Most NRL players who are currently in the last year of their contract are either likely to re-sign with their current club or are linked with a deal elsewhere.

However, there are a few whose futures beyond 2021 is completely unknown, with the following being no exception.

JOSH DUGAN

Since joining the Cronulla Sharks in 2018, Josh Dugan has not reached the heights he would have liked to.

Despite never missing more than half a season for the Sharks, injuries have certainly impacted Dugan’s form when playing for the club.

His 2021 has been okay thus far with two tries in the first two rounds, but if the 30-year-old is to earn a contract extension on the Shire, he will have to show that he can still perform at a similar level to when he was playing Origin for New South Wales.

A move to Super League is likely off the cards, considering reports from late 2019 that the Catalans Dragons had been turned down by Dugan when he was offered to the club.

If the Sharks opt to not re-sign Dugan and he does not join a Super League club, then it seems he is headed for the New South Wales or Queensland Cup.

MATT MOYLAN

We remain in Cronulla for the second player on this list, as Matt Moylan is in the last year of his contract at the Sharks.

Moylan made his Cronulla debut in 2018, after signing from Penrith in a swap deal with two-time premiership winner James Maloney.

The Sharks signed Moylan as a five-eighth but quickly found out he was better used at fullback.

Like Dugan, injuries have been prominent for the former Panther since joining the club, but to a greater extent.

In three full seasons at the Sharks Moylan has only managed to play more than half a season once, and has struggled to string a run of games together without being injured.

At the moment, the 29-year-old is filling in at five-eighth for Shaun Johnson and is looking to resurrect his career, but if he fails to do so then it is highly unlikely that Moylan will have an NRL contract waiting for him next year, meaning that a move over to England could be on the cards.

Super League is renowned for being an attacking league, which plays right into Moylan’s strengths and could be the best option for him at this point.

ASH TAYLOR

The Gold Coast’s million-dollar man has dealt with a lot of pressure in recent years and has failed to live up to the hype he received when winning the Dally M Rookie of the Year honour in 2016.

Jamal Fogarty’s rise to prominence at halfback in 2020 has allowed Taylor to play a reduced role in attack.

If Taylor can continue to compliment Fogarty in 2021, then he will likely earn himself a reduced contract extension at the Titans.

COREY NORMAN

Queensland Origin representative Corey Norman is a talented player that has had varying levels of success in the past, but after joining the Dragons in 2019 things have gone downhill for the most part.

Anthony Griffin has recently signed on at the Red V as head coach, and if the club does not display signs of improvement in 2021, then Norman will likely be part of a big cleanout.

If this occurs, it is hard to see who will take the 30-year-old next year.

Norman’s old club the Brisbane Broncos could throw him a lifeline as they look to shake up their halves, as too the Wests Tigers.