South Sydney plans to delay a decision on Latrell Mitchell until after the Rugby League World Cup and the coming pre-season, assessing his fitness and value.
The club expects to revisit his contract early next year, leaving Mitchell eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1 for 2028.
By contrast, Brandon Smith has signed a one-year extension that will keep him at the Rabbitohs until the end of 2028, The Daily Telegraph reported.
The 30-year-old hooker was contracted through 2027 and would otherwise have been free to negotiate from November 1.
Smith made 41 appearances for the Sydney Roosters in 2023 and 2024, then suffered an ACL injury late in his second season.
After leaving Melbourne Storm at the end of 2022, he joined South Sydney in 2025 and made 17 appearances in 2026, despite a calf injury.
Recent club decisions also included lifting Cody Walker's extension offer from $300,000 to $400,000 and seeking to retain David Fifita before rivals could approach him.
Tallis Duncan signed a three-year deal through at least 2030, while Campbell Graham and Jack Wighton may also negotiate for 2028.