Turbos fight for careers; star’s mega $1.4m bid: Nov 1 winners and losers from World Cup

The opening round of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup has given several NRL stars the perfect chance to boost their market value ahead of November 1

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Meanwhile, others have suffered untimely setbacks at the worst time or watched teammates emerge as fresh competition for their spots.

Here at foxsports.com.au, we break down four winners and four losers from the World Cup's opening round and what it could mean for their next NRL deal.

WINNERS

JACK BOSTOCK (DOLPHINS)

Jack Bostock couldn't have picked a better time to deliver a statement performance, putting himself firmly in the frame for a significant payday ahead of November 1.

On his international debut, Bostock didn't put a step wrong, scoring a hat-trick of tries and adding 223 running metres and a try assist in an extraordinary display on the wing.

Already on the radar of the St George Illawarra Dragons, who are set to go all-in to recruit him, there have been calls for him to command as much as $1 million a season.

"You could have an argument that he's a million-dollar winger," Reni Maitua said on Triple M.

"This guy is an outside back who can play centre (and) wing.

"Can play anywhere you put him so that's his value. That's how you want to sort of manage your roster and your salary cap."

Former New Zealand Kiwis star Lance Hohaia was also left impressed and praised his ability to deliver in his maiden international appearance.

"Bostock is some player isn't he?" he told foxsports.com.au.

"The youngster, I thought he had a phenomenal game when most of their stars barely fired a shot."

With limited salary cap funds and over ten players off-contract, the Dolphins face a crucial decision on how much to invest in him.

Paying a premium to retain Bostock could pressure their ability to keep Herbie Farnworth (linked with the Sydney Roosters), while failing to meet his asking price could see him walk out the door.

It leaves the Dolphins walking a tightrope on the salary cap.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Jack Bostock of Australia runs the ball during the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

JACOB SAIFITI (KNIGHTS)

Before the World Cup began, reports emerged that Jacob Saifiti was set to test his value on the open market as he weighs up his future with the Knights.

Able to speak with rival teams as early as November 1, the front-rower made an immediate statement in his first match back from a lengthy suspension that saw him miss the entire 2026 NRL Finals series.

He not only scored one of the best tries of his career by leaping over Cook Islands fullback Esom Ioka, but also finished the contest with 105 running metres and 17 tackles despite limited minutes on the field.

"That's the first time I've ever done that in my life," he told Seven post-match.

"I was on the inside of Wakes and Wakes said 'chase it, chase it'. Normally, I'd let them catch it, slow them up and win the first play the ball, but I thought 'f this I'm going up for it'.

"That's the first and last time that will ever happen."

While CODE Sports reports the Knights have offered him an extension worth around $700,000 a season, his performance was a timely reminder that he could get more from rivals if his World Cup form continued.

If he is able to lead Fiji beyond the group stages, he could drive up his price tag up significantly and would be able to strengthen his hand at the negotiating table.

"I'm off contract next year, if an [AFL] team wants me, I'll go," Saifiti joked to ABC Sport.

NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 18: Jacob Saifiti of Fiji celebrates a try with team mates during the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup match between Fiji and Cook Islands at McDonald Jones Stadium on October 18, 2026 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW (DOLPHINS)

In his first match for Samoa after switching allegiance from the Kangaroos, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow pulled out all the stops as he showcased his attacking class against France.

Providing two try assists, two line-break assists and scoring one of his own, the fullback reminded clubs of his immense value ahead of November 1 when he will be on the open market.

While it is hard to imagine him leaving the Dolphins and preliminary talks between the two parties have already begun, his market value will only rise if his tremendous form continues throughout the World Cup

Currently earning around $1 million this season, it is understood he is seeking a $400,000 pay increase on his next deal, a figure that would place him among the NRL's highest-paid players for 2028.

With Samoa chasing World Cup glory, the Origin star has a chance to make an even biggest statement and potentially price himself into an even bigger salary.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 16: Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow of Samoa celebrates after scoring a try during the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup match between Samoa and France at CommBank Stadium on October 16, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

TONY FRANCIS (TITANS)

Lebanon may have lost to Papua New Guinea over the weekend, but Tony Francis gave the Gold Coast Titans plenty to think about with a great individual performance.

The outside back's strong showing, with 272 running metres and four tackle busts, comes at an important time for the Titans, with Phillip Sami departing for the Dragons and a backline spot opening up.

After failing to feature in the NRL throughout 2026 and spending the entire season in reserve grade, Francis is entering a crucial period in his career.

Now, with November 1 fast approaching, he has a golden opportunity to remind Josh Hannay of his high ceiling and prove that he deserves to be retained by the club going forward.

SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: Tony Francis of the Titans celebrates after scoring a try during the NRL Pre-season challenge match between the Dolphins and Gold Coast Titans at Sunshine Coast Stadium on February 18, 2024 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

LOSERS

JAKE TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES)

Manly Sea Eagles veteran Jake Trbojevic may not even be playing in this year's World Cup, but a teammate's standout performance could have major implications for his future at the club.

Although he still wears the No.13 jersey, the former NSW Blues captain is entering the closing stages of his career, raising questions about how long he can continue to lead Manly's pack.

Those questions have grown louder after Caleb Navale's impressive performance for Fiji, with the rising star emerging as a potential long-term lock for the club.

Arguably the best forward on the field in Fiji's clash with the Cook Islands, Navale recorded 204 running metres, 27 tackles and a try, strengthening his case for a bigger role at club level.

Missing the majority of this year's campaign with an ACL rupture, if he can continue his World Cup form, the Sea Eagles have a ready-made successor to replace Trbojevic and it could see him face the prospect of retiring at the end of 2027.

"I'm actually a bit nervous (for life after the NRL), I think it made me realise I don't really know too much other than Manly," Trbojevic told AAP at the start of the year.

"I guess I've been here since I was in those under-12s development squads and that's all I've known.

"The future is a bit scary, but I know whatever I do, I'd put my heart and soul into. Coaching would probably be a bit stressful for me."

NSW State of Origin Jake Trbojevic. Picture: NRL PhotosSource: Supplied

LATU FAINU (TIGERS)

This year's World Cup was meant to give Latu Fainu the perfect chance to strengthen his case for a bigger role at the Wests Tigers after Jarome Luai departed for the Eels.

Having spent most of the past couple of seasons coming off the interchange bench, Fainu was set to get first crack at the club's No.6 jersey and partner Adam Doueihi in the halves for the 2027 season.

However, his tournament could already be over with the five-eighth suffering a suspected pec strain just 17 minutes into Tonga's opening clash against England.

The injury couldn't have come at a worse time for the youngest of the Fainu brothers, as the 21-year-old is currently locked in negotiations over a new contract with the Tigers.

To make matters worse, his injury history could affect his next contract, as he has already spent time on the sidelines with hamstring issues and underwent a shoulder reconstruction at the end of last season.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 17: Latu Fainu, Tolutau Koula and Lehi Hopoate of Tonga pose following the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup match between England and Tonga at HBF Stadium on October 17, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

TOM TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES)

Tom Trbojevic may have returned to international football over the weekend, but a young teammate's stellar showing has further complicated his long-term future at the Sea Eagles.

While Trbojevic wore the Green and Gold jersey again, Lehi Hopoate showed he has what it takes to be a regular fullback at NRL level, with a solid showing for Tonga on both ends of the field.

"England had the most field position and the possession in the first half and Lehi Hopoate was the main reason they stayed scoreless," Roosters coach Trent Robinson said on Channel Seven.

The endorsement boosts Hopoate's market value as he seeks a new deal with the club as his contract expires at the end of 2027.

The two parties have been locked in contract negotiations for some time over an extension, but the Sea Eagles have yet to confirm.

Meanwhile, recent reports from News Corp have indicated Trbojevic is seeking a two-year extension worth around $1 million per season.

However, Hopoate's emergence could complicate those plans.

Despite solidifying a spot on the wing at club level, the young gun is continuing to put pressure on the veteran for the No.1 jersey.

That could force coach Kieran Foran to make a big call about his side's long-term fullback, and if he shifts Hopoate to the back of the field, it will make it hard for Trbojevic to justify a lucrative extension.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Jack Bostock and Tom Trbojevic of Australia celebrate winning the 2026 Men's Rugby League World Cup match between Australia Kangaroos and New Zealand Kiwis at Allianz Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

MAT CROKER (KNIGHTS)

After the 2026 NRL Finals series, Mat Croker looked almost certain to land a significant contract upgrade with the Knights after playing a key role in leading them to the Grand Final.

However, teammate Francis Manuleleua's shock switch to lock for Samoa could throw a spanner in the works for Croker, as the youngster emerges as another option for Newcastle's No. 13 jersey.

The move would give Knights coach Justin Holbrook the flexibility to fit Manuleleua, Dylan Lucas and Jermaine McEwen into the starting line-up, rather than relegating one of them to the interchange bench.

Named Player of the Match in his nation's 78-4 win over France, Manuleleua produced 197 running metres, 11 tackle busts, one line break and a try assist as he dominated through the middle.

And Samoa coach Ben Gardiner believes he didn't even play his best and there is still more to come from the 2026 debutant.

"The other thing that was really important is that he's been playing 80 minutes every week, but playing on the edge is a bit different to the middle," Gardiner said.

"You know he was going to have to get through 80 minutes in the middle which he did really well today.

"He still probably has some things if he looked at his game where he'd go I could have done that a little bit better, but just the physicality and the power through the middle, the line break that he made at the back end of the game.

"To still have that physicality there. Pretty impressive."

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Mat Croker of the Knights celebrates winning the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights at Accor Stadium on September 27, 2026, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images