In-demand Kangaroos trio and legend’s son: Players boosting their value in Ashes, Pac Champs

The Pacific Championships and Ashes series are in full swing and the free agency window is about to be blown wide open come November 1.

There’s no better way to put yourself in the shop window than delivering on the field, so these players are in the midst of a huge opportunity.

Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down the players who could boost their stocks during the Pacific Championships and Ashes series.

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LINDSAY SMITH

Lindsay Smith sits in a peculiar position ahead of his second Test, earning a call-up to replace Panthers teammate Isaah Yeo who suffered a head knock in the series opener.

Penrith officials have reportedly tabled him a deal to make him a Panthers for life, but considering the gun prop is in Ashes camp, he looks certain to hit the open market.

The Panthers are hopeful Smith will lead their forward pack for years to come, but the 25-year-old could have other ideas if mammoth contracts are tabled.

With a strong Ashes showing, and Mal Meninga watching on intently, the Perth Bears could swoop in and table a lucrative contract.

Smith is a player a forward pack can be built around and has the potential to shift to lock, a position which is currently locked down by Yeo in Penrith’s spine.

Quality middle forwards are difficult to come by, so a host of clubs like the Dragons and Titans could also approach his management regarding a potential move.

KEAON KOLOAMATANGI

Keaon Koloamatangi was the in-form prop of the competition at one point during the 2025 season and now he’s set to hit the open market.

It’s bizarre the Rabbitohs have been yet to lock him down, and with further Test appearances, his value could only grow.

The 27-year-old is an elite back rower and middle forward and he still has some of his best years ahead of him, making it all the more confusing as to why Souths haven’t handed him a new deal.

Regardless, Koloamatangi could become one of the hottest transfer targets come November 1 and field some mammoth offers.

The Rabbitohs are arguably one of the teams in desperate need of middle forward reinforcements, so to lose one of their best would be a hammer blow.

With David Fifita set to land in Redfern, it looms likely the Titans could look to have Koloamatangi travel the opposite direction.

GEHAMAT SHIBASAKI

Gehamat Shibasaki’s stocks only continue to rise in 2025.

Starting the year with a train-and-trial, the Broncos gun made his Origin and Test debuts this year after almost giving up on playing professional rugby league altogether.

It’s a staggering story, but now he faces a crucial decision.

The Broncos handed the 27-year-old an upgrade to their top 30 for the 2026 season, but he is reportedly still only earning around $140,000.

Shibasaki is performing at the level of the NRL’s elite centres, and once November 1 rolls around he will undoubtedly field offers from several clubs.

Brisbane will likely be unable to match their rival’s contracts, already facing a mammoth salary cap squeeze with the likes of Payne Haas yet to re-sign.

The Perth Bears are the obvious option considering the clean slate of their salary cap, but the Eels could be another club who could look to bolster their backline.

MATT TIMOKO

Matt Timoko is a player that wasn’t initially expected to hit the open market on November 1.

The Raiders have options in their favour for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, and considering he is a regular fixture under Ricky Stuart, it looked certain they’d take at least the first up.

Instead, the 25-year-old is set to be free to negotiate with rivals and the Kiwi international could be a hot commodity.

Timoko has played 111 NRL games to date, scoring 34 tries in the right centre role, a position that could be considered to be lacking in elite options across the competition.

At risk of sounding like a broken record, the Perth Bears are the obvious club would could make a play for his services.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys could be on the lookout to fill the void left by the departure of Valentine Holmes last season, while Jaxon Purdue’s future is also uncertain.

Timoko’s hard-running style would certainly be a hit with the North Queensland faithful.

TE MAIRE MARTIN

Te Maire Martin has been resigned to a bench role for both the Warriors and the Kiwis, earning a spot on the pine under Stacey Jones to face Tonga.

The 30-year-old’s contract with the Warriors runs out at the end of 2026, so his next deal could potentially be his last as a professional.

Considering he spent a handful of years out of the game to battle a bleed on his brain, Martin could play into his mid 30s if his body allows him to do so.

A talented playmaker, who has proven he can do a job as a utility at hooker, Martin could be a solid recruitment option for a host of clubs.

It might sound absurd, but a return to the club he made his debut for, the Panthers could work considering Ivan Cleary doesn’t have a clear-cut utility option outside of Jack Cole.

With a strong performance for the Kiwis, Martin could put himself in the shop front for clubs once November 1 rolls around.

SIONE KATOA

The Sharks have several salary cap calls to make, but keeping Sione Katoa could be one of their easiest.

But still, the gun winger looks set to hit the open market come November 1 and elite try-scoring wingers can be hot targets.

The 28-year-old scored only seven tries in 15 games in 2025, with his season curtailed due to injury, but prior to that he had tallied, 17, 13 and 14 four-pointers.

For Tonga, Katoa has another chance to showcase his skills, especially his carries from the back field which have become crucial for each team he plays in.

Katoa was last handed an extension in 2023, but it’s largely been quiet regarding his next move, which could be finalised in the coming weeks once November 1 rolls around.

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