TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 29: Adam Elliott of the Bulldogs looks on during the round 24 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Canterbury Bulldogs at 1300SMILES Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
The rugby league news cycle simply never ends.
Although the first week of the finals will, rightly, dominate the airwaves, another NRL star of considerable profile is now looking for another club.
The Bulldogs made the difficult, yet correct decision to sever ties with Adam Elliott after an off-field indiscrestion.
Although Elliott's incidents were on the lower end of the atrocity scale, they seem to have added up to a point where the Dogs can no longer prioritise his undoubted talent.
What is also undoubted is that he will be lining up for a new club next season. At only 26, he's about to hit his peak.
We look at the five most likely destinations for the troubled, yet extremely talented Adam Elliott.
The Tigers have already been linked to Elliott. The media has named them the most likely destination and I can absolutely see why.
Unfortunately for the struggling Tigers, they're not in a position where they can sit back and decide whether or not the risk is worth it.
They need a big roster overhaul. They need forwards who can get over the advantage line and bend the defence.
Currently, they have one of the least intimidating packs in the game. I feel as though I am sinking the boot but it is all justified.
Elliott walks into the Tigers starting lineup.
He and Joey Leilua form a fearsome second-row combination, although I'd be very tempted to move Elliott into the 13 and switch Twal into the front row full time.
I said last week that the Tigers should go out and sign Tariq Sims. They still should. Move whoever it takes and also add Adam Elliott.
Yes, he has off-field issues, but a fresh start could provide the change in attitude Elliott so very obviously requires.
I don't have the greatest of faith though that the Tigers are his best option to provide that.
The Sharks will be linked to every middle forward who becomes available. They're a middle short of a genuine crack at becoming more than finals fodder.
In terms of talent, Elliott fits the bill to a tee.
Can you imagine adding him to a rotation that includes the likes of Dale Finucane, Toby Rudolf, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Siosifa Talakai and possibly Royce Hunt? Phwoar!
The only issue here is Craig Fitzgibbon has actively gone out of his way to promote a culture of "good men make good football players".
Elliott's list of issues doesn't include anything that have me turning away in complete disgust.
The issue here is he's had numerous warnings and doesn't seem to be able to make the smart decision.
I don't know whether Fitzgibbon would be willing to bend his new, defining policy for a player who hasn't yet cracked the Origin arena.
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The Cowboys made a big play for Dale Finucane. They're obviously not completely happy with their forward stocks.
I actually think a move to the Cowboys would benefit both club and player more so than any other destination on this list.
In terms of ability Elliott would be the first second-rower picked for the Cowboys.
He could play in the 13 but I don't believe Jason Taumalolo's days at lock are done just yet despite early success as a starting front-rower.
A move to Townsville would provide Elliott with new surroundings. More importantly, it would distance him from the media scrutiny of Sydney.
Wherever Elliott ends up is going to lead to a media circus. I guarantee it will die down far quicker should he end up in the far north.
The Cowboys have shown they're in for a big middle forward. They obviously have the cap space and a starting spot available.
If there is any interest here and I'm Elliott's manager, I'm leaning on him to seriously consider this.
The Warriors have a big and imposing pack. Their starting props are legitimately monsters.
They do struggle once Addin Fonua-Blake and Matt Lodge take their breaks. This is where Elliott would fit in and add real value.
Whether he'd be interested in taking a step back and becoming a bench player is up for debate. He may be forced into it ultimately.
Elliott is a middle forward for mine. I've always thought he was better when he was head down and busting tackles up the middle.
A move across the Tasman would provide a huge change in environment. The fact the Warriors are likely going to be based in Australia again in 2022 provides an easier transition.
I'm not sure the salary cap space is there to sign Elliott but he's also going to have to be realistic about what teams will be willing to invest.
The Dragons shocked the NRL community recently byt allowing Tariq Sims to walk away from the club.
They're also going to lose Cam McInnes following his move across the bridge to join the Sharks.
Adam Elliott would fit right in and provide a younger, more dynamic replacement for Sims.
If I'm Elliott's management, I'm advising him to look elsewhere though. The Dragons culture right now is under immense scrutiny and I'm not convinced this would be a good fit for a player in need of a fresh start.
I also don't know where the Dragons are salary cap wise but you have to believe a straight swap for Sims makes sense. They'd be on similar contracts and again, Elliott is five years Sims' junior.
Prediction
Elliott isn't in a position to be picky. His continued poor judgement has probably halved the value his talents justify.
A move to the Cowboys would make the world of sense.
That said, the Tigers are keen to sign some stars and are willing to take big risks.
It's down to two but I'd be very surprised if he didn't run out a Tiger in 2022.