The regular season may be over but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet, even for those teams not lining up this weekend to play finals footy.
With multiple clubs struggling to sort their salary caps for 2022 and beyond, there is going to be plenty of player movement between now and Round 1 next season.
One such movement comes in the form of Dragons and Blues second rower, Tariq Sims.
The fun just never seems to stop for those wearing the famous Red V as a crazy week was rounded off by a report that the Dragons are set to let one of their better-performing players go.
A player who has led the club as captain admirably despite horror results. A player who wasn't invited to the infamous season-defining BBQ reportedly because the feeling was he would tell players to pull their heads in.
The Dragons loss looks as though it will be some other NRL sides gain with Sims likely to be chased by multiple clubs.
We look at the five most likely destinations below:
5. Cronulla Sharks
Whenever a player becomes in any way available they are going to be linked to the Sharks. With multiple roster spots available and plenty of cap space, that's just how it is.
It just so happens that the Sharks also need experienced forwards who can play in the middle to compliment their rising stocks and marquee signings.
Sims, at 31, has one more big contract in him. He suits a need and the Sharks have a spot open given the fact they're moving on the likes of Woods and likely Tolman.
With Wade Graham's future clouded due to ongoing concussion issues, there is a wide spot available but with Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora on the books, Sims moving into the middle makes sense.
An Origin quality forward capable of big minutes and a high defensive workload surely appeals to Craig Fitzgibbon.
Cameron McInnes, Graham/Wilton, Nikora, Dale Finucane and Toby Rudolf look set to occupy the starting spots. Can you imagine a bench of Braden Hamlin-Uele, Sims, Siosifa Talakai and a utility? Works for me.
Shrewd. What Cronulla need to do is to tap Wade Graham and Andrew Fifita on the shoulder and explain to them that it is in their best interest – and that of the club – for them to call it a day. Retiring on health grounds won’t cost them money unless thery have strange contracts. That would free plenty of cap space for Sims, and I think he would fit in well (and not like he’d have to move houses, either)
Tariq is already 31. That’s a bit old to be recruiting a forward, no matter how good he has been. Sharks have already signed Dale Finucane – 30 years old – on a long deal. That’s a worry.
Sharks don’t need another Andrew Fifita on $850K: 6 games, 97 minutes for the entire season, or Josh Dugan (another 6 gamer on $850K).
What the Sharks should do is to offer one year contracts, with pay linked to number of appearances. eg $200K plus $10K per match, so if the player is out for the season he still gets $200K and if he plays 20 matches he’ll get $400K. Force the players to have some skin in the game.
Look, Tariq could be an excellent buy at the right price, but not if he is on a long term, big money deal, at his age.