Another day, another player linked away from their current club.
This week it was Warriors forward Josh Curran, who has reportedly been told he can look around for 2024 and beyond.
The thinking looks to be the Warriors need to free up cap space to upgrade and extend their exciting talent across the park. The cost of success, unfortunately.
Losing Curran would be a bitter pill to swallow for Warriors fans, but the thinking behind it is solid enough.
Curran would have no shortage of suitors. However, if a 2024 move were to eventuate, most clubs would need time to make the moves required to fit him in.
Below are five like destinations for the versatile 24-year-old forward:
2. St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons are a side who would welcome Curran into the fold, today, with open arms.
I'm willing to double down on my previous statements that the Dragons have the most average roster in the competition.
They need new blood and they need it ASAP.
Curran walks into the side. At lock or in the second row. Move de Belin into the front row. No questions asked.
Shane Flanagan built a Cronulla side from almost scratch, and I have no doubt he can do it again on the other side of Tom Uglys bridge.
He will need to pepper his squad with young, dynamic signings. Josh Curran is the poster child for exactly what he's looking for.
Ok, there are probably bigger needs right now, but the Red V need to act quickly and take every opportunity.
I have no idea of their cap situation for 2024, but I would be shocked if they didn't have room to move for reinforcements.
The Dragons will be linked with every off-contract first grader, but they need to make smart decisions.
Starting talks with Josh Curran would be a smart decision.
If the Warriors’ need is for money right now, then forget the Raiders and the Phins.
As for the Sharks, Matt Moyand is reputedly on a “salary cap friendly” rate. I’m guessing that is about $300K, and I’m guessing Connor Tracey is on about the same money.
I doubt if $600K will pay for what Mr Curran will be asking. Maybe the Sharks could offer the Warriors one of Hamlyn-Uele, Rudolf, Hunt, Kaufusi, Finukane or Talaki as a replacement, and offer to pay some freight to make it a cheap swap. That should free up enough cap space.