Canberra's difficult start to the season has continued on a double dealing of bad news in relation to their superstar half Jack Wighton.
The former Dally M medalist is not only set for a two-week stint on the sidelines following a late, and high, shot on a prone kicker but he has now announced his intention to 'test the market'.
Having spent the entirety of his 224 NRL career in the capital, Wighton looked a certain 'lifer' in that he'd surely end his career in the lime green.
The recent announcement suggests he's at the very least looking around to maximise both his earnings and potential to win a premiership.
Of course, it's all speculation at this stage but below are five likely landing spots for the multiple-time rep star:
5. Cronulla Sharks
With the greatest of respects to the teams listed above, if Jack Wighton is looking to win that elusive NRL premiership, then he may have to continue the search.
The Sharks, despite an up and down start to 2023, look like a team one quality player short of a genuine title challenge.
Matt Moylan is entering the twilight of his career and given his very reasonable contract value shouldn't stand in the way of any potential raid for Wighton.
Nicho Hynes is one of the game's truly elite talents and a potential Hynes, Wighton partnership looks a surefire winner.
Craig Fitzgibbon has built this Sharks side on a good guys first mindset so there are questions. That said, despite his issues off the field, nothing jumps out as a deal breaker.
The Sharks have nearly the entirety of their squad tied to long-term deals, with Wilton and Kennedy's futures close to being secured also.
Dropping Wighton into that side is a frightening thought for those hoping the Sharks don't add to their maiden 2016 title.
Kade Dykes and Braydon Trindall both look very promising in the long-term but if Fitzgibbon and the Sharks want to pinch hit a title in 2024 or '25, then Wighton's name will surely be discussed.
Matt Moylan is supposed to have accepted a “salary-cap friendly” (ie cheap) rate, in recognition that he missed a lot of time through injury when he was getting paid the big bucks.
So, where is Cronulla going to find a lazy $800K or more to sign Wighton? Remember, while Moylan is inexpensive, he is also signed for 2024, so it’s not as if there are any savings – unless the Sharks are able to persuade Matt to move on. I can’t see him wanting to do that.