This season is shaping up to be an opportune platform for several off-contract players to prove they're in line for substantial pay rises ahead of inking their next deals.

The opening 10 rounds have seen a handful of players reach new heights and career-best form in a timely manner as their current deals reach their cessation at season's end.

Each club currently has a raft of names unsigned for next season as they move through 2022, with already-announced stars, emerging prospects and bargain buys among those set to place further pressure on their respective club's purse strings.

With over 200 players unsigned for next season, we take a look at EIGHT who are set to earn bumper deals following hot starts to the season.

6. Jack Higgins

The lively Saints goalsneak has started this season in fine form, having enjoyed three outings that forged four or more goals in victories for Brett Ratten's side.

Concussion has halted the former Tiger from featuring in every match to start the year, with Higgins' absence amplifying the Saints' reliance on the young forward across multiple rounds this year.

There's no doubt Higgins is enjoying a career-best campaign, which can be expected for a fifth-year forward, with his asking fee likely to place pressure on the Saints' purse as Rowan Marshall, Josh Battle and Zak Jones are also among those off-contract.

Just how much will the Saints be willing to pay Higgins on his next deal? The 23-year-old's form could warrant a hefty fee when compared to the likely wages for fellow small forwards Dan Butler and Jade Gresham.