NRL: Big off-season signings

The 2025 NRL season is still some way off, but there is no shortage of excitement away from the field as clubs build their rosters for the new campaign.

A number of big names could are exploring the market for 2026, these include Ryan Papenhuyzen, James Tedesco and Selwyn Cobbo.

Plenty of focus remains on those three players, but there is also a large number of players who have yet to find a club for 2025.

There is sure to be plenty of activity before the season gets underway in March 2025, but there have already been some significant moves.

Let’s take a look at the biggest moves of the off-season so far.

Ben Hunt to Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos had a very disappointing 2024, failing to make finals, but with Michael Maguire taking over as coach, hopes are high for 2025.

The capture of Hunt following an early release from his Dragons contract, will inject even more optimism into the club.

Hunt has penned a two-year contract with the Broncos, and the Queensland State of Origin playmaker will have a huge role to play.

Brisbane fought off plenty of interest from elsewhere to land Hunt, who turned them all down to return home.

Lachlan Ilias to St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons have brought in Ilias as a replacement for Hunt, as they look to make changes under coach Shane Flanagan.

After deciding to set Hunt free, the Dragons moved quickly to sign Ilias, who had slipped down the pecking order with South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Ilias has proven he has what it takes to shine in the NRL, and the switch to the Dragons could be just what he needs to breathe new life into his career.

At 24, he still has his best years ahead of him, and has penned a two-year deal.

Josh Addo-Carr to Parramatta Eels

Addo-Carr was released by the Canterbury Bulldogs following some off-field issues and has been given a fresh start by the Eels.

The speedy winger has penned a one-year deal with the Eels, and he has vowed to repay the faith that their new coach Jason Ryles has shown in him.

The Eels have the option to extend the deal by a further year if Addo-Carr stars, and it could turn out to be a great signing.

Clint Gutherson to St George Illawarra Dragons

The Eels have however lost one of their great talisman figures with skipper Clint Gutherson heading to the Dragons.

Parramatta had been hoping to keep the star full-back, but he wanted to explore a fresh challenge and the Eels refused to stand in his way.

It could turn out to be another great signing for the Dragons, who are targeting a push for finals in 2025.

Terrell May to Wests Tigers

Terrell May only signed a contract extension with the Sydney Roosters earlier this year, but the Bondi outfit have now allowed him to join the Tigers.

The talented forward had slipped down the pecking order and will now get the chance to cement his place in the Tigers side after penning a three-year deal.