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.
6. Canberra Raiders
This comes with an enormous ‘if' really.
The Raiders have clearly earmarked big money on the table for a second-rower they view as a player worth seven figures.
That's what Hudson Young is to them, but the chance of him joining the PNG Chiefs rather than sticking around in the national capital for the long-term seems to be growing almost by the day.
That could ultimately leave the Raiders attacking the open market for a second-rower to replace him, and there would be few better options than Martin.
It could well be that the club are going to give Young a negotiation window with PNG before November 1 so they understand if they are a chance of keeping him, or can hit November 1 with knowledge it won't be an option.
