Adam Doueihi's tenure at the Wests Tigers looks set to conclude at the end of the 2025 season.
The star utility has been a mainstay through some dark times at the Tigers, but between stalled negotiations and rising tensions with the coaching staff, Doueihi is almost certain to be donning a new logo in 2026.
His ability to play multiple positions across the park is certain to score him a deal for next year, with multiple NRL clubs looking to plug holes in their rosters in the Hunt for a premiership.
Reports earlier this week indicated Doueihi had been offered around $350,000 by the Tigers; however, with a hard-nosed advisor like Isaac Moses in his ear, the Lebanon international is unlikely to take up the discounted offer.
That leaves him with a plethora of options heading into 2026, and with versatile Origin stars like Kurt Mann and Connor Watson boosting the stocks of the modern-day utility, we could see Doueihi sign with any number of clubs.
5. Manly Sea Eagles
While Jake Trbojevic is set to re-sign with the Sea Eagles until the end of 2027, there is no debating that the former Blues skipper is not what he once was.
He has been filling the club's lock role for years.
However as he begins to slow down, it may be best for the club to move him into the front row permanently, inviting Doueihi in to lock down the No. 13 jumper.
Doueihi could bring a level of silkiness that the Sea Eagles have lacked in recent years, playing the perfect link man role in the middle alongside Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks.
A move to Manly would solidify him as an out-and-out lock; however, with the star utility excelling in the role for the Tigers in the past, it may just be the best option.
I can’t see the Panthers paying $400K for a utility, much less one who will be guaranteed a starting role only during SOO or when injuries strike.