Canberra's difficult start to the season has continued on a double dealing of bad news in relation to their superstar half Jack Wighton.
The former Dally M medalist is not only set for a two-week stint on the sidelines following a late, and high, shot on a prone kicker but he has now announced his intention to 'test the market'.
Having spent the entirety of his 224 NRL career in the capital, Wighton looked a certain 'lifer' in that he'd surely end his career in the lime green.
The recent announcement suggests he's at the very least looking around to maximise both his earnings and potential to win a premiership.
Of course, it's all speculation at this stage but below are five likely landing spots for the multiple-time rep star:
2. The Dolphins
With the greatest of respects to the NRL's newest club, they've surprised us all with their incredible start to NRL life.
I dare say that the club is a more attractive option now for marquee players than it was prior to Round 1 kicking off.
Sean O'Sullivan looks at home in the number seven and is surely the club's long-term option there. He could probably use an experienced number six beside him though.
Wighton would deliver the marquee signing needed north of Brisbane. He would join Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler as recruits for 2024 and beyond.
I'd be shocked if Wayne Bennett hadn't already directed his team to make a phone call to Wighton's reps.
I'm not sure of the cap situation but Wighton is the kind of player you make the moves required to free up the space needed.
Whether Wighton would be open to such a huge move is up for debate but at 30, you'd have to imagine the money and guaranteed spot in the six are both there.
Matt Moylan is supposed to have accepted a “salary-cap friendly” (ie cheap) rate, in recognition that he missed a lot of time through injury when he was getting paid the big bucks.
So, where is Cronulla going to find a lazy $800K or more to sign Wighton? Remember, while Moylan is inexpensive, he is also signed for 2024, so it’s not as if there are any savings – unless the Sharks are able to persuade Matt to move on. I can’t see him wanting to do that.