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.
1. Canberra Raiders
Canberra have about 36 options at both centre and in the second row yet each player seems allergic to nailing down a position.
Hudson Young looks to have fallen out of favour, while Ryan Sutton is on his way out of the club at the end of 2022. There's a spot.
In the centres, I don't think even Ricky Stuart knows his preferred centre pairing yet.
I'm not sure the Raiders need another back rower but they need a better value back rower. Neither Elliott Whitehead or Adam Elliott have justified their cheques thus far in 22.
Stuart is showing major signs of frustration. I wouldn't be shocked to see a big name player tapped on the shoulder, or his name projected onto the wall at training to shake things up.
Watch this space.
Verdict
If Wayne Bennet wants him, the Dolphins get him. I think it is time for the Dolphins to stop looking for ridiculous money marquee signings. Aitken is exactly the player who would help build a side ready to compete from the get-go.
If the Dolphins don't come in then I believe Newcastle are the most likely to snap up Aitken.
They are losing yet another member of the back row in Barnett and I believe Aitken is an upgrade both in terms of talent and temperament.
Hedging my bets but Dolphins if they're keen. If not, I can certainly see Aitken lining up in Knights colours next year.
