In the final edition of the series for the One Club Linchpin(see Part 1 Here or Part 2 Here), the last five franchises are explored to highlight those players that clubs cannot afford to lose and simply must lock down long-term.
Cameron Murray – South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Situation: Contracted until 2028
The Rationale: Cameron Murray has been the cornerstone of the South Sydney Rabbitohs
side, playing 179 games and representing NSW on 18 occasions. His professionalism, effort, and leadership underscore the importance of securing his signature for life. Currently under contract until the end of 2028, but free to negotiate by November 1 of 2027, Souths will be aiming to provide a deal that ensures Cameron Murray remains committed to the Rabbitohs. As captain, his influence on and off the field has been immense, particularly pertaining to club culture and identity. The combination of his character and his on-field capabilities, which are recognised as elite in his position, solidify him as an essential asset and one that, despite considerable interest from other clubs and codes as the end of his contract approaches, needs to be locked down at all costs.
Hamish Stuart – St George Illawarra Dragons
The Situation: Contracted until 2029
The Rationale: In a challenging year for the Dragons, Hamish Stuart has been a shining light. His performances, toughness, and consistency this early in his career have already made him one of the first names onto the team list each week. Stuart has already been touted as a future Origin and Australian representative and potential captain of the Dragons; thus, securing him on a long-term deal enhances their rebuilding phase and elevates hopes of the club returning to finals football on a regular basis. Developed from within, the local Gerringong Lion represents an individual the community can connect with, in tandem with a number of other young Illawarra-developed talents in an emerging forward pack. Lastly, his versatility and multifaceted skill set as either a hard-running edge backrower who is a threat aerially or a ball-playing middle make him essential to an immediate and longer-term turnaround for the Dragons.
Sam Walker – Sydney Roosters
The Situation: Contracted until 2027
The Rationale: Sam Walker has continued to develop into one of the top halfbacks in the NRL
, having now played over 100 games for the Sydney Roosters
. At 24 years of age and with his prime still ahead of him, landing Walker on a long-term contract is integral to the ongoing success of the club. Following a successful Origin campaign despite losing the series, Walker proved his worth on the biggest stage, allaying fears that his game can only be elite at club level. Walker is regarded as one of the most creative players in the league with unprecedented x-factor and unparalleled instincts. He is a rare commodity, an eyes-up player with one of the best short kicking games in the league and high football IQ. He has the potential to leave a lasting legacy and provide the Roosters with the security of having an elite long-term playmaker as part of their roster. Despite being blessed with a number of upcoming playmaking options, Walker is the real deal and the man who, behind the Roosters pack, can deliver premierships for the Chooks as well as cementing himself as part of representative football for years to come.
Samuela Fainu – Wests Tigers
The Situation: Contracted until 2027
The Rationale: At just 22 years old, Samuela Fainu has already established himself as one of the NRL’s most dynamic edge forwards. Having already been the Wests Tigers’ Player of the Season in his debut season, his value to the side moving forward is unquestioned. Securing him long-term keeps the talented Fainu brothers together, ensuring stability and roster harmony for the club’s forward pack. His hard-running on the edge, athleticism, defensive ferocity, and ability to produce offloads in traffic put him among the elite backrowers in the competition. With his current contract running down, the Tigers locking him down now protects a cornerstone piece of the squad from rival expansion clubs before he hits the open market, securing a special talent for a side in need of a long-term superstar.
Leka Halasima – New Zealand Warriors
The Situation: Contracted until 2029
The Rationale: At just 20 years old, Leka Halasima possesses rare athleticism, explosive running power, and tackle-busting ability that make him a nightmare for opposition defensive lines. A homegrown talent developed through the Warriors system provides fans with an instant connection, and this, in combination with his seamless transition into first grade, has made him a cult figure for the Warriors faithful. A once-in-a-generation player, equally at home in either the back row or the centres, Halasima is already consistently delivering 80-minute performances with high run metres and tackle counts, despite being nowhere near his prime in either position. In terms of physical attributes, his qualities are unparalleled, making him someone that the Warriors must lock down and nurture as the long-term leader of their forward pack.
