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:
5. North Queensland Cowboys
Guess what? The Cowboys also need a refresh! Bet you didn't see that coming, right?
Viliami Vailea is signed to arrive in Townsville next season, while Peta Hiku is on the way to England.
Valentine Holmes will return from suspension, which will feel like a new recruit such is the spell he and the Cowboy shave had to endure.
Still though, despite some serious talent in the wing and centre positions, I don't see anything that puts a stop to putting Tracey's name up in lights.
Kyle Feldt has been an incredible player for the Cowboys but looks to be on the back end of his career. His being named in a replacement role numerous times suggests this, unfortunately.
Zac Laybutt looks a real prospect, but has hardly nailed down that second centre spot.
Murray Tualagi is a freakish talent but looks more at home on the wing. Semi Valemei scored a barrel of tries on the wing and will probably partner Tualagi.
There are a lot of "probably" and "potentially" in this discussion.
Connor Tracey absolutely starts at centre in round one if he makes the move to the far north.
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 !)