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Opinion

Where are some of the NRL's biggest names set to end up in 2021?

25th August, 2020
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Roar Guru
25th August, 2020
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With just five weeks of the NRL season to go, plenty of clubs are already looking forward to 2021 and there is likely to be some big players movements over the summer.

Here are where some of the biggest names would look good in 2021.

Cameron Smith
The highest-profile player is also the oldest, with his signature likely to have ramifications for not just himself and the Storm but for other clubs too.

The Storm have two other hookers on their books for 2021, Brandon Smith and Harry Grant, the latter on loan to the Tigers this season. They are both talented footballers and have far more years left in their careers than Cameron.

With no decision made, it probably points to a desire by Cameron to play on, but doing so at the Storm could well cost them Brandon or Harry.

Cameron’s other options are said to be the Titans and Broncos, in his home state of Queensland, both of which would be a new challenge as both clubs are struggling.

The Titans look a couple of players away from a finals berth and Smith could inject experience professionalism both on and off the field. Adding to that is the potential for a position in the coaching ranks once he does retire.

The Broncos, on the other hand, are a basket case at the moment. It is hard to see Smith having much of an impact with so much to fix in the way of culture at the club.

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His old Queensland teammate Darren Lockyer would love to see him at Red Hill and he could be a key figure in righting some of the wrongs of recent seasons, but Smith has never been one to make decisions for others. He retired for the Maroons virtually on the eve of the 2018 Origin series, and they have needed him both years since.

No doubt he has much to weigh up, but his form suggests he has at least one more year in him.

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Kieran Foran
Foran has had a wretched run with injury since leaving the Sea Eagles way back in 2015. A marquee player on big money, the Bulldogs have reportedly tabled Foran an offer for 2021 and beyond around the $400,000 a season mark, less than half what he is apparently on now.

Good judges agree that the figure is about right for a playmaker who has been hampered by injury and is now 30 years old. That being said, clubs like the Titans, Broncos, Knights and Tigers could utilise the control he would bring.

He could easily link up with old mate Mitchell Pearce at the Knights, who have been improved this season, but still need a decent foil in the halves. With Blake Green out for this year and unsigned for next, Foran could be the next best thing and improve the combination with Pearce and Kalyn Ponga.

Newcastle should make an offer, as they could use his control and toughness. They have the brilliance of Ponga and the control of Pearce, but the latter has always needed a good foil to play at his best.

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Josh Addo-Carr
He isn’t off contract but it has been public for some time that Addo-Carr wants to return to Sydney next year for family reasons.

One of the most electrifying wingers in the comp, he joins the trend of players wanting to play fullback and enjoying more money, as well as increased involvement and influence over the game. But Addo-Carr will have to learn aspects to being a fullback such as ball-playing, defence and positional play.

The front runner for his signature is reportedly the Tigers. It would be a gamble, no doubt, but they need to make one. Too long have they been the bridesmaids, failing to make the finals since 2011.

At worst they come away with one of best wingers in the competition. At best they get an injection of talent in a key position.

Josh Addo-Carr

Josh Addo-Carr (Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Tyrone May
Penrith have a surplus of halves, sitting top of the comp with Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai doing the job, but they also have Matt Burton and Tyrone May.

May has come off the bench or played at centre for much of this year, after working his way back from the sex-tape controversy of last year. The next few weeks may be telling. The Panthers have plenty of options in the backline and no incentive to change up the halves. May could drop back to the bench or out of the side completely as other players come back.

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Unsigned for next year, May could be a handy half or utility. A ball-running five-eighth for most of his career, he has impressed this year. If he stays though, there are no guarantees of game-time – he may be best mates with Nathan Cleary, and obviously has a supporter in the coach, but it means little in cementing a spot.

He could be a bargain for a team that needs a half next year, such as the Bulldogs, Tigers or even Sea Eagles.

At 24 years of age, he has still only played 27 games, but if he wants more game time, a move to a new club may be the best thing.

The Morris twins
A joint package due to their desire to finish their career together, the two have never been better at the ripe old age of 34. The two scored as many points as the Tigers did on Saturday night and look set to go around again in 2021.

The outside backs are dominated by youth and exuberance but Brett and Josh look set to be key to a Roosters’ three-peat this year, with 16 tries between them in spite of injuries to both.

A more professional and committed duo you will not find, they have been remarkable players over their career, and the fact they haven’t played more Origin footy comes as a surprise.

If they want to play on, it seems they just have to agree to terms with the Tricolours.

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Brett Morris

Brett Morris (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

James Tamou
Tamou has been a rock for the Panthers, barely missing a game since he arrived, and he could have a lot to offer another club if Penrith can’t keep him.

Tamou will more than likely receive an offer from his club, with his status as a leader, however it is sure to be a reduced one from the deal he signed a few years ago based on the stage of his career, as well as the form of the team as a whole.

But plenty of other clubs could use his leadership and could probably offer him bigger money.

At 31, he could play for another couple of years and sides at the bottom of the ladder could use his uncompromising style. It just depends whether Tamou wants to end his career with a side very much on the up, or go for a pay-rise and nurture a struggling group elsewhere.

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Aiden Tolman
One of the more consistent players of the last generation, Tolman is off contract.

For incoming coach Trent Barrett, this is a no brainer – you want Tolman there. He has been with this club through thick and thin and deserves to stay as long as he wants.

The Bulldogs have been far better than their results suggest over the last few years. They compete every week and are outclassed rather than beaten on desire. This can be attributed to their hard-nosed pack, with Tolman at the forefront.

He still has plenty to offer and if he doesn’t secure a deal at the Bulldogs, he should go somewhere else.

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