SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 15: Paul Vaughan of the Dragons looks dejected after full time during the round 18 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at UOW Jubilee Oval on July 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Fair to say it has been a busy week off the field for the Dragons.
They have suspensions that will heavily impact their finals run while their marquee prop forward Paul Vaughan has been released from his contract.
Looking forward instead of back though, the reality is a rep level quality prop forward is now on the market and despite recent decisions, still has plenty to offer for the next four to five years.
Below we look at the five most likely options for Vaughan. We've taken into account need, salary cap space and other factors.
Let us know in the comments where you think Vaughan will end up, and if you would welcome him to your club.
The Wests Tigers are on a fast train to nowhere. They need a number of big-name signings to set the club in the right direction on the field and sooth the fans off it.
This Tigers need Paul Vaughan.
Their recent big name prop signing, James Tamou, has been hugely underwhelming. He simply hasn't delivered. The remainder of the Tigers engine room are passable but Twal aside, they're not scaring any opposition forward pack.
Vaughan walks into the Tigers line up and I have no doubt they're in a position where they can overlook his issues. They really have no choice.
Tevita Pangai Junior and Vaughan completely transform the Tigers pack, and side, within two easy moves.
This move makes the world of sense and Vaughan, knowing he is on his final chance, you have to believe he would put his head down and lead the side.
The Sharks are in desperate need of a forward of Vaughan's quality. With Woods on his way out and over $2 million in cap space, Vaughan's signature would make a lot of sense.
Given the Sharks are literally playing out of the Dragons home ground right now, this would be the easiest move for Vaughan.
Craig Fitzgibbon had landed two major signings however hasn't moved re his dwindling prop stocks yet.
The coach has been very vocal about saying good men make good footballers so I'm not sure Vaughan would pass the character test but in terms of quality, he's an absolute no-brainer.
This may come down to a risk vs reward situation as the Sharks have the cap space, a position available and Vaughan certainly improves the squad.
Watch the Dragons/Vaughan situation broken down on Rugby League Outlaws
The Bulldogs have been on a massive buying spree as they look to complete a much-needed rebuild. Unfortunately, the club has been able to land a marquee forward just yet.
Pangai Junior looks as though he may be on his way to the Dogs so the club has shown it's not relying on players with perfect off-field records.
Vaughan would become the best prop on the 'Dogs roster and would help lay a platform for their incoming star backs to attack from.
There are rumours of a massive roster haul this year so I'm sure the cap space will be there. Vaughan is also unlikely to be able to command the reported wage he was on at the Dragons.
In terms of need, Vaughan is very much the kind of player the Dogs need. For a club looking to build a long-term culture though, is a recently sacked player really the best answer?
Who doesn't love a Rugby League fairytale? Can you imagine the Raiders junior returning to the club he debuted at to rebuild his career?
The Raiders are in all sorts in 2021 and sure could use a rep-quality prop with Vaughan's experience to help move them forward.
Having been born and raised in Canberra, I'm sure he would have family in the area, or at least deep roots. Surely when the chips are down family and familiarity are your best allies.
I'm not sure of Canberra's cap situation, however, I dare say there will be more than a few changes on that roster.
Vaughan would be a huge in while Ricky Stuart is known as the kind of coach who won't put up with any silliness. Perhaps he's the kind of coach Vaughan needs.
I think I may have talked myself into naming Canberra as the most likely option for the wayward former Dragon.
At 30, Vaughan has played 181 NRL first grade games and has all the talent to tear it up in the old dart. There is every chance NRL clubs put their hands up and place Vaughan in the too hard basket.
Wigan have struggled this season and need a marquee recruit. Vaughan would be a more than capable inclusion.
Truthfully I don't have an expert level of knowledge re the Super League but looking at this weekend's line ups I can't find a single side he would walk right into.
Vaughan will most likely want to stay in Australia, especially given the the current climate, however if there are no NRL based options, Vaughan would be a hot commodity in England.
Let us know below where you believe Vaughan will end up.