In an era where it is becoming increasingly rare for players to commit to one club or for a club to be able to lock them down in a highly competitive market, who is the one player at each club that is most critical to the ongoing success of the team?
Brisbane Broncos – Patrick Carrigan
The Situation: Contracted until 2028
The Rationale: With the loss of Payne Haas to South Sydney in 2027, securing Carrigan long-term has never been more important for the Brisbane Broncos. Probably underpaid, but not underappreciated, he represents a standard of consistency and quality of performance both week in, week out, and especially at the business end of the season. His leadership and the standards that he sets are critical to a club with other high-profile players and up-and-comers that need a steadying influence that will hold them accountable. As he enters the prime age for a forward in the NRL, his defensive attitude, attacking prowess, and his role as Captain from 2027 make him essential for Brisbane to lock down.
Canberra Raiders – Ethan Strange
The Situation: Contracted until 2028
The Rationale: Following a breakout year in 2025 with the Raiders finishing as Minor Premiers and Ethan Strange claiming the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year award, Canberra sit in an optimistic position with a team filled with youth and exuberance, crystallized by the talent of Strange. After re-signing in 2024, Strange is contracted until the end of the 2028 season. A young, dynamic, and explosive once-in-a-generation talent, he will be crucial to seal as a one-club player. When delving through the history of the Raiders’ success, they typically possess dominant running halves such as Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley, and Jack Wighton, who are in a similar mold to Strange. Locking down Strange is a must for the Canberra Raiders
to continue to be a force in the NRL.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Jacob Preston
The Situation: Contracted until 2027
The Rationale: Jacob Preston remaining a one-club player would give the Bulldogs a long-term elite edge player with future leadership and representative pedigree. His reliability and consistency ensure that those coming through the Bulldogs pathways are continually reminded of the DNA of the club. Already a fan favourite, die-hard supporters connect with nothing better than a homegrown product currently delivering and with a continued upside for the future. His defensive IQ and line-running capabilities make him a dual threat to all opponents. Over time, Preston could become a defining figure of a successful Bulldogs era.
Cronulla Sharks – Blayke Brailey
The Situation: Contracted until 2030
The Rationale: Blayke Brailey being a one-club player would ensure long-term stability in the hooking position at the Sharks. He is blessed with an explosive running game and is on the cusp of representative football both now and into the future. Fans value loyalty and love a local junior, and Brailey would become a central figure in the club’s identity as well as its leadership. Consistency in the spine is crucial, and his presence would provide that along with the potential to leave a lasting legacy in the No. 9 position in the Shire for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The Dolphins – Isaiya Katoa
The Situation: Contracted until 2028
The Rationale: Isaiya Katoa has already demonstrated at a young age his quality as a playmaker in the NRL. He is already running the Dolphins team and is a long way away from the true peak of halfbacks in the NRL. Security of being able to continue to develop within the one system is a win for both the Dolphins and Katoa. Katoa remaining loyal and the Dolphins being proactive will lead to him being the face of the franchise for years to come and could ultimately be the approach necessary to lead the Dolphins into taking the next steps toward a maiden NRL Premiership.
Gold Coast Titans – Jayden Campbell
The Situation: Contracted until 2031
The Rationale: Jayden Campbell remaining at the Titans would give the club a dynamic long-term spine player, who will move into the peak of his career throughout his current contract. His signing is one that brings connection to both the past and the future for a club in desperate need of stability, particularly in its spine. Blessed with attacking flair and the possibility to grow into an elite playmaker, locking him down even beyond his current contract is critical to both the identity and potential that currently needs to be unlocked at the Gold Coast. Keeping a talent of his calibre ensures the Titans retain a local hero who can spark their offense from anywhere on the park.
Must be a hard decision to stay at one club when there is a chance you could make more money elsewhere. It probably comes down to where the players and their families feel comfortable.