As we approach the magic August 1 deadline, NRL rosters for 2023 finalise and become locked in.
Inevitably this play a role in deciding where players land for the next year and beyond.
It often leads to players suddenly becoming available also, which seems as if it could be the case for Roosters prop Matt Lodge.
He announced during the week that he would not be in the tri-colours for 2024, which should kick off a chase for his services.
Below are five potential landing spots for Matt Lodge.
I'm not breaking any news in stating that the Dragons need recruits to improve their side in 2024.
The Dragons engine room has routinely been run-over this season. Matt Lodge would walk into this starting line up and would instantly improve their rotation.
Francis and Michael Molo will line up in the middle for the Red V this weekend with Ben Murdoch-Masila running out at lock.
Blake Lawrie and Jack de Belin are missing but even if at full strength Matt Lodge can pretty much pick his positon and name his price.
The Dragons have a history of taking chances on players with off-season pasts so I don't forsee that even coming into the decision making process.
Shane Flanagan is shaping as the option as next coach at the Dragons. He built his Sharks Premiership side around two big, aggressive forwards.
Lodge fits that bill and I'd be absolutely shocked if he weren't in the Dragons sights. They certainly have both the spot available and you'd have to think the cap space.
The Sharks are a side one big move away from becoming a genuine Premiership threat. That is the general thinking anyway.
The Sharks are a side who are absolutely screaming out for a metre eating, aggressive prop to lead their underperforming engine room.
Matt Lodge is, by far, the best option that is currently available - at least on field.
Craig Fitzgibbon is on record as saying he is happy with what he has within the club and has routinely stated he is looking for good guys first then good footballers.
Obviously Lodge's past is going to come up whenever his name is mentioned, and for good reason.
This may disqualify him from being discussed in the Shire but in terms of pure footballing ability, he would be a huge asset.
I'd go so far as to say if Lodge didn't have any off-field issues in the past that he'd have already toured the Sharks facilities and would be deep in talks.
Has there ever been a club that better squeezes every drop of talent out of a player than the Melbourne Storm?
Melbourne are still in the process of replacing the host of big name, and experienced, forwards they lost to the Dolphins. Lodge's arrival would quicken this process many times over.
Craig Bellamy is a no nonsense coach and would demand the very best from Lodge, who judging by his words during the week, could be more than keen to comply.
Lodge was in the Storm system early in his career. He was named at prop in the 2013 NYC Team of the Year while playing in Melbourne.
Could Lodge return to where it all, somewhat, began?
The space is there. You'd have to imagine Lodge would consider a pay cut to play under the master coach, especially in what could be his final year in the position.
Manly have some handy players in their prop rotation. I'd argue Taniela Paseka is on a trajectory to be something special.
Outside of Paseka, and potentially Toafofoa Sipley, the Manly pack doesn't scream intimidation.
Jake Trbojevic is an incredible player but won't run for 220 metres a game. Josh Aloaia hasn't kicked on as we all expected.
You add Lodge to that run on side with Paseka, with Sipley coming off the bench and suddenly you're looking ahead to a Sea Eagles clash with a grimmance.
Manly's salary cap is always dominated by their big three stars so I don't know where they stand money wise.
Again, Lodge may be looking for more opportunity over pay packet, and Manly would surely offer him a big opportunity.
Full disclosure I don't know if any potential visa issue would be affected or even possible here. For the sake of this let's assume it wouldn't be an issue.
Matt Lodge is 28 and arguably at the peak of his powers as a footballer.
There are 12 sides in the Super League competition - at least nine of them that would be improved by the arrival of Matt Lodge.
Warrington are almost certainly going to end their unsuccessful relationship with Josh McGuire due to repeated issues, so they could instantly be the team I'd link here.
McGuire wouldn't be cheap and Lodge would have to adjust his asking price if he wanted a fresh start across the pond.
I don't know if a direct swap would 100 per cent fit in but it wouldn't be that far off.
Huddersfield and Hull could use some reinforcements while the once mighty Leeds Rhinos are in desperate need for some new faces.
Officially I'd say Warrington would be the most likely here with Leeds a close second given their want to quickly return to the top.