One of the ongoing surprises to start the 2026 NRL season has been the overlooking of Canberra Raiders' centre Matthew Timoko by head coach Ricky Stuart.
While a foot injury hampered his preparation for the new campaign, the centre is now well and truly on the outside looking in thanks to the start to the season for his replacement, Simi Sasagi.
The utility, who at one point in time was seen as one of the best young halves in the game when he was progressing through the junior system at the Newcastle Knights, has become one of the more important players in the nation's capital for his consistency and his versatility.
Typically, he has been used in the second-row, but has had no problems slotting in at centre, and has now taken the opportunity presented to start the 2026 campaign with both hands.
Maybe then it was no surprise during the week that news emerged the Raiders have more or less told Timoko he is free to explore his options elsewhere.
It wasn't really up to the club given the centre is off-contract at the end of the season (although has a mutual option for 2027), but it now appears something of a guarantee that the 26-year-old will head for the Canberra departure lounge.
Timoko, who has played 112 games for the Raiders since his 2020 debut, has been a constant performer over the years for Stuart's side, and has nine Tests for New Zealand to his name.
That, frankly, makes him the type of player who will pick a up a contract elsewhere, continuing an NRL career where he has been underrated at the best of times.
Here are the most likely landing spots for the 26-year-old.
1. Melbourne Storm
Matthew Timoko playing under the coaching of Craig Bellamy is a scary, scary thought.
The Raiders centre has serious potential, and Bellamy has a track record of getting the best out of all his playing group.
The Storm are in a unique position heading into 2027 too given the amount of money they have at their disposal, having still not spent chunks on their 2026 departures.
The club are preparing to lose starting centre Nick Meaney at the end of the year, while a backline reshuffle will also be required with William Warbrick likely to head to the New Zealand Warriors.
That likely pushes Moses Leo back out wide and with Jack Howarth potentially looking to move back into the second-row, it could leave the club needing two new centres.
It would not surprise if one of them is Timoko.
Surprised Sharks didnt get a mention. Will be two centres short next year with Ramien & Vea’ila leaving.
That’s a valid comment. Coach Fitzgibbon hates giving any one in the squad a chance – so Michael Gabrael hasn’t been given an opportunity to show what he can do.
If R & V go then the coach will have to buy someone new or take a real punt on an untested player. Either way, he’ll _loathe_ having to do it !
Some good takes but also some weird ones. Knights dont need spark out wide they have Hunt waiting for when Gagai retires. Best, Young paired with the spine is enough. Thought cowboys warriors and tigers would be better choices