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:
4. Canberra Raiders
Much like the teams above here, the Raiders feel due for a refresh.
Ricky Stuart never really decided on a first string back five this season. Xavier Savage is all at sea, Jordan Rapana is a fullback/winger/who knows?
Sebastian Kris is suspended but was seemingly relegated to the wing after an up and down run at fullback. Second row even?
Matt Timoko is a future superstar and will fill one centre role next season. That cannot be disputed.
The other spots ... anybody's guess!?
If only there was a calm headed player, potentially available, who could fill whatever role was asked of him ... If only!
Tracey has been linked to the capital for many weeks now. He absolutely fits into the Ricky Stuart mold. The Canberra way, if you will.
He is exactly the kind of player Ricky Stuart should begin his mini refresh around.
A player you notice on the field and never heard of off the field. It would be a welcome change after the past few seasons for the Green Machine.
This is a move that looked on a month-or-so ago, and one I'd now be shocked if wasn't discussed again as soon as holidays end.
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 !)