Penrith Panthers, New South Wales Blues and Australian Kangaroos superstar Nathan Cleary is set to test the open market for the first time in his career.
While he hasn't said it's a guarantee, he has certainly hinted it's going to happen.
The Penrith Panthers have a stretched salary cap, and just maybe, the star halfback is getting itchy feet around what his legacy will be if he never tries to play outside of the Penrith system.
There are plenty of fresh challenges around the competition for him to have a crack at while he is still in the prime of his career.
From heading to an under fire club, to an expansion one, to linking up with another premiership contender, all options are on the table for a player who will fetch well and truly over a million per season once he starts to test his true worth from November 1.
Penrith are still a great chance of capturing Cleary's signature, but if he does leave the foot of the mountains, where does he wind up?
We have analysed and ranked every club's chance of landing the Penrith star.
4. St George Illawarra Dragons
There is no small secret that the Dragons need to improve their halves in a hurry and have the money to do it.
With Valentine Holmes, Clint Gutherson and Damien Cook all likely to be off the books at the end of 2027 as well, the Red V could make an enormous play for Cleary in an attempt to find the solution to the club's woes.
Whether Cleary would consider going to play for a club that most would currently describe a rabble is up in the air.
But with one of the game's most passionate fan bases, and the chance for Cleary to help the Red V throw off a now 15-year premiership monkey off the back, the legacy opportunities are there.
There is no doubt the Dragons would pay through the nose too.
every team except for the dogs it would seem
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