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.
3. Newcastle Knights
The Knights are a tough club to pick which way things are turning.
Linked to Pezet previously before and then withdrawing interest, the Knights' attack has been a basket case this year, and it is likely to cost Adam O'Brien his job in charge, even if the club's hierarchy has handed him their 'full support' in recent weeks.
Dylan Brown will join the club ahead of 2026. That much is for certain as he prepares to be a long-term member of the club's halves set-up.
But whether that is at six or seven remains to be seen. He is likely to be given the first shot at halfback next year, but that's no guarantee of working out.
The Knights have Fletcher Sharpe trying to become a five-eighth as well, but outside of that, precious little is locked in long-term.
That could be where Pezet comes in, particularly if his future hasn't been locked away early next year and the Knights start the season slowly.
It won't happen anytime soon - Pezet being targeted by the Knights - but you wouldn't go as far as to rule out the chance of a move like this eventually being on the table.
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.