NRL contract news: AJ Brimson signs long-term deal to remain with Gold Coast Titans

NRL contract season continues to rumble on with over 100 players still available to negotiate and sign with rival clubs.

Joey Manu has finally determined his next move, while Zac Lomax has inked a deal with the Eels following his Dragons exit.

Elsewhere, the Panthers have lost two key players in James Fisher-Harris and Sunia Turuva, although they have gained a major star.

The Sporting News has all the latest official signings for 2024 and 2025 below.

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AJ Brimson signs long-term deal to remain with Gold Coast

Gold Coast Titans have secured the services of AJ Brimson long term with the star agreeing to a monster new deal.

The contract extension will take the Queenslander through until at least the end of the 2030 campaign, with Brimson joining captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui in committing long-term to the club.

“The Titans mean quite a bit to me,” the 25-year-old said.

“It’s been my home and my work for the last 10 years. I started as a 15-year-old coming through the ranks and have been full-time since 2017.

“I love playing for this club and I love the Gold Coast.”

Isaiah Papali’i to leave Tigers and join the Panthers in 2025

After being rebuffed by David Fifita, Penrith have landed a marquee backrower for 2025 onwards.

Angus Crichton was reportedly in their sights, but the men from the foot of the mountains have instead signed Isaiah Papali’i on a three-year deal.

The New Zealand international was released from his lucrative contract at the Wests Tigers in order to negotiate with rivals and the Panthers have pounced.

“Not only does Isaiah bring a wealth of experience and leadership capabilities to our club, but he’s also a world-class forward who has proven himself at the highest level,” the club’s CEO Matt Cameron said.

Ray Stone to remain with the Dolphins after signing contract extension

Ray Stone has inked a two-year extension that will keep him with the Dolphins until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.

The 26–year-old joined the club in their foundation year from Parramatta and quickly went on to establish himself as a favourite of Wayne Bennett.

“Ray has been one of the real quiet achievers of our entry to the NRL,” the club’s CEO Terry Reader said.

“He has been a cornerstone of what we are trying to build here in the way he goes about his business with a minimum amount of fuss but with a maximum amount of effectiveness.”

Aaron Schoupp leaves Titans to join the Sea Eagles

Manly have signed Aaron Schoupp on a two-year deal after the centre was granted an early release from his deal with the Titans.

The 22-year-old had managed just two appearances so far this season under Des Hasler, but will now link up with the Sea Eagles immediately.

“Aaron adds depth to our squad as we have got a few injuries to our outside backs at the moment,” Anthony Seibold said.

Mark Nicholls extends Dolphins deal

Veteran forward Mark Nicholls will go around for at least one more year at the Dolphins.

“He is a very popular player around the club, and the work he does and the knowledge he imparts in the dressing room to our younger players is as important as what he does on the field,” the club’s CEO Terry Reader said.

Jaydn Su’A re-signs with Dragons

Jayden Su’A has inked a two-year contract extension to remain at St George Illawarra.

The in-form backrower joined the club in 2022 and will remain at the Red V until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.

“Jaydn’s performances this year have shown how important he is to this club and how determined he is to perform for the Dragons,” Shane Flanagan said.

“He is just coming into his best football and we see him as a vital part of our forward pack over the coming years.”

David Fifita backflips on Roosters to remain with Titans

David Fifita has sensationally decided to take up his player option with the Titans for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

The Queenslander looked set to leave the club after agreeing to join the Roosters, yet backflipped on the move just days after it was announced.

“Despite his management making the initial approach the Roosters and Fifita personally informing the chairman and head coach of his intent to join the club, Fifita has since expressed doubt,” the Roosters noted after revealing they had withdrawn their offer to him.

Wayde Egan re-signs with the Warriors

Wayde Egan has inked another contract extension which will see him remain in New Zealand until at least the end of the 2027 season.

Egan was already contracted to the club through to 2025 but has opted to sign on for an extra two years.

“Wayde has shown his class consistently as one of the best hookers in the game,” Andrew McFadden said.

“He is thriving in the environment we have here and he’s passionate about the club. We’re thrilled to have him with us long term.”

Daniel Tupou reportedly re-signs with the Roosters

Daniel Tupou has reportedly signed a contract extension that will see him remain in Bondi, according to a report from The Daily Telegraph.

The veteran was believed to be on the outer at the club heading into the new campaign but has instead earned himself a new deal after a strong start to the season.

Dane Gagai re-signs with Knights

Dane Gagai has reportedly rebuffed interest from the Roosters in order to remain in Newcastle with the Knights.

The centre has signed for least two more years, with a mutual option for 2027.

“Dane is one of the best outside backs in the NRL and is playing as well as ever,” the club’s Director of Football Peter Parr said.

“When you combine his on-field performance, experience and leadership, Dane is a highly valued member of our club.”

Lewis Dodd makes move to South Sydney

St Helens playmaker Lewis Dodd will depart from the Super League at the end of the season and join South Sydney.

The English international has inked a three-year deal from 2025 that keeps him at Redfern until the end of the 2027 season.

“Lewis is one of the rising stars in England and he indicated to us that he wanted to test himself in the NRL and the Rabbitohs were the club he wanted to do that with,” the club’s Head of Football Mark Ellison said.

Luke Keary and Dale Finucane announce retirements

Luke Keary and Dale Finucane have called times on their careers, with the latter entering into retirement immediately.

The Roosters veteran announced his decision after the Anzac Day clash against the Dragons, despite signing an extension with the Bondi club last month.

Meanwhile, the Sharks forwards outlined how repeated head knocks had led to his decision to walk away from the game.

Billy Walters re-signs with the Broncos

Brisbane have handed Billy Walters a two-year contract extension which will keep the hooker at Red Hill until at least the end of the 2026 season.

“I’m super stoked to stay,” the 30-year-old said.

“I didn’t want to go anywhere else and the club was happy to keep me, so it’s a good result.”

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki signs with the Dolphins

Kulikefu Finefeuiaki has inked a three-year deal with the Dolphins from 2025 onwards.

The promising backrower broke onto the scene at the Cowboys as a teenager last season and has since established himself as a regular in Todd Payten’s side.

“The Dolphins have always said that recruitment was not just about year one and that we would take our time to build the squad and gain in strength with the right players,” the club’s CEO Terry Reader said.

The news comes with the Cowboys also announcing they have granted fellow backrower Jack Gosiewski an early release.

He has been tipped to sign with the Broncos for the remainder of the season.

Panthers winger Sunia Turuva signs with Tigers

The Tigers have made a major addition to their offensive ranks for 2025, signing Penrith winger Turuvua on a three-year deal.

Turuva is the NRL’s leading tryscorer this season (as of April 26) after bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2023.

At Leichhardt, he will link up with former Panthers hooker Api Koroisau, current Penrith half Jarome Luai and fellow Fijian Jahream Bula.

“Sunia is a great signing for us as a club moving forward,” Tigers coach Benji Marshall said.

“He is a premiership winner and a genuine footy player who also has great versatility.

“He is electric and brings great energy to the field every time he plays. Most of all he is a great person with great values.”

The signing follows the news that James Fisher-Harris will also depart the Panthers at the end of the season to join the Warriors.

Max Plath re-signs with Dolphins

Max Plath has inked a new deal with the Dolphins that will take him through until the end of the 2027 season.

“Max is the perfect example of the saying that hard work is just as or even more important than talent,” the club’s CEO Terry Reader.

“There is no doubt he is a talented footballer, but the hard work he has done through last year and the recent pre-season have really set him up for success.

“He only made his debut midway through last year, but he has already managed to turn himself into an important part of the Dolphins squad.”

Jett Cleary joins the Warriors from the Panthers

Jett Cleary will follow in the footsteps of his father, Ivan, after signing a three-year deal with the Warriors from 2025.

“It’s an exciting time for us to be able to bring a player of Jett’s quality into our pathways system from next season,” the club’s CEO Cameron George said.

“The Cleary family has the strongest links with our club through Ivan’s time with us and it’s a special thrill to sign Jett and have the Cleary name back with us.”

Heilum Luki signs long-term contract with Cowboys

Heilum Luki has signed a five-year deal to remain with the Cowboys until at least the end of the 2029 campaign.

“Heilum joins Tom Dearden as players who are committed to our club for the longest duration, which as two North Queensland products we are thrilled about,” General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.

“We believe he’s only just scratched the surface of his potential and are delighted we will have the opportunity to have him grow in a Cowboys jersey into the player and leader we know he will be.”

Luki made his debut for North Queensland in 2021 and has since gone on to make 40 appearances for the club.

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