Where there is smoke, there is fire.
That is the way the saying goes, and more often than not in rugby league circles, it is 100 per cent correct.
Whether it is the case with David Klemmer or not remains to be seen, but it was just weeks ago that he was linked with an exit from the Tigers as they looked to bring Jarome Luai to the club early.
The Penrith Panthers have seemingly blocked any chance of the star New South Wales State of Origin five-eighth being let go early, but it seems all but certain now that he will wind up in a Tigers jersey from the start of 2025.
The joint-venture are also looking to bring in Jarome Luai and were in the running for Addin Fonua-Blake before pulling out, but could still look to add to their forward pack.
It was Klemmer who was linked with a sudden exit from the Tigers in an effort to balance the salary cap, and while he may not depart ahead of the 2024 campaign, you can almost be certain that the conversation will be had again in the run to 2025 as Benji Marshall looks to rebuild the club.
But if Klemmer was to depart, where could he end up? Zero Tackle have run the rule over the competition, and come up with the top five options.
The Warriors find themselves in a position where Addin Fonua-Blake will depart the club at the end of 2024, and on a market where props are few and far between.
Props that could effectively replace Fonua-Blake though are about as rare as hen's teeth - there aren't many across the entire NRL, and those that could, are locked down.
One who wouldn't replace Fonua-Blake, but would go some of the way to filling the gigantic hole he will leave at the end of the upcoming campaign is, without a doubt, David Klemmer.
The prop brings experience and a drive to win, but also a hard-running game and a strong defensive work ethic. His tackle efficiency was among the best in the game in 2023, and it could even be argued that in effort areas, and in defence, Klemmer would actually come as an upgrade to Fonua-Blake.
The overall package isn't, but beggars can't be choosers, and this would be an excellent pickup for the Warriors if Klemmer was indeed prepared to make a change of living arrangements to Auckland.
The Dragons will be now desperate to sign big-name players who can bring a winning attitude, competitiveness and talent to their positions.
Heading to November 1, incoming coach Shane Flanagan had three key targets. Two of them, Fonua-Blake and Tom Dearden, both signed elsewhere on Tuesday.
That leaves the Dragons now needing to pivot, and the Red V could do far worse than Klemmer if the Tigers do proceed with wanting him to play his rugby league elsewhere.
The Dragons may be the only club on this list who have the ability and a spot to take him on straight away, and it makes sense for both parties. Klemmer walks into a team desperate for a starting prop, and the Dragons gain the type of player they desperately need.
The Storm worked their way through the 2023 season without ever being at their best, or their standards if you're honest about it.
The club, in particular, struggled in a big way during the finals series with their forwards, down significantly on experience compared to 2022 after a number of high-profile departures. The Panthers in particular, marched over them.
The Storm also have a habit of getting the best out of every player they touch, so may yet back the players they already have to get the job done. But that looks like it won't be the case. In recent times, they have chased both Payne Haas and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui.
They don't typically spend big money on forwards, but those two pursuits suggest that rhetoric is changing after their losses ahead of 2022.
Klemmer would come cheaper than either of those two, though and, fitting in with culture and attitude in the Victorian capital, may actually be a better fit.
Like the Warriors, his appetite to move away from Sydney is unknown, but on the surface, at least, this one makes sense.
There is little doubt the Cowboys did suffer through a lack of go-forward at times throughout the 2023 campaign, where Todd Payten's side fell from preliminary finalists to missing the top eight.
The forward pack has some strong elements, particularly on the edges, but with Jason Taumalolo occupied at lock, it's left to Reece Robson to lead things in the middle.
Griffin Neame continues to improve, and Jordan McLean is set to go around again, but the club are certainly a little short on both depth and talent in the middle of the park.
That's where a player like Klemmer would come in. A club like the Cowboys don't need a prop to overplay their hand, but to instead simply play the somewhat traditional prop role. Run hard. Tackle hard.
Klemmer provides that in spades and would be an excellent addition for the side, although, as per Melbourne and the Warriors, the question over whether he wants to leave Sydney will come into it.
The Sea Eagles were on the cusp of the top eight in 2023, but often lacked a little bit in the middle third of the park.
Anthony Seibold's side have plenty of young weapons coming through, including Taniela Paseka and Tofofa Sipley who promise great things. They are also blessed with the likes of Josh Aloiai and Jake Trbojevic.
But they are still making someone like Klemmer, who, for all the attention he gets, missed just seven tackles in 2023 during a dismal season for the Tigers are was consistently among the best players at the club.
He is competitive, driven by a will to win, and would bring plenty of experience to help the young brigade, who have also lost Sean Keppie to the South Sydney Rabbitohs during the off-season.
It's a signing that, for mine at least, makes sense for the Sea Eagles, although I'm not sure it makes sense for Klemmer given the competition for spots he would likely almost immediately find himself in.