Although most sides are still looking to complete their rosters for the 2024 season, a certain premiership and Origin-winning half has teams looking a little further into the future.
2025 may seem a long time away, but given players can start negotiating from November 1, moves may very well already being made.
When a player of Jarome Luai's pedigree becomes available, rosters shift.
For those who haven't heard, the star five-eighth is yet to nail down an extension with the Panthers.
A recent split with management and a subsequent cooling-off period mean he may be unable to even discuss a potential extension until mid-October.
Given he is likely to be the object of many sides' affection, Luai could attract a contract away from Penrith worth a million dollars per season.
For the purpose of this, we're going to look at options other than Penrith. He could very well accept a cut-price deal to remain at the foot of the mountains, but where is the fun in that?
Below are five sides I expect to heavily be in the race should that November 1 deadline tick over, and therefore be viable landing spots for Jarome Luai in 2025.
5. Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks aren't really known for throwing around huge money to attract stars. They signed Nicho Hynes on a super-value deal before upgrading him.
That said, given Hynes and the club's core group of young players will be right in their peak, Luai may be seen as the difference when it comes to a title.
The club's only Premiership to date came in 2016. Where in the year prior they built a brilliant, young side behind an experienced forward pack and a pretty handy halfback.
They added James Maloney and 12 months later broke their almost half-century title drought.
A star five-eight to compliment and top off an otherwise very handy side with a few star players. Sounds very familiar.
The club currently looks to have faith in both Braydon Trindall and Kade Dykes as the long-term halves-partner to the Prince of the Shire, but if Luai is available, surely they have a crack.
The Penrith and Sharks rivalry has certainly grown over the years. Penrith players crossing the line to Cronulla have also enjoyed good results. Wade Graham and Luke Lewis, anyone?
