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.
5. Melbourne Storm
The Storm have lost Shawn Blore to the Brisbane Broncos for 2027, have no guarantee Eliesa Katoa will play again, and question marks over the recst of their second-row.
They have signed Oryn Keeley and Kelma Tuilagi, and certainly Cooper Clarke is coming on at a rate of knots, but Martin is the klnd of player who could make an enormous difference in Craig Bellamy's set up.
As it stands, Bellamy may end his coaching career at the end of next year, making it even more imperative for his successor to have players he can count on to be consistency and inspire the rest of his teammates.
Martin is just that kind of player. He would waltz into the starting side for Melbourne, likely alongside Keeley, while the club use Clarke and Tuilagi off the bench.
If Eliesa Katoa makes a full recovery, this scenario is far more unlikely.
