News has just broken that Panthers and Origin star Tyrone Peachey is set to backflip on the three-year deal he signed for the Titans earlier this season.
Later tonight we'll discuss that, but for now attention turns to just where the utility will ply his trade in 2019 and beyond if not on the holiday strip.
The Titans:
Peachey has signed a contract to play for the Titans. Although I cannot see it happening, the Titans would be well within their rights to insist that their star signing for next season turn up to pre-season training.
Unless their is a clause to free Peachey, he is signed to a deal. Although the worth of signed contracts is under question in the modern day and age, you'd have to think the Titans would be a little annoyed.
They could sit on this information and force either Peachey, or perhaps even his new side, to cover their loss. For instance they could say they'll release if a suitable player was found before allowing him to sign for say the Tigers.
You really have to feel for the Titans here but I can't see them insisting that a player who has so publicly stated his intent not to play for the club, turn up in their colours in November.
Penrith Panthers:
The obvious one is the Panthers. After all Peachey has stated his first priority was to stay at the foot of the mountains. Reports are that he has bought a house in Western Sydney.
The reported reason for him signing away with money related. Given strains on the club to retain Origin talent elsewhere, they simply could not afford to match the Titans offer.
Having released CWH to the Bulldogs for 2019, perhaps they have a little more room to move. You'd have to imagine Peachey would have to accept a consider pay cut if he wanted to stay though.
Every available cap dollar will be allocated to extending the contract of superstar halfback Nathan Cleary and Peachey may, again, be a casualty of that.
Cronulla Sharks:
There have been a few online posts suggesting a home coming for the Sharks junior. I can't see the club having the salary cap space despite the retirement of Luke Lewis.
Although, with Paul Gallen set to accept a pay cut and with Jesse Ramien and Ricky Leutele leaving and only Josh Morris joining, it's not beyond ridiculous to suggest that the Sharks could make a play.
Whether or not they need to is another question. Jason Bukuya, Kurt Capewell, Scott Sorenson and Jack Williams are all on the books while Braden Uele and Briton Nikora are playing well for the Jets.
The Sharks could look to sign him as cover for Josh Morris or Josh Dugan in the centres but with youngster Bronson Xerri just having re-signed, that would be a big use of salary cap space without much thought.
Wests Tigers:
Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner.
For the record I fully expect Peachey to end up in yellow and black in Tiger Town in 2019. The Tigers have enjoyed a far improved season on the efforts of 2017 yet still lack that quality to make them genuine finals contenders.
Yes, I know they finished 9th but the gap between them and the Warriors/Broncos was pretty big in reality.
Peachey could slot into a centre position, or join new signing Ryan Matterson in the back row, or on the bench.
They'd surely have the cap space and certainly could use the utility's talents better than anyone else listed above.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
If not the Tiges, then the Bunnies look the place for the Peach.
Having lost Angus Crichton, the Rabbits will be looking for a quick fix in the back row. They are yet to sign any ready made replacements despite a few clever pick ups.
I'd be very surprised if the Bunnies' management didn't at least make an enquiry to the Origin bench player's management over the next 24/48 hours.
He's not in the same mould as Crichton, but he adds some freakish creativity and could really aid the likes of Walker and Reynolds in creating opportunities.
Don't expect a whole lot of movement as Peachey's attention should be firmly fixed upon his side's Friday night blockbuster with the Sharks. That said, I'd be surprised if at least two or three clubs don't come knocking.
The Raiders and Eels shouldn't be discounted. In fact you can probably rule out the Broncos, Warriors, and Roosters now ... but that's about it.
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