For a long time during 2021 it looked as though Martin Taupau would be plying his trade in colours other than the Maroon of the Sea Eagles in 2022.
Despite a year being left on his deal, it was fait accompli that big Marty was on his way out.
Except nothing ever eventuated and he will almost certainly run out in the eight or ten jersey for the Sea Eagles come Round 1.
Given the talk, and the fact his contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of this season, the talk will start again.
Below are the five most likely destinations for Marty Tauapu for 2023 and beyond:
3. St George Illawarra Dragons
Despite a raft of signings upfront for 2022 and beyond, I think it's fair to suggest that the Dragons need a little aggression and power in their engine room.
The Red V seem hell bent on moving on Tariq Sims, which I still maintain is ridiculous, whilst they added George Burgess and Aaron Woods.
Five years ago those two players would be enforcers, but now they look like bench options.
Blake Lawrie is a good prospect but if I'm an opposition forward and I'm asked which NRL front-rower is causing nightmares, with the greatest of respects to Mr Lawrie, I doubt his name comes to mind.
The Dragons have shown they're willing to sign older forwards. Again, 33 isn't exactly "old", and with only 200 (likely 220-ish) games under his belt, Taupau's body hasn't taken 300 or more games of punishment.
I'd name Taupau in the Dragons starting line-up in Round 1. Jack de Belin isn't a front-rower and I'm not willing to name Burgess or Woods over him.
Look for the Dragons to, at very least, have a chat.
I reckon the big man would be a great signing for the Dolphins. 200 game veteran, he’ll give you 150m and barely misses a tackle and no real injury concerns. Sounds exactly like a Bennett type player.