As we tick closer to the November 1st deadline, NRL clubs are beginning to lick their lips at some of the names about to officially enter "off-contract" status.
One of the players likely to have numerous sets of eyes on his future services is Sydney Roosters back-rower Angus Crichton.
All signs pointed to a return to the dark side of rugby union, but recent reports indicate that move is off.
With the Roosters seemingly resigned to letting him go, it's time to speculate on which sides will be in his manager's call log early next month.
For the purpose of this, I'm going to leave the Bulldogs off the list. They've been linked to every player on the market and at some stage, the money has to run out.
Below are five likely NRL landing spots for Angus Crichton:
1. Newcastle Knights
The Knights have lost Lachlan Fitzgibbon for 2024 while their other first-choice second rower in Tyson Frizell must be 45 by now. (he's just turned 32)
There are talks the club is trying to move on Daniel Saifiti, possibly with a look to recruiting elsewhere.
Safe to say that there's something pretty special building in the Hunter, but they look a superstar or two short of a genuine title tilt.
Crichton's signature would supply them that superstar, whilst adding a weapon to a position where they look thin moving forward.
With the club having to spend huge to retain their star number one, they need to look at value elsewhere. Whilst adding talent no less.
Crichton will still be able to demand big money but the eye-watering Rugby deal will be hard to match.
Newcastle look well placed to offer a spot, a competitive contract and a change of lifestyle just up the road.
