Australia's World Cup title defence is at risk of being overshadowed by player movement, with 11 Kangaroos stars set to become free agents on November 1, the same date the PNG Chiefs officially enter the market with tax-free incentives. The World Cup final is scheduled for November 15.
Among the players whose contracts are expiring are Melbourne Storm pair Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, South Sydney's Latrell Mitchell, Sydney Roosters half Sam Walker, and Australia captain Isaah Yeo, who is yet to officially extend with Penrith but indicated through his management he has no plans to leave the club.
Grant can talk to rivals should he not take up an option with the Storm for 2028, while persistent speculation links Munster with a return to Queensland. The Roosters are eager to lock down Walker, who is reportedly entitled to hold out for almost $1.5 million a season. South Sydney have told Mitchell they will wait until the start of next season to assess his fitness before discussing a new deal beyond 2027, while teammate David Fifita also enters his final year of contract.
The PNG Chiefs, with their tax-free salary offers, add an extra dimension to the market, raising the prospect of some stars being lured away mid-tournament. The situation threatens to distract both players and selectors as Australia pushes for a second consecutive World Cup title.