Free agency for 2027 is in full swing, and while players sort their futures, plenty of eyes have shuffled to Townsville where rising star Jaxon Purdue is among the off-contract list.
At just 20 years of age, Purdue has already well and truly made his mark as an NRL player, whether that be in the centres or at five-eighth.
A player with all the talent in the world, he will also likely spend some time at fullback if there are issues with Scott Drinkwater, or halfback if need be, and there is little doubt he will eventually be an Origin player one way or another.
If he finds form in the next two months, there is no reason the Mackay-born utility couldn't be in the mix for Billy Slater's six-man bench this season.
Off the field, it has appeared he will likely stay with the Cowboys, but there are no guarantees there. The Cowboys salary cap doesn't have the wiggle room that some others do, and with an expansion side looming, it will add more pressure on Todd Payten and his recruitment staff to retain Purdue.
Here are the other clubs around the competition that could make a play.
6. Sydney Roosters
Any chance the Roosters aren't looking for outside backs, and a centre in particular, was squashed on Friday when it emerged they are already looking at Dolphins and English star Herbie Farnworth for 2028.
But they may want a player a little more immediately than that, and certainly have the cash to splash.
All the talk is that that the Roosters have held some money in the kitty, just in case Joseph Manu becomes available again.
That it looking more unlikely for 2027 at the very least, so they could well go and look at the next big thing.
It's easy right now to make the argument that Jaxon Purdue's best position is centre which could potentially see Billy Smith move to what will be Mark Nawaqanitawase's vacant wing. Daniel Tupou potentially retiring as well means the backline could be short, even with the arrival of Reuben Garrick, who will likely play on the wing.
2027 could also see the five-eighth jersey up for grabs if Daly Cherry-Evans retires, while tghe fullback jersey may not be all that far away either with James Tedesco approaching the end of his career.
Purdue would fill a number of gaps for the Roosters potentially and is the sort of player who could excel at Bondi - certainly players like him before have found their feet.
