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:
2. An internal option
The obvious, yet largely unspoken option is they could have the club's next half in their system already.
Brad Schneider hasn't kicked the door down in demanding selection during his short career but much like Trindall he hasn't had the opportunity.
His one appearance in 2023 came when Canberra beat the tab topping Broncos. He ran for almost 80 metres, kicked for 100 and made 30 or 32 tackle attempts.
Meanwhile 20 year-old Ethan Strange is a name we're hearing about. He's only played in the NSW Cup once this season so I don't know a whole lot about him but Canberra-based mates seem excited.
It's not beyond the realms that either could step up with Stuart investing elsewhere.
Xavier Savage is a left field option. He has a killer running game and plenty of skill. Meanwhile Sebastian Kris seems to have put forward a good case to remain at fullback.
Don't completely rule this option out although I dare say it may not be the most popular with the fans. They'll want a shiny new recruit to replace their outgoing star.
