Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
NRL signings tracker updates have delivered a packed round of player movement, with Greg Marzhew, Sunia Turuva, Jake Clifford, Kalyn Ponga and Alex Johnston among the biggest names shaping club rosters for the coming seasons.
The latest contract news covers long-term extensions, 2027 transfers and early expansion planning for the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs, as clubs move quickly to lock down key players before the next recruitment window.
The latest roster movement follows a hectic rugby league week after NRL Magic Round injuries shaped team news before the Brisbane showpiece, while official player movement updates are available through the National Rugby League website.
Marzhew and Ponga Commit to Newcastle
Powerful winger Greg Marzhew has signed a three-year extension with Newcastle Knights, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2029 season.
Marzhew has scored 13 tries this season, including a club record-equalling five tries against St George Illawarra Dragons in Round 10.
“Greg has been in stellar form, he’s thriving outside Bradman, and we’re pleased he has recommitted to the club,” Knights head of recruitment Peter O’Sullivan said.
“The game is dependent on backfield carries and Greg has one of the best carries in the NRL. Along with his tryscoring ability, he produces tries that others just can’t score.
“Greg is an important signing. He is extremely popular within the playing group and throughout the Club, and our community loves him.”
Newcastle also locked in superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga until at least the end of 2030.
Ponga has played 148 games for the Knights since arriving from North Queensland Cowboys in 2018, and coach Justin Holbrook said keeping him was a major step for the club.
Wests Tigers Lock in Their Core
Wests Tigers continued their long-term roster build by extending Sunia Turuva until the end of the 2030 National Rugby League season.
The Fiji international was originally signed until 2027, but his new three-year extension keeps him at Concord alongside Jahream Bula, Terrell May and Taylan May.
“It’s been special to be part of Benji’s vision here at the club, and play my role in what we’re building,” Turuva said.
Bula has also signed through 2030, giving Benji Marshall a long-term fullback after a strong start to the season.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to remain with the Tigers for the next four seasons," Bula said.
"The culture and connection that we have as a group is special, and I’m excited to be part of what we’re building. I love being here and I'm looking forward to growing my game under Benji and helping bring the club success."
The Tigers will still farewell Jarome Luai after 2027, with the Samoa star set to join PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Clifford Rewarded by Cowboys
North Queensland Cowboys have re-signed Jake Clifford until the end of 2028 after his strong start to the 2026 campaign.
Clifford has played all nine games for the Cowboys this season, scoring four tries and setting up seven more.
“Jake was challenged in the pre-season to win his spot, he did that and has gone on to play some of the best football of his career,” Cowboys Football Club CEO Micheal Luck said.
“The partnership between Jake and Tom Dearden in the halves has blossomed over the past 12 months and we believe they complement each other well.”
Clifford said staying in North Queensland was an easy family call.
“This decision was a no-brainer for my family and I. This is our home here and I’m really excited with what this playing group has been building this year,” he said.
Dragons Add Drinkwater and Sami
St George Illawarra Dragons have signed Scott Drinkwater from 2027 through to the end of 2029.
The Dragons also added former State of Origin representative Phil Sami from Gold Coast Titans on a three-year deal from 2027.
Dragons co-captain Damien Cook will leave after 2026 to join Castleford, where he will link up again with former Dragons assistant coach Ryan Carr.
“Captaining the Dragons has been one of the proudest experiences of my career. As a kid from the area, it has meant a lot to me to start and end my NRL journey here," Cook said.
"My full focus right now is on doing everything I can for this team and this club over the remainder of 2026. I’ve loved my time at the Dragons, and I’m determined to finish it the right way."
Expansion Clubs Make Early Moves
Alex Johnston has become the second player to sign with PNG Chiefs for their first season in 2028.
The National Rugby League’s all-time leading try-scorer will join Luai after finishing his current South Sydney Rabbitohs deal.
"AJ is the greatest try scorer in the history of our game and a Papua New Guinean icon,” PNG general manager of football Michael Chammas said.
Perth Bears have also added Te Hurinui “Apa” Twidle and Kit Laulilii for 2027 and beyond.
They join a growing list that includes Siosifa Talakai, Scott Sorensen, Liam Henry and Mikolaj Oledzki.
More Moves Across the NRL
Parramatta Eels have signed Harrison Edwards from the Cowboys immediately to cover their injury-hit pack.
The Eels have also secured Jaydn Su’A from 2027, while Brisbane Broncos have signed Mitch Barnett from New Zealand Warriors on a three-year deal.
Melbourne Storm winger Will Warbrick will join the Warriors in 2027, with Jamayne Isaako heading to Melbourne.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will leave the Warriors for Wakefield, while Adam Reynolds has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season after a 15-year National Rugby League career.