific Championship for 12 players is a great opportunity to prove their worth.
From November 1, players who are out of contract at the end of 2024 will be able to negotiate with rivals from 2025 onwards. Clubs have rushed to lock up their big-name players to avoid hitting the open market in two-and-a-half weeks, but there is still some exciting talent that appears to be available at the Pacific Championship. . Roosters and New Zealand superstar Joseph Manu heads the list, which also includes team-mate Terrell May, veterans Kieran Foran and Jack de Belin and Dally M Rookie of the Year Sunia Turuva. The grand finale Here are the Pacific Championship players who will become free agents starting November 1st. Isaac extended Phins’ contract until 2026 | 00:33 JOSEPH MANU It seems like only yesterday that Joey Manu was adopted, but his future will once again be a hot topic in rugby league in the coming weeks. The Roosters extended him in December 2021, but only on a two-year deal that expires at the end of next season.
A few months ago Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was reportedly willing to throw a lot of money at him to lure him to the Red V, but while Roosters coach Trent Robinson expects plenty of interest in Manu, he stated that “he’s here at the end of his career, let’s say.” Manu’s value to the Roosters has reportedly increased since Joseph Suaali’i signed with Rugby Australia. The club no longer have to choose who will one day take over James Tedesco’s first shirt – Manu has it all in Chooks. He may play again at full-back in the upcoming Pacific Championships in New Zealand, but wherever he plays, rival clubs will be watching closely as they prepare their chequebooks. Joseph Manu is one of the elite centers in the NRL.
The veteran playmaker likely won’t see much time in the half as he’s behind Dylan Brown and Jahrome Hughes, but his selection alone proves he still has a lot to offer. Foran, who could play on the bench for the Kiwis, will turn 34 when his current contract expires. He admitted on the Fox League Podcast earlier this season that “age is not on my side,” but said, “I’d be a brave guy to get rid of myself.” And it is true. After playing 282 NRL games over 15 seasons, he suffered a number of career-threatening injuries. But he knows it’s a “results-driven business” and “has to get results and make an impact” to keep his career alive. Do that to a Kiwi, new Titans coach Des Hasler certainly saw the benefit in keeping him – especially given their history together at Manly and the Bulldogs.
This tournament could also put him on the radar of rival clubs interested in signing the highly experienced five-eighth. Will Kieran Foran play another year?. It’s been a great 12 months for Sunia Turuva. He was the star of last year’s Rugby League World Cup, was this season’s Dally M Rookie of the Year and won a premiership with the Panthers. No doubt his value has already risen since re-signing with Penrith in June 2022, but a few more big performances for Fiji – either on the wing or at full-back – could have increased the competition for his signature. Panthers coach Ivan Cleary has been so impressed with Turuvas this season that the 21-year-old is likely to be a priority signing before November 1. But if the club cannot seal a deal before he hits the market, he is the Pacific Championship to increase his price. Sunia Turuva has had an amazing 12 months.
Terrell May will make his international debut in Samoa, a fitting reward for his outstanding season with the Roosters. May has earned a place on the bench this season and has seen his playing time increase to around 50 minutes per game in recent weeks. In the last six games of the season, he averaged 135 yards and 26 carries — and also had four interceptions in that span. His efforts for the Tricolor alone would undoubtedly attract the attention of his rivals, but now he has the opportunity to attract even more potential suitors as he competes in the upcoming Pacific Championships. While May has played his best football since joining the Roosters system two years ago, he may have to consider a move as Spencer Leniu’s game time could be reduced next season. 2023 was a breakout year for Terrell May.
It’s been six years since Jack de Belin was on the open market, but that’s where he’s headed if the Dragons don’t lock him up before November 1st. The 32-year-old has spent her entire career with the Red V, playing 205 games since making her NRL debut in 2011. The club stood by her when she was accused of sexual assault and repaid their faith – and patience – when she turned herself around. In 2020, the Warriors declined a financial offer to re-sign him.
Dragons in 2021. He will turn 33 in the opening rounds of next season, so a new contract may not even be on the cards. But the fact that he put his hand up to represent PNG Kumul after turning down last year’s World Cup opportunity suggests he has even more in store.
