Penrith Panthers and NSW Blues star forward Liam Martin has made it clear the club will need to pay a figure they likely can't afford if they want his services beyond the end of 2027.
While talks are set to continue this week, the clock is ticking on the Panthers if they want his signature before November 1.
With Martin testing free agency now seeming a better than small possibility, there is a very real chance he will join Brian To'o on the way out of the club at the end of 2027.
The unfortunate truth of the situation for the Panthers is that they will have to shake some players at the end of next year to keep their premiership-competitive side together.
It's what they have done so well through the dynasty of success, but the loss of any of their top players, Martin included, would be a bitter pill to swallow given To'o has already confirmed his departure, and rumours continue to swirl around Nathan Cleary and Isaah Yeo.
With Penrith's salary cap stretched, here are the clubs who could make a play for Martin from November 1.
7. Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos' depth in the second row has been a constant discussion point in recent times.
They have taken a step to address that by signing Shawn Blore from the Melbourne Storm, but with no guarantee Brendan Piakura will play again owing to his five concussions, there is room for another player.
What Martin brings is enormous experience, but also the ability to be a combination forward who can play in the middle.
As he heads towards the back-end of his career, more time in the middle may well naturally be on the cards for a no-nonsense player who would fit in with what Michael Maguire wants at Red Hill - winners who can lift standards.
Really the biggest question for Brisbane would be around money, but we are talking another 12 months down the line. There has been talk this week Ezra Mam is being targetted by South Sydney, and other players will be on the way out if Brisbane struggle as much in 2027 as they have in 2026.
