Euan Aitken's transformation in the past 12 months has been nothing short of spectacular.
He has gone from a decent to good centre to a lethal edge player during his time at the Warriors. He's now firmly established himself as a wide running, try-scoring, back-rower.
With the Warriors set to return to their home base in New Zealand full time from 2023, Aitken has made it clear he will not be relocating.
This means he is on the lookout for a new club in 2023 and beyond.
Usually in these lists, it's easy to link players with a Super League stint, however given Aitken's reluctance to move across the Tasman, it's not really feesable to suggest he'd move to England.
Below are five clubs who could provide landing spots for Aitken in 2023.
4. Newcastle Knights
Newcastle have just lost Mitch Barnett and will be looking to replace him quickly. A virtual straight swap would be a very easy, and I believe strong, option.
Aitken has the body type and skills to switch into the middle if required or can slot in out wide with Tyson Frizell moving back to lock. Brodie Jones is yet to nail down his spot so Aitken has a spot waiting for him regardless.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon has moments where he looks as though he is the Origin player many expected, but unfortunately they are too few and far between.
Newcastle need a squad refresh and the fact Barnett is moving on provides them with a position and the cap space to make a big signing.
Aitken instantly improves the Knights side and adds valuable experience to a relatively young squad.
I don't think you could ever accuse Newcastle of being a defensive side. Aitken is tackling at almost 95 per cent across six rounds in the forwards which would be a huge plus.
Given Ponga's monster contract, if Aitken is looking for the highest offer available, I'm not sure Newcastle could match other offers but they do offer a side ready to mount a serious finals charge.
