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.
The last thing the Wests Tigers need right now is a 30+ year-old forward milking a big salary.
They're actively shopping the likes of Klemmer, Bateman and co. so on the surface, this may seem like a crazy suggestion.
The Tigers need bodies. Cheap bodies. They need value.
Release Bateman and Klemmer, and throw Taukeiaho into either position as a massively discounted replacement.
The market is bare for next season but we all know NRL contracts are often not worth the paper they are printed on.
The thinking here is Taukeiaho adds an experienced head, a big body and is highly unlikely to be able to demand a massive renumeration.
Straight up I would only be offering a one year deal if I'm the Tigers, and only if I could secure the release of Klemmer, Bateman, or both.
If they were able to pick him up now for the rest of 2024 and add 2025, even better.
Taukeiaho allows a former rep player, with plenty of big game experience, to help mentor (putting aside his most recent error of judgement) the younger players for 18 months.
Benji needs mid range troops. Right now he has overpaid forwards and rookies, and not much inbetween.
At 32, I can't imagine Taukeiaho would be insisting on a long-term deal. So this, short-term move, makes a lot of sense.
Putting aside the romance of a return to Bondi, the Roosters are losing a stack of NRL talent at the end of the season.
Names like Tupouniua, Waerea-Hargreaves, Manu, Keary and Sua'ali'i will be leaving the club, with only Chad Townsend, officially, coming in.
Taukeiaho is probably in a spot where he couldn't demand first team selection across the board, and would happily slot into a squad rotation.
Despite two major losses, the Roosters pack is stacked next season, but the depth of 2024 just isn't there.
Taukeiaho re-joining the club, leading the Roosters out in NSW Cup and stepping up when called upon, makes for good reading.
Obviously this would come down to whether or Taukeiaho is willing to accept that spot, but I just can't see him passing up a chance to re-join the Bondi club.
The Broncos have suffered a massive injury toll during 2024. Simply put, their depth hasn't really held up, and a result they face the very real prospect of missing Finals footy.
Taukeiaho joining would solve a lot of issues.
No, he's not going to bust out 200 metres and make 50 tackles, but he could very easily slot into a bench role and add size and experience they lack.
Martin Taupau is off contract. Taukeiaho is two years younger.
Looks an easy, like for like (except younger) replacement to me!
Again, this would depend on Taukeiaho's willingness to accept a squad role, but despite their 2024 struggles, this Brisbane side had the potential to do something very special, very soon.
Taukeiaho made an error in judgement and may look to avoid the Sydney media.
Straight up, I don't think 90% of the NRL fan base even know Taukeiaho was released last week, let alone care, but Brisbane is nice during the Winter months ...
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!
Newcastle slot in very much in a similar spot to the Wests Tigers.
Daniel Saifiti is reportedly about to complete a switch to the Dragons, which looks a cap balancing move.
Jayden Brailey is linked away also, further showing that the Knights are looking for value.
Taukeiaho's salary would slot in well under either (I'd imagine), while he realistically could make the match day squad.
This would be another short-term play, with the Knights needing to look to bring the average age of their squad down.
That said, as a one year pinch hit, I like it.