NRL social media was sent into a frenzy after news broke that Payne Haas had requested an immediate release from his Broncos contract.
Arguably the best middle forward in the game, and undisputedly in the top few, Haas has already been linked to every professional sports team in the country and beyond.
Although the Broncos have reportedly denied the request, we all know that means very little in the modern day.
Here are five potential landing spots for the man sure to be the most in-demand player in the sport, should the Broncos eventually allow the release to happen.
4. The Dolphins
Truthfully it looked as though the NRL's newest side would miss out on a true marquee recruit. They have just been handed the mother of all second chances.
The Dolphins have a virtual blank chequebook. Yes if they were to offer $1.2 million for next year and beyond it will affect other decisions but the opportunity is there.
Haas is reportedly settled in Brisbane so a move to the Dolphins would mean he could stay local. That is something else only the Titans could match.
The Fins have recruited heavily in the forwards but when a player of Haas's quality becomes available you make the deal then work it out.
Reports indicate Haas wants to be paid what he is worth. This puts the Dolphins in the financial lead right away.
Wayne Bennett was the man who gave Haas his NRL first grade debut. You'd have to imagine there is an existing relationship there.
I'd be shocked if Bennett hasn't already put out the feelers. The Dolphins will be all in here and won't want to miss out.
After long-term deals with Andrew Fifita and Josh Dugan ($850K apiece) both of which delivered limited on-field value, Cronulla will be still smarting. In addition, they are probably intelligent enough to see that Payne Haas will have a negative impact on the culture they are trying to build.
He’s big and greedy. He’s already told the Broncs that he is bigger than club. He’s high maintenance. He is not a player any club should want to sign.
The Sharks are not desperate enough to need to buy him. The Titans and Warriors may be desperate, but I can’t see Payne being prepared to give up all his friends and contacts to go to Aukland to play for a struggling side.
I think he will stay near Brisbane and thus end up at the Titans or the Dolphins, next season.
If the Broncs agree to his request and kick him out now then he will earn nothing or not much for the rest of this season. So, if he is on $850K he will lose nearly $300K (for Jun/Jul/Aug/Sep).
Sitting out the rest of the season might bring him back to earth with a bump, when he realises what his actions have cost his hip pocket.