Gun South Sydney forward Tallis Duncan has emerged as the only player guaranteed to be spared from a major shake-up expected at the club. The Rabbitohs have a whopping 18 players coming off contract at the end of next season that will be free to speak with rival NRL clubs on November 1. But it’s understood the club has put contract talks on hold for all them – with the exception of Duncan.
Latrell Mitchell, David Fifita, Campbell Graham, Brandon Smith and Jack Wighton are among the biggest names at Souths whose current deals expire at the end of 2027. While Cody Walker is un-contracted beyond this year and no decision has yet been made about whether the veteran five-eighth will play on after the current campaign.
South Sydney have put contract talks on hold for all of their players off contract at the end of 2027 with the exception of Tallis Duncan (L image, right side). Pic: Getty
It leaves Wayne Bennett’s Bunnies facing a major decision around some of their biggest names, with News Corp reporting that some $6 million worth of talent could hit free agency on November 1. But one player who the club are desperate to tie down long-term is the versatile Duncan, who has enjoyed a standout season playing in the back-row and at centre for Souths in 2026.
Duncan – who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury – has been touted as a future State of Origin player by the likes of Andrew Johns. And veteran league reporter Brent Read revealed on NRL 360 on Wednesday night that he’s currently the only off-contract player that Souths have prioritised offering an extension to.
Souths prioritising contract extension for Tallis Duncan
“They have put off all contract talks until after their season is over. The only bloke they are talking to at the moment is Tallis Duncan,” Read told the program. And he suggested any new deal for the Souths young gun could be worth as much as $800,000 off the back of an expected salary cap increase from the NRL’s record new broadcast deal.
“For me, I think you’re looking at $600,000 minimum with a ratchet in,” Read said. “That’s a reasonable amount for Tallis… I said $600,000 with a ratchet, so that gets him to $800,000.”
Tallis Duncan has emerged as a priority re-signing for Souths among their long list of players coming off contract at the end of 2027. Pic: Getty
NRL 360 co-host Braith Anasta reckons that salary could be even higher with cashed-up NRL rivals Perth and PNG armed with huge war chests to recruit the likes of Duncan. “I think he is worth that every day of the week, I think clubs will pay $700,000 or $800,000,” Anasta said. “He is a million-dollar forward in the next three years.”
Souths have signed Payne Haas on a three-year, $3.6 million deal from 2027 but will lose Keaon Koloamatangi to the Dragons at the end of the season. But the future of superstar fullback Mitchell is arguably the biggest question facing the Bunnies among their list of off-contract stars.
Mitchell is on a $1.1 million a season deal but hasn’t played since Round 11 due to a bulging disc in his back. And there are no guarantees he’ll return this season in the latest setback for the injury-ravaged star. It’s led to calls for Mitchell to consider taking a pay cut on his next deal or agree to clauses that would reduce his salary if he fails to play a certain number of games.
