Although most sides are still looking to complete their rosters for the 2024 season, a certain premiership and Origin-winning half has teams looking a little further into the future.
2025 may seem a long time away, but given players can start negotiating from November 1, moves may very well already being made.
When a player of Jarome Luai's pedigree becomes available, rosters shift.
For those who haven't heard, the star five-eighth is yet to nail down an extension with the Panthers.
A recent split with management and a subsequent cooling-off period mean he may be unable to even discuss a potential extension until mid-October.
Given he is likely to be the object of many sides' affection, Luai could attract a contract away from Penrith worth a million dollars per season.
For the purpose of this, we're going to look at options other than Penrith. He could very well accept a cut-price deal to remain at the foot of the mountains, but where is the fun in that?
Below are five sides I expect to heavily be in the race should that November 1 deadline tick over, and therefore be viable landing spots for Jarome Luai in 2025.
1. Canberra Raiders
Jack Wighton shocked fans in the capital by announcing he was leaving the club to head to South Sydney in 2024.
What better way to counter the loss of an Origin-quality player than by signing another Origin player? In the same position no less. Younger too.
I would be absolutely shocked if Ricky Stuart and the Raiders aren't very aware of the Luai situation, and keeping very serious tabs on it.
I'd go so far as to say that the Raiders would be favoured if Luai were to test the market and decide to move on.
Wighton's position and salary look very much available. The Raiders have signed young gun Simi Sasagi with a look to 2024 and beyond, but Luai obviously presents a more ready-made prospect.
Jamal Fogarty is a very good footballer in his own right but you'd have to think he'll become the real deal with Luai beside him.
Of course, Canberra would have to make due for 2024 but knowing Luai was incoming for 2025, I'm sure fans would be more than fine.
Canberra offers the rare combination of a very real title opportunity as well as the potential to earn far more than at Penrith. Watch this space!
