Cameron Munster's departure from the Melbourne Storm is looking more and more likely by the day.
A report this week suggests the star five-eighth, who has been one of the competition's form players this year, has recently knocked back an offer from the Storm to remain at the club beyond the end of 2023.
It's hardly a surprise that it's come to that.
The Storm's salary cap is undeniably bloated at the top end, with Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant all recently signing on the dotted line for big-money extensions.
The crush for high-skilled targets is immense in the competition, and even more so thanks to the entry of the Dolphins in 2023, who have reportedly offered Munster more than $1 million per season.
Munster's manager Braith Anasta didn't exactly shy away from the fact he will hit the open market from November 1 either, and while he won't be losing the Storm before the end of 2023, Anasta admitted at least three or four clubs have already expressed interest in the star.
So, with his future in Melbourne looking chequered at best, where could the Queensland and Australian star wind up?
Here are the five most likely potential options.
1. The Dolphins
The Dolphins are building, and while they won't be able to bring Munster in for the 2023 season as they so clearly wanted, Wayne Bennett has appeared confident that Munster will be at Redcliffe by the start of 2024.
It's hard to mount a major argument against it either all things considered.
The Dolphins have mountains of salary cap space available, a location in Queensland that Munster would love to return to, and a coach Munster would love to play for.
The whole thing just makes sense if Munster ultimately does elect to head to Redcliffe for the 2024 season.
There are other options, but for Munster to go to the Dolphins and lead the expansion team as they continue to build signings into their second season could be something special to watch.
The verdict
The Dolphins are clearly the favourites here, and are likely to land Munster's signature.
It's hard to see him heading to Sydney, but if the value was that much of a difference as has been reported, and if the Dolphins weren't to be the location for him, then the Titans could be sitting in third spot in the race for Munster if they make a proper play.
The Dragons and Tigers desperately need a player of his stature, but it's hard to see it happening.
