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:
My belief is that Crichton needs a new environment to re-energise his career. A return to the Bunnies could provide those new, albeit similar surroundings.
With five or six clubs linked to Keaon Koloamatangi, the Bunnies face the very real possibility of losing their ace second rower. Or at lest being forced to pay through the nose to retain him.
What better way to replace a damaging, wide-running second rower with Origin experience than with a damaging, wide-running second rower with Origin experience?
Chritchon is a legit superstar. Don't let a disrupted 2023 season distract you from that.
Right now my guess is that Koloamatangi would be able to command a larger salary on the open market.
If one of the desperate sides is willing to write a blank cheque, the Bunnies would find real value in bringing Crichton back to the red and green in Redfern.
If the Bunnies are able to retain their superstar, Crichton could still very well be on the wish list.
The Bunnies had a poor 2023 season and are in desperate need of a refresh.
With Jai Arrow and numerous other players, being linked with off-season moves, it's not beyond the realm of possibility that the Rabbitohs have a target in mind.
That target may very well be a familiar one in Crichton.
Not for the first time I'm going to double down on the fact the Sharks are a big forward away from any sort of serious title chase.
If I'm the Sharks, I'm looking for a middle, but they've been linked with Angus Crichton in the past and I'd be shocked if they aren't again.
Crichton could be an option at 13, but looks a far more readymade replacement on the left edge with Teig Wilton moving into the middle.
Craig Fitzgibbon looks happy with what he has, but with major salary cap space opening up for 2025, I'd be shocked if he didn't look to recruit.
There would, almost certainly, be a relationship from their time working together at Bondi.
We heard nothing but positive from Roosters players when it came to their former defensive coach. You'd have to think this would be an advantage.
Given the moves on the radar in the Shire, there should be cap space available to be well in the talks.
If Crichton is looking for a new club, a short shift south wouldn't be difficult. Plus the Fitzgibbon factor comes into it.
The Dragons, as I've stated previously, need to land a marquee recruit to start their rebuild.
That said, the Red V need to spend wisely and not just throw a million dollars at a random player with a big name.
Given that he's coming off a down season, Angus Crichton looks to be in the realm of perfect signings.
The Dragons' issues stem right across the park, something of which I am certain incoming coach Shane Flanagan is well aware.
There may be bigger issues than in the second row but at this point, the Dragons need to improve everywhere.
They're reportedly interested in speaking with Koloamatangi, so I would be shocked if they didn't enter the Crichton sweepstakes too.
The Dragons are in a position where they can probably overspend for the right player.
Crichton is the kind of player the struggling side need to sign, champion and build around.
If I'm a Dragons fan and my side isn't all over this situation, I'd be very disappointed.
The Dolphins have recruited very well for 2024 but the fact remains that their second-row stocks are aging.
Felise Kaufusi (31) and Kenny Bromwich (32) are both on the wrong side of 30.
Chritchon is currently 27 and at the peak of his powers.
Wayne Bennett is linked with a retirement at the end of the 2024 season, but I'll believe it when I see it.
Bennett is still one of the game's smartest operators and is known for dragging the best out of players.
You have to imagine even he would be grinning ear to ear if his club should be able to pull off this almighty signature.
Talks of a move to Perth in Rugby were supposedly a big reason for the deal falling over. There were no reports re a shift to Queensland.
I have no idea where the Dolphins cap would be for 2025 and beyond but Wayne Bennett is the kind of coach who would make space for the right player.
Crichton fits that definition.
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.