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:
Despite the shock of his intention to test the market, Canberra fans will note that Wighton is yet to announce he is looking to leave.
There remains a lucrative player option for 2024. Wighton may not find the level of interest expected or there's always the chance he's just using this as a tactic for a pay rise or multiple year extension.
Wighton almost literally bleeds Canberra green and honestly, I can't see him lining up in another jersey. Raiders fans will be hoping for the same.
As mentioned previously, Wighton has won a Dally M medal in the capital as well as enjoyed 17 rep caps. All this has been built in the familiar surroundings of the club he has represented since 2011 and where he made his first grade debut in 2012.
Canberra officials have already stated they will "do everything to keep him" which indicates they weren't the ones who tapped Wighton on the shoulder.
Fans of Wighton in Canberra have every right to be a little concerned but the language used, at least publicly, seems to indicate there's every chance the relationship continues.
With the greatest of respects to the NRL's newest club, they've surprised us all with their incredible start to NRL life.
I dare say that the club is a more attractive option now for marquee players than it was prior to Round 1 kicking off.
Sean O'Sullivan looks at home in the number seven and is surely the club's long-term option there. He could probably use an experienced number six beside him though.
Wighton would deliver the marquee signing needed north of Brisbane. He would join Herbie Farnworth and Tom Flegler as recruits for 2024 and beyond.
I'd be shocked if Wayne Bennett hadn't already directed his team to make a phone call to Wighton's reps.
I'm not sure of the cap situation but Wighton is the kind of player you make the moves required to free up the space needed.
Whether Wighton would be open to such a huge move is up for debate but at 30, you'd have to imagine the money and guaranteed spot in the six are both there.
The Wests Tigers have endured a horrible start to their 2023 campaign and I'd be shocked if it doesn't get worse before it gets better.
Simply put, the Tigers need a win. If it can't come on the field than announcing the signing of a NSW rep regular would certainly provide it off the field.
Adam Doueihi is a more than serviceable five-eight but Tim Sheens doesn't seem to agree. He has already shifted Doueihi to fullback.
Given he is 30 coupled with the Tigers deplorable start to the season, the money would have to be right.
That said if you put Wighton in that side with Doueihi, Isaiah Papali'i, Apisai Koroisau, David Klemmer and a talented crop of youngsters, suddenly the future is much brighter.
The Tigers were all in, for huge money, on Mitch Moses. Shifting that same figure to Wighton certainly isn't out of the question.
It may also provide the chance to finally move off Luke Brooks while somewhat saving face for the decision makers.
If there's one side requiring a marquee signing more than even the Tigers, it is the Red V.
The Dragons started the 2023 season well but have fallen of a cliff in the last 95 minutes of action and really need a pick-me-up.
Wighton walks into this side. Talatau Junior Amone has just returned from the no-fault stand-down and was outplayed by Dan Atkinson in the NSW Cup last weekend.
Jayden Sullivan looks a real talent but was the second choice behind Amone prior to his off-season troubles.
Ben Hunt has carried the Dragons for as long as I can remember and is in desperate need of help. Jack Wighton instantly provides that and more.
The Dragons need to jump at this opportunity and pretty much hand Wighton a blank cheque. It could be the difference between attracting a top quality coach or having to take a punt.
Whether or not the Dragons should mortgage their future, and over $2 million on a pair of halves the wrong side of 30 is another question.
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.