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.

2. St George Illawarra Dragons

The Dragons are desperate for talent. That much is clear.

Shane Flanagan's side have lacked any sort of attacking mojo to get the 2026 campaign underway, and they rapidly need a correction.

Flanagan could well be lucky to remain the coach heading into 2027 based on the start to the campaign for the joint-venture, but if he does, 2027 will be desperation stakes.

While the Red V have already signed Keaon Koloamatangi long-term and are waiting with anticipation to see how Daniel Atkinson, as well as youngster Kade Reed, will perform in the halves, there are real question marks around the number six, the number seven, the centres, and the fullback role.

Valentine Holmes' start to the year, as well as the lack of wing options at the Dragons, suggests there is an option to move him wider on the field, while Clint Gutherson could be in his last year as a feasible first-choice fullback option.

This would be a sign now, work out what happens later sort of play for the Dragons.