The rugby league world moves quickly.
It seems like yesterday that reports of Jack Wighton's intentions to test the open market were dominating the timelines.
Instead, we've received confirmation that the former Dally M medalist has completed his 2024 move and will be wearing red and green for potentially the rest of his career.
Canberra, rather than insisting on ridiculous, face-saving enquiries from the NRL, need to accept the decision and look forward ... and quickly!
With the greatest of respects to players currently off-contract, pickings are fairly slim.
I've searched the off-contract, and even contracted but potentially available, players in efforts to provide five potential replacements.
Unfortunately, Wighton's early to mid-season decision has really put Canberra on the back foot. That said, this situation is very solvable.
Below are five potential options to replace Jack Wighton for 2024 and beyond:
3. Braydon Trindall
Let me make this clear right off the bat - Braydon Trindall remains contracted to the Sharks until the end of 2025.
That said, with Matt Moylan's form in attack at a high level, Trindall looks to have been relegated to a bit-part player in the Shire.
Trindall is way too good for the NSW Cup. Newtown is a completely different team when he's playing.
Right now, Trindall is arguably the best back-up half in the competition. He was in red-hot form earlier in the season and was only usurped by Nicho Hynes returning to the position where he won a Dally M medal in 2022.
The Raiders can offer Trindall an opportunity the Sharks likely can't. Even if Moylan doesn't hold his place in 2024, the Sharks have Kade Dykes who is a ready made six.
If Canberra can force the Sharks hand for 2024, they absolutely should. Zero question, zero doubt.
Trindall doesn't carry the name of Jack Wighton but would slot in and instantly improve the side. This whether at six or seven.
His kicking game is elite, his defense is right up there and his running game has improved out of sight.
The Sharks would be borderline stupid to release him but with Dykes waiting in the wings and young Niwhai Puru being elevated into the top 30 next season, they may not stand in Trindall's way.
