Ten stars, 20 days: The marquee men poised to hit the open market on November 1

NRL clubs are preparing to open the chequebooks in the countdown to the November 1. The PNG Chiefs, armed with tax-free dollars, are about to enter their first free-agency period, just as some of the biggest names in the game become available.

Here are the top marquee men – if they don’t come to terms with their incumbent clubs beforehand – that will be testing their market value.

This is the biggest domino to fall in the transfer market. Undoubtedly the best and most influential player in the NRL, which will make Cleary’s the most sought-after signature in the game. The horrific leg injury suffered in the preliminary final is a curveball that nobody saw coming, but that won’t deter Penrith or other clubs from trying to secure his services. Will be the priority target of the PNG Chiefs, but recommitting to the Panthers remains the most likely outcome. Teammate Isaah Yeo would be on this list, but he’s expected to stay put.

Walker’s stocks continue to rise, after winning a premiership ring and earning a spot in the Kangaroos World Cup squad. Has proven he can perform on the big stage, as evidenced by performances in State of Origin and the finals series. Walker said on Saturday his intention was to remain at the Roosters, though it remains to be seen if the club will budge on the initial extension offer his management declined to take up. The Chiefs are lying in wait if the parties can’t come to terms and Cleary stays put at Penrith.

South Sydney has long been accused of ceding too much power to Mitchell. That changed when the club put contract talks on hold – potentially until March – after Mitchell played just 34 games in three seasons. The hardest NRL player to value given the impact he has on the field, and how rarely he’s on it. It will be fascinating to see if Newcastle makes a play for Mitchell if Bradman Best leaves that club.

The mail about the Roosters eyeing Farnworth won’t go away. Farnworth did little to douse the speculation after he recently became an ambassador for BYD, one of the Roosters’ major sponsors. The best centre in the world, a club like the Roosters would be prepared to shift him to fullback once James Tedesco finishes up. The Dolphins are desperate to keep him, but face a serious battle to do so.

Munster feels like he has been low-balled, after Melbourne offered him a contract extension worth only about $750,000 per season. Will head to the open market after PNG decided not to make an offer, at least until they know whether Cleary, Walker and Titans youngster Zane Harrison are doing. Munster has spoken of his love of Craig Bellamy, but if next year will be the last for the supercoach, the chance for a bigger payday elsewhere could be irresistible.

One of the reasons the Tigers were prepared to let Jarome Luai go was to ensure money was freed up to spend on Fainu. So keen are the Tigers, they’ve even floated the prospect of taking on brother Manase, who hasn’t played since 2019 after a stint in jail. Fainu’s preference would be to play alongside his three other brothers – Sione, Latu and Manase – at the Tigers. But they will need to table a long and lucrative offer to ensure keep him.

Canterbury have made it clear Burton will be on centre – rather than five-eighth – money if he is to stay in Belmore. Has been heavily linked to Parramatta, who are treading water after signing Jarome Luai for just 12 months. Perth is one of several other clubs that could be an option. Much will depend on whether he’s content to keep playing in the centres or prefers the cash and responsibility that comes with being in the spine. His big boot has also prompted talk of an NFL switch.

Grant can hit the free market if he doesn’t take up a Storm option in coming weeks. While he is tipped to stay in Melbourne, the Kangaroos hooker would spark a frenzy if he chose to test his value. Unlikely to head to Perth, as the move could knock long-time teammate Tyran Wishart out of the Bears No.9 jersey.

The first test case for the NRL’s insistence that PNG pays “market value” for its recruits. Canberra has upped its offer to $4.4 million over four years in a bid to scare off suitors. The Chiefs are still keen, but don’t want to blow the budget at a time when other back-row options could include Samuela Fainu, Jeremiah Nanai, Liam Martin, Briton Nikora, David Fifita, Brendan Piakura, Teig Wilton and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.

The NSW Origin centre is in no rush to commit to Newcastle, given Parramatta is ready to make a big-money offer. Expect him to be part of a centres merry-go-round that could also include Latrell Mitchell, Herbie Farnworth, Matt Burton, Billy Smith, Jack Wighton, Jack Howarth and Deine Mariner.

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