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:
3. Melbourne Storm
I said last week that the Storm need a refresh. Not a rebuild, but some new energy in key positions.
Connor Tracey in purple in the centres? That very much fits the bill.
Craig Bellamy has built a legacy on getting the very most out of players and I have no doubt he could turn Tracey's skill-set up to eleven.
Justin Olam is a tremendous attacking threat but was dropped to QLD Cup recently and was defensively found out in the Finals.
Marion Seve seems to bounce between First Grade and reserves while Reimis Smith doesn't seem to be the answer he once was.
Connor Tracey could, very realistically, run out for the Storm come Round One in either 2023 or 2024.
Tracey just screams Craig Bellamy's kind of player. I could really see he and Nick Meaney forming a killer combination out on one side, should Ryan Papenhuyzen return in the early rounds next season.
Bellamy has turned decent first graders into scary talents. Imagine what he could do with someone like Tracey!?
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 !)