Jonah Pezet seems something of a guarantee to leave the Melbourne Storm.
Exactly when that plays out, to whom, and how those discussions happen remain to be seen, but Jahrome Hughes' re-signing has made things crystal clear.
Unless, by some miracle, the Melbourne Storm actually allow Cameron Munster to negotiate when the Perth Bears come knocking, Pezet will not be at the Storm long-term.
He is contracted through to the end of 2029, but there is a clause in his deal that says he is a free agent the moment Hughes put pen to paper on his own contract extension, which now runs all the way out to 2030.
There is no doubt that Pezet, an ex-junior State of Origin player, will have plenty of interest in his services too.
Quality halves are hard to find around the competition, much less ones who could ultimately lead your club for the next decade.
Whether it's 2026 or 2027, here are the options when it comes to clubs who will - or, at the very least, should - make a play for the young gun.
4. Gold Coast Titans
They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
As it stands, the Gold Coast Titans can shake up the club from the start of 2027 if they so choose, with only AJ Brimson and Keano Kini contracted beyond that out of their current spine.
They are likely about to have a chunk of salary cap freed up from the looming departure of David Fifita. At the same time, the idea of any of Brimson, Jayden Campbell, or anyone else currently at the club playing halfback simply doesn't work.
The Titans need a general.
What that means for their current crop remains to be seen, but the first priority for whoever replaces Des Hasler, and the Titans need to make a decision sooner rather than later, should be getting onto the phone to Anasta and working out if there is an appetite for Pezet to relocate to the glitter strip.
If there is, then a sizeable offer needs to be presented.
He is the guy the Titans could finally build around to seek some more permanency away from the bottom of the table, where they are destined to finish in 2025.
Newcastle already has a conga-line of halves, and a coach who has been unable to decide between them.
Pezet should avoid going there unless the coach and half the halves have been axed.
The cows have plenty of origin players, so a decent halves pairing could transform them. They have got one – now all they need is the other.
Perth – unless they are throwing in frequent flyer points as an under-the-counter bonus, and unless he loves seeing planes from the inside – I think Mr Pezet ought to ignore them.