News broke recently that Wests Tigers cult hero, and try scoring enigma, Alex Twal may be on the look out for a new club soon.
Reportedly he has been given permission to explore his options elsewhere.
As with when any player either comes off contract, or is given supposed permission to look around, he has been linked to a host of clubs.
For the record, I believe this is a smart move on the Tigers behalf. They need to prioritise their younger, higher up-side middles with a look to the future.
With the greatest of respects to Twal, who had a more than solid season, he'll have to make his next move knowing that the Tigers have deemed him excess to requirements.
With that in mind, we look to five potential landing spots for the super popular 27 year-old:
It is no secret that the Dolphins lacked depth across multiple positions. Their forward stocks were heavily depleted by the end of the campaign.
I have no doubt that Wayne Bennett could make the most of another, big, experienced body entering his middle rotation.
Tom Flegler is on his way but with Herman Ese'ese departing for Hull FC at season's end, Twal's arrival would be a welcome one.
I'm not going to claim to have any advanced knowledge of the Phin's cap situation but I highly doubt Twal would break the bank.
This may be a move with a look to the future also as Jesse Bromwich will be 35 by Round One, 2024, while Jarrod Wallace will be 33 next season.
Wayne Bennett has an eye for underutilised talent. If Twal is deemed to fall into that category, I have no doubt the supercoach will be casting a view Twal's way.
Speaking of super coaches who drag the best out of players, Craig Bellamy is the undisputed king.
His entire starting back row of Trent Loiero, Elisea Katoa and Josh King all fall under this category.
They lost a mountain of experience when they lost both Bromwich brothers last year. Tariq Sims has played ok but hasn't set the world on fire just yet.
Twal is a handy option, who I believe would flourish under the guidance of Bellamy.
Currently the Storm are yet to sign any new additions for 2024, while they're also not officially losing anyone either. You'd guess there'd be movement for a signing or two.
Twal is such a Bellamy signing. Raw talent, probably not setting the world on fire, but I guarantee after 12 months in Melbourne would be a weapon.
To put it nicely, I believe the Dragons could use some fresh blood in their middle stocks.
The Dragons pack struggled big time in 2023 and although Twal isn't exactly a word beater, he walks onto any bench the Dragons named this year.
I have no doubt in the world that Shane Flanagan is looking to add to his squad for next year.
Twal's signing would add a hard working middle who you can trust on and off the park. Right now that is right up the Dragons alley.
You could not convince me that the Dragons would be under any real cap pressure. I'd suggest they could fit Twal in quite easily and have him ready for pre-season training by November.
Blake Lawrie was magnificent this year and justly won the club's player of the year award. I don't think it's unfair to say he needs a little more help.
Twal would instantly improve the Dragons bench, while you could talk me into starting him.
I would be shocked if his name hasn't been mentioned in Dragons circles.
The Cowboys are another team who could use some bodies in the middle.
They lost James Tamou to retirement while Jordan McLean is 32.
Jamayne Taunoa-Brown looks a real talent but hasn't received the large minutes needed to really stamp his authority.
Twal could be a very handy pickup for a Cowboys side looking to rebound after a below par 2023 season.
Again, Twal isn't going to set the world on fire but there's no world where he wouldn't offer more impact off the bench than Jake Granville.
There seems a large gap between the Cowboys experienced props like Taumalolo, McLean and Hess back to the rookies that are being asked to fill the rest of the positions.
Twal could bridge that gap while offering a big body, a tackling machine and a calm head from the bench.
Alex Twal could move to the Super League tomorrow and be an elite prop.
I don't mean that come across as a pot shot at the Super League but we've seen players move to the motherland in similar positions to Twal and absolutely star.
I can absolutely see the likes of Leeds, who are in desperate need of a quick rebuild, snapping Twal up and starting him in round one next year.
Whatever Twal is on now, he could earn in England. Their cap is different but I could name five or six teams who would happily use an import spot on the crowd favourite.
Whether or not he'd be willing to make the massive move is another question. At only 27 year's of age, Twal will have no shortage of potential suitors in the NRL.
England is a very real destination though if those NRL offers don't eventuate.