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.
4. Melbourne Storm
The Storm are clearly in the market for backline talent, as evidenced by their recent signing of Jamayne Isaako from the Dolphins for 2027 and beyond.
It's a great move from Craig Bellamy and his recruitment staff, but it would not surprise if they are still looking for more options in the back seven.
Both Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster aren't getting any younger, and the loss of Tryan Wishart to the Perth Bears at the end of the year means they are going to be short on back-up options at six and seven.
Purdue would instantly become next cab off the rank there, but would also push for a centre position in the meantime. Melbourne's backline is going to be short next year in general with the departures of both Will Warbrick to the Warriors and Nick Meaney to the Bears.
That means there is, at worst, a walk-up centre spot for Purdue with opportunities elsewhere. We all know how good Sua Fa'alogo has been in attack, but the jury is out on his defence, and while he will have the rest of 2026 to prove himself, don't expect coach Craig Bellamy to sit on his hands for ever.
