Wests Tigers half Jarome Luai could depart the club at the end of 2026.

No matter which report you read, or which way you spin it, that is the cold hard truth for the powers that be at the Tigers.

Luai might have signed a five-year contract with the club through to the end of 2029, but his contract is made up of player options for each of the final three years.

It's believed that CEO Shane Richardson was only able to get it over the line because of the clauses.

It's the next impending situation for the Tigers in what is a substantially long list of them. Lachlan Galvin and Tallyn da Silva are gone, they are attempting to extend the contract of their skipper, and now there are also question marks about the long-term future of fullback Jahream Bula who could also look to head to the exit turnstiles.

Luai's decision will be one which is followed closely in the coming months. It's impossible to know exactly how he is feeling, but the halfback and five-eighth has struggled to propel the Tigers up the ladder despite his hefty $1.2 million contract.

Coming off four straight premierships at the Penrith Panthers, the 28-year-old is in the prime of his career, but going backwards on field, as evidenced by his poor showing in Game 2 and 3 of the State of Origin series.

He was only recalled to the Blues side after Parramatta Eels star Mitchell Moses was struck down with a calf injury at training before Game 2.

If Luai does elect to leave the Tigers, there could be no shortage of suitors for his signature, with a new club also set to join the competition.

Here is the state of play, and the club's likely to chase his signature - not in any order though.

6. South Sydney Rabbitohs

Where the Rabbitohs are headed is anyone's guess.

Coach Wayne Bennett all but confirmed this week that Cody Walker will go again 2026 despite a year in the twilight of his career where he has spent more time off the field than on it.

That could mean the end of Lewis Dodd's time at the club as he heads back to England, with Walker almost a certainty to retire at the end of 2026.

Jamie Humphreys will likely continue to hold down the number seven given his impressive form since switching to the club, but there is going to be a spot open in the halves.

Luai under Wayne Bennett's coaching could be a dream for South Sydney. Salary cap will be an issue, but if they can squeeze the numbers around, this could be a serious play.