The developing story of Connor Watson's future has taken a dramatic turn, with the Sydney Roosters allowing the Origin star to head to the open market for 2027 if he can secure a long-term deal.
Watson's utility value may have been his downfall at the tri-colours, as he excels in both lock and hooker at a high level, and isn't playing the amount of minutes he probably deserves.
There will be plenty of clubs monitoring the situation carefully as he decides where to take his career next.
5. Perth Bears
Without a hooker signed for their inaugural season next year, the Bears will be desperate to get Watson to agree to terms. An origin player who has a clean record, he is the perfect franchise athlete to kick off the Bears' legacy.
Watson's choice to explore the market has fallen into the Bears' lap perfectly, as they would have begun to start sweating about their dummy half omission.
It is expected Mal Meninga will table an offer to Watson which will no doubt be upwards of a million dollars to try to get him to make the switch to the west.
