NRL 2026: Bronson Xerri to Gold Coast Titans player swap, Sam Verrills to Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers a chance to retain Liam Martin, Mason Barber on the outs, transfer whispers

The Gold Coast Titans have revealed they are open to a player swap with a Sydney club after one of their players was spotted meeting with another team.

Watch every game of every round of the NRL Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

During Magic Round, an image circulated on social media showing a meeting between out-of-favour Titans dummy-half Sam Verrills and Bulldogs GM of Football Phil Gould.

While the Titans were blindsided by this meeting, The Courier-Mail reports that the club are open to a player swap with the Bulldogs, which would see them receive centre Bronson Xerri.

In return, Verills, who has already been told he won’t be handed a contract extension with the side, will head the other way.

Although he is contracted at the Bulldogs until the end of 2027 and can’t speak with rivals, Xerri was tipped to leave the club earlier this year - but decided to remain at Belmore.

“It’s been tough,” Xerri said after his return to first grade in April.

“But as long as the boys within the four walls and the staff know my intentions here (then I’m happy). I just wanted to do what’s best for the team and for the club.

“Whatever was reported was out of my control. As long as the team and all the boys knew my intentions with everything.”

Gould, meanwhile, lashed out over the leaked photo of his meeting with Verrills.

“I must have had 12 or 14 meetings around Brisbane over the four days I was up there over the weekend – I met a lot of young players, parents and managers,” Gould said on 100% Footy.

“The mentality of some moron that wants to hide behind a pole and take a photo of you to send it to the papers, what do they get out of that?

“Who cares, honestly.”

HAS PENRITH RECEIVED A MASSIVE BOOST?

Less than a week after being confirmed as Ivan Cleary’s successor and the 2028 Penrith Panthers head coach, Peter Wallace may have received a massive additional bonus.

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, star back-rower Liam Martin has told his agent Allan Gainey that he would love to play under Wallace at the Panthers, which could subsequently see him remain at the club.

This would be a massive boost to the side who are facing a massive battle to retain several of their stars with Martin, Brian To’o, Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo and others off-contract at the end of 2027.

The update on his future comes as the international forward prepares to test his worth on the open market when he reaches free agency on November 1.

“It’s not out of the question. It’s definitely of interest,” Martin told Code Sports earlier this month.

“Being part of something new and like, how much they love football, it’s incredible. And obviously Jarome going, it sort of opens the doors for a lot of people.

“I’ve discussed it with my partner and everything. Obviously would need a lot more details about it, but we certainly found it interesting.”

COWBOYS YOUNGSTER ONE STEP CLOSER TO LEAVING

One of the best young players coming through the ranks at the North Queensland Cowboys is one step closer to departing the club after updated reports emerged surrounding his future.

Following reports that the club were battling to keep the youngster and rivals had been securing his signature, Code Sports has been told that a high-profile Sydney club is one of the teams showing a keen interest in him.

It is understood that the Gold Coast product, who is considered one of the most exciting youngsters in rugby league, is reportedly interested in a lifestyle change away from Townsville.

His path to the NRL is also blocked at the moment at the Cowboys, with Jaxon Purdue set to replace the outgoing Scott Drinkwater (will join the Dragons in 2027) in the No.1 jersey, while Ethan King is another option.

He is off-contract at the end of the season and has been free to speak with rivals since last November.

Click here to read article