Earlier in week, Cronulla Sharks second-rower Teig Wilton's manager Andrew Purcell sent shockwaves through the Sutherland Shire by announcing Wilton would test the market at the end of the season.
Wilton, currently 26, is off-contract at the end of 2027 and will thus be able to talk to other clubs from November 1st.
This would be for the 2028 season, and beyond.
Sharks fans were quick to react across the social media platforms. The typical response landed somewhere between "we cannot let him speak to other teams" and "what are we doing?"
Teig Wilton is one of very few Sharks players universally loved within the fan base.
Knowing that clubs are being forced to pay over market value with the introduction of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs, Wilton's manager would be doing him a disservice if he didn't at least hear what other teams had to offer.
Wilton will be 28 by the time his next contract kicks in, at the peak of his powers and very much looking to secure the biggest contract of his career.
As a rugby league fan, it was incredible easy to put together a list of suitors for his services as I named six potential landing spots for Wilton should be leave the Sharks.
As a Sharks fan though, it is absolutely imperative that the Sharks move heaven and earth to retain their long-time star second-rower.
Firstly I should admit to being an unashamed fan of Wilton. In 2023 I explained why Why Teig Wilton's signature was the key to Cronulla's long-term future and I stand by it here today.
Craig Fitzgibbon's entire club culture is centred around re-signing good men and good players.
Wilton is the literal definition of a good man and a good player.
At the time of typing, Wilton has 126 NRL appearances to his name. All of those for the Sharks.
Wilton represented the Sharks at SG Ball level, helping take them to a Grand Final appearance. He was awarded the club's Junior Representative Player of the Year award during his SG Ball year.
He then captained the Sharks Jersey Flegg side to a Premiership win in 2018.
Wilton was part of the 2019 Newtown Jets (Cronulla's feeder club) premiership the year following also.
In 2019 he was also named captain of the NSW Under-20's side.
Wilton is Sharks to the core and is regularly mentioned by Origin coaches as being on the fringe of selection.
Without heading down another molehill, he is to the Sharks what fans of other teams believe Briton Nikora is.
In his 20 games for the Sharks in 2026 he has eight tries, seven line-breaks, has 12 offloads, averages 95 metres per game and tackles at over 92%.
By comparison Liam Martin, in 14 games for Penrith, has five tries, four line-breaks, has 15 offloads, averages 85 metres per game and tackles at around 91%.
I'm not suggesting that Wilton has the name value of Liam Martin but he plays a very similar role for the Sharks.
He is the hitman in defence, has become the wide-running weapon close to the line, and is always putting his hand up for work.
The Sharks system relies heavily on the outside backs in their own end, so the Sharks second rowers typically don't have the 160 run metre efforts of the likes of Haumole Olakau'atu.
Wilton has done exactly what has been asked of him, and then some, for his entire Sharks tenure.
He is undoubtedly a Craig Fitzgibbon guy.
Simply put, there is no way the Sharks can allow Wilton to do anything other than have a quick chat to other teams.
Wilton leaving the Sharks at this point would undo so much of the good work the club has done in keeping the playing group together.
I am 100% behind the departures of Cam McInnes, Sione Katoa, Braden Uele, Mawene Hiroti and I completely understanding allowing Jesse Ramien to leave.
Siosifa Talakai is a harder pillow to swallow but the Sharks are paying him 80 minute money for a 30 minute stint. It's a shame but it's good business.
I have, loudly, been calling for a refreshing of the Sharks squad for two seasons now.
Just not at Wilton's expense!
Blayke Brailey is the heart and soul of the Sharks, Braydon Trindall will be the key playmaker for years. Outside of Hynes, Wilton is probably the next most important player.
Will Kennedy signs one year-deals, Briton Nikora's stock has fallen, outside backs can be replaced from within the squad.
I'd hear an argument for Jesse Colquhoun, but Wilton's stock within the club is very high!
There are no reports suggesting any kind of riff or even intention to leave the club on Wilton's behalf.
It's simply his manager, correctly, advising him to see what he is worth. Then, I'd imagine, asking the Sharks to match that.
The Sharks would be out of their minds to allow Wilton's signature to land anywhere but on a club extension sooner than later.
