Six NRL players still without a club ahead of the 2023 season

Josh McAllister 03 Jan 2023 4:55 PM

With both the NRL and Super League seasons closing in, there are still several players on the market and searching for contracts ahead of the new campaigns.

Here’s a look at six players still looking for a new contract in the new year…

Brandon Wakeham

Brandon Wakeham PA

Fiji international half-back Brandon Wakeham is still on the market ahead of the 2023 season. The 23-year-old had been reported to be considering a move to Super League during his World Cup campaign in England, but it would appear most clubs have completed their off-season transfers, with only four left to confirm squad numbers.

He made his NRL debut back in 2019 with Canterbury Bulldogs, and has gone on to make 34 appearances in the competition. But his future is still unknown.

Josh Mansour

Josh Mansour hat-trick. PA Images

Josh Mansour is arguably the best-known player on this list, having made 174 NRL appearances. He enjoyed nine seasons with Penrith Panthers, making his debut 2012, before joining South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2021.

Speaking to Love Rugby League during his World Cup campaign with Lebanon, the 32-year-old said he would be open to a move to Super League for 2023.

Albert Kelly

Albert Kelly NRL PA Images

Former Super League half-back Albert Kelly remains without a contract for 2023, having played the last two seasons with the Brisbane Broncos.

Kelly, 31, enjoyed six seasons in Super League with spells at both Hull KR and Hull before returning to the NRL in 2021. He also featured in the Queensland Cup last year for the Souths Logan Magpies.

Josh Cook

Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix

Ireland international Josh Cook remains without a club for 2023, and previously told Love Rugby League that he would be keen to play in England.

He said: “I spoke to a few of the boys here who play in Super League. I’m very open to play footy as long as I get a good crack and a good dig, I’ll take any opportunity.”

He left Canterbury Bulldogs at the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Ava Seumanufagai

Former Leeds prop Ava Seumanufagai now plays for the Bulldogs

Former Leeds forward Ava Seumanufagai was granted an early release from Canterbury Bulldogs to pursue other opportunities at the end of 2022.

He played two seasons in Super League with the Rhinos, and also previously represented Wests Tigers and Cronulla Sharks. His future is yet to be announced in either Super League or NRL.