Gold Coast Titans star and captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is currently a free agent, but the window for him to make a call on his immediate future is closing.

A clause in his contract relating to Justin Holbrook's job made him a free agent, but the timeline for a call to be made is believed to be mid-October.

Approximately half of the NRL have reportedly expressed interest in the Queensland State of Origin representative, and Fa'asuamaleaui and his management have confirmed they will explore their options before deciding whether to commit to the Gold Coast.

Even if he elects to stay at Robina, he will become effectively a free agent again from November 1, with his contract only in an option state for 2025 and 2026.

But what if he were to leave at the end of this season, taking advantage of the clause in his contract.

There are plenty of sides in the NRL who could use the star forward, but here are the top five options who must be putting everything on the line in pursuit of the forward.

2. Cronulla Sharks

It has been highlighted more than once previously, but the Sharks desperately need a big, powerful middle forward to take over ownership of the pack in the Shire.

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The Sharks have the Nicho Hynes express leading the way in the halves, but too often, it has been magic from the star number seven which has allowed the black, white and blue to win games.

While there is plenty to be said for the efforts of players like Royce Hunt, Braden Hamlin-Uele and Cameron McInnes, as well as fan favourite Toby Rudolf in the middle forward, they would all be a much stronger unit with a player like Fa'asuamaleaui leading the way and playing big minutes.

A week-in, week-out starter who performs consistently, he would allow Hamlin-Uele and Hunt to play the shorter minute roles they really should be off the bench, while forming a solid starting middle third.

Cronulla have other questions to ask regarding the futures of both Cameron McInnes and Dale Finucane - realistically, there isn't room for two players in the same mould on the side, but that is another question for another day.

For now, Fa'asuamaleaui is the recruit who could just about change the entire fortune of the club.