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:
Russell Packer's retirement frees up a roster spot, and more than enough salary cap space, to take a chance on Napa.
The Tigers have much bigger issues than their front row, although this is a side that needs to take risks in order to turn around their fortunes.
Napa, at his best, would partner the incredibly talented Stefano Utoikamanu as well as Ofahengaue and Mikaele in the engine room. He would improve that quartet immediately.
The Tigers could set and forget the four big men and rotate them with Alex Twal in the middle. One issue down, onto the next.
Napa's signing would not change the fortunes of the club but they need to take shots on players capable of great things, on the cheap.
Napa fits that bill perfectly.
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.
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The Dragons have shown their willingness to sign former Origin players during the 2021 season.
Andrew McCullough and Josh McGuire come to mind. George Burgess, a former great of the game, has also been added to the 2022 roster.
A quick look at that Dragons pack and bench doesn't fill me with the greatest of confidence. I could mount a case that Napa would improve it.
I can't see Napa demanding a big pay packet. His current form doesn't allow him the negotiating power to do so.
The Dragons could very easily scoop him up on a basement, one-year deal and play him from the bench.
Truthfully the Dragons should be focusing on their young talent and looking to sign younger players but tell me Napa doesn't suit the Anthony Griffin player perfectly.
Big, aggressive, former Origin player.
Think I've just talked myself into placing the Dragons as favourites.
We've seen a host of fringe NRL players head to the Super League and revive their career. At only 28 years of age, Napa could very easily join those ranks.
With plenty of talent and a major chip on his shoulder, I could see a side like Wigan extending an offer sooner than later.
Wigan have had a horror season despite a stacked roster. To say they need a leader up front is a huge understatement.
Napa would walk into a host of Super League clubs. He may need to do so via the bench but a fully focused Napa at full fitness is still more than a handful.
Super League is a cheat option I suppose but more specifically Wigan would benefit from a signing of Napa's size and name value.
The Bulldogs have grounded some pretty decent players in the past few seasons. Let's not forget he played Origin in 2019.
Since when does anything anyone says in Rugby League carry any weight? How many times have we seen teams rule themselves out only to then sign the player in question?
The Broncos have a superstar prop in Payne Haas. Thomas Flegler and Pat Carrigan are Origin-quality middles, but otherwise, they look a little thin up front.
I love the look of Jordan Riki and Kurt Capewell is a marvelous in, but with Alex Glenn retiring and John Asiata on the move there is certainly a spot available for Napa.
On the cheap and if used correctly I still believe Napa can make an impact.
I honestly still see the Broncos as the best fit for a player looking to redeem himself. That the Broncos ruled themselves out smacks as a negotiation ploy.
Haas is capable of big minutes but his damage is limited as he tires. Napa providing 10 minutes before halftime and five to ten after looks the perfect fit.
Let us know below where you believe Napa ends up. Or is his career coming to a close?