Dylan Napa. Former Origin star, former premiership winner.
It now looks very likely the former feared enforcer may enter 2022 without a contract.
I've been watching highlights of Napa in preparation for this and I can't believe we're even talking about the possibility he isn't being courted for next season.
That said, most of the highlights came before his move to the Bulldogs. Regardless of the outcome of contract discussions, it looks as though Napa will regret the decision to wear blue and white.
With all due respect to the current Dogs set up, they've dragged many former stars down to their level.
There's a real footballer left in Dylan Napa. He's not even 30. He's only two seasons removed from Origin football.
Surely there's a destination for the former Origin mainstay. We look at five possible options for 2022:
4. North Queensland Cowboys
The Cowboys chased Dale Finucane hard. They were, at one time, the favourites for his signature.
That says to me they're not happy with their finals set-up.
We've also seen Jason Taumalolo moved to prop. I like that movie but you're also moving the best lock in the game into the eight or ten Coen Hess, a back rower, is filling in this weekend.
If only there were a big, Origin-experienced prop on the market that wouldn't break the bank.
Napa, even at his current form, walks onto the Cowboys bench and could even possibly start.
This makes the world of sense. If I'm Todd Peyton I'm on the blower right now offering Napa a deal.
I'm also poking him with a stick from the second he arrives. Remind him of what he used to be. Get him angry. Build that chip on his shoulder.
Then unleash him in Round 1, 2022.
If it doesn't work out, so be it. A one year risk on minimal money, no harm done. It's not as though the Cowboys have a list of young players who would be blocked by Napa's presence.
Rugby League Outlaws discuss THAT tackle, finals and much more
