Given the Origin hype, and other world events, news of two former NRL regulars being released slipped under the radar.

Those who missed the news, over the weekend Catalans Dragons released both Siosiua Taukeiaho and Jayden Nikorima.

Their 'crime'? Being too sick to attend a team event, only to be caught at a concert.

Unprofessional? Sure, but this is hardly going to rate highly on the atrocity scale, and thus I believe the formers Roosters big man may find himself back in the NRL sooner than later.

Once thought of as the best middle man in the code, Taukeiaho would be a useful addition to a host of teams, should a return to the NRL materialise.

Yes, he is not the player he once was, but here are five teams who present logical landing spots for the 16-time international representative.

2. Melbourne Storm

Craig Bellamy is the undisputed king of bringing the very best out of players, no matter what stage of the career they're in.

With Nelson Asofa-Solomona switch rumours growing louder every day (despite denials), Taukeiaho shapes as a perfect replacement.

Taukeiaho is still a talent. He's endured a less than stellar 2024 but he has the runs on the board.

I have no doubt in the world that Bellamy would ring every single drop of ability left out of Taukeiaho.

I've said previously that I cringe when underperforming players are linked with Melbourne because I just know they'll reach heights they wouldn't have elsewhere.

This is another case of that.

I was convinced Pangai Jr was headed south to wear purple. Taukeiaho presents a very similar option.

Melbourne are brilliant at signing a player for under market value and ensuring they perform well above it.

Watch this space!