With the days until November 1st ticking down, we are well and truly amidst the NRL's silly season.
Over the next few weeks we will see a number of players linked with seemingly random clubs as clubs look build for 2024 and beyond.
One player who is in the headlines and seemingly on the open market is Cronulla Sharks utility Connor Tracey.
The half turn winger turn centre turn fullback is off contract in 2025 but rumours suggest he wants out of the club a season earlier than that.
Given Tracey's age combined with what he has done for the Sharks in previous seasons, I can't see the club standing in their way.
With the likes of Kade Dykes, Sam Stonestreet and Kayal Iro on their books, the Sharks need to start looking to their future and thus shouldn't stand in Tracey's way.
With a look to a regular First Grade spot in mind, there's no way I can see Tracey extending his stay in the Shire.
Below are the five most likely landing spots for Connor Tracey:
2. St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are in a full, and rapid rebuild. They will be linked with every player on the market, with Tracey being no different.
Talks are Shane Flanagan is keen to move Zac Lomax to fullback, a move I agree should be a priority.
Connor Tracey is exactly the kind of player the Red V should be targeting right now.
He's a talented player with an enormous heart, a clean skin away from the field and won't break the bank to recruit.
He also walks into the Dragons side at either centre, assuming Lomax moves to the custodian role, or on the wing.
If worst comes to worst and Kyle Flanagan's signing doesn't work out as hoped, Tracey can even provide a stopgap option in the halves.
Simply put, the Dragons need to be on the phone to Tracey's agent the second they're given permission.
Opportunity for Craig Fitzgibbon to show the smartness he is supposed to have, but which he has kept well hidden since joining the Sharks.
Tell any club “You can negotiate with Connor Tracey for an immediate release – as long as you also take Oregon Kaufusi” Make some cap money available for really good prop – when one next becomes available, and be able to give Iro a chance in the first team
(In fact, move Sifa Talaki into the middle, and Iro could run out in Round 1 2024 !)