The regular season may be over but there is a lot of water to go under the bridge yet, even for those teams not lining up this weekend to play finals footy.
With multiple clubs struggling to sort their salary caps for 2022 and beyond, there is going to be plenty of player movement between now and Round 1 next season.
One such movement comes in the form of Dragons and Blues second rower, Tariq Sims.
The fun just never seems to stop for those wearing the famous Red V as a crazy week was rounded off by a report that the Dragons are set to let one of their better-performing players go.
A player who has led the club as captain admirably despite horror results. A player who wasn't invited to the infamous season-defining BBQ reportedly because the feeling was he would tell players to pull their heads in.
The Dragons loss looks as though it will be some other NRL sides gain with Sims likely to be chased by multiple clubs.
We look at the five most likely destinations below:
Whenever a player becomes in any way available they are going to be linked to the Sharks. With multiple roster spots available and plenty of cap space, that's just how it is.
It just so happens that the Sharks also need experienced forwards who can play in the middle to compliment their rising stocks and marquee signings.
Sims, at 31, has one more big contract in him. He suits a need and the Sharks have a spot open given the fact they're moving on the likes of Woods and likely Tolman.
With Wade Graham's future clouded due to ongoing concussion issues, there is a wide spot available but with Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora on the books, Sims moving into the middle makes sense.
An Origin quality forward capable of big minutes and a high defensive workload surely appeals to Craig Fitzgibbon.
Cameron McInnes, Graham/Wilton, Nikora, Dale Finucane and Toby Rudolf look set to occupy the starting spots. Can you imagine a bench of Braden Hamlin-Uele, Sims, Siosifa Talakai and a utility? Works for me.
I'm not going to sugarcoat this. The Tigers need a complete roster overhaul to be anything other than nuisance value in 2022 and beyond.
The Tigers need an identity. Sims won't deliver that but his signing certainly wouldn't hurt. He would definitely deliver an immediate upgrade to the current pack.
You can pick a position other than fullback and the Tigers need to improve. Sims walks into the starting lineup, adds experience, aggression and leadership.
I don't know whether the Tigers have the cap space to make Sims an offer.
He's not going to accept a release from the Dragons without finding a contract at near similar value. The Tigers will need to step up.
At 31, the Tigers should probably be looking for younger options but they lack leadership in the biggest way.
Sims would 100 per cent be worth the short-term punt. Put him next to Joey Leilua and that's one less position they need to worry about.
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Brisbane are in the midst of a complete rebuild and an Origin experienced player of Sims leadership qualities would make the world of sense.
The big issue here is whether or not the Broncos require another second-rower or not.
They've just lost Ethan Bullemor as they couldn't guarantee him regular first-grade footy. Sims would slot straight in but probably block a younger options path.
This comes down to present vs future. If they are aiming for success now, Sims is a brilliant option. If they're looking to build, Sims probably isn't the answer right now.
The Cowboys showed their hands by trying to sign Dale Finucane. That says to me that they're not completely happy with their forward stocks right now.
For the record, I agree. Without going to the lineups can you name the two starting Cowboys second-rowers and second-row options off the bench?
The Cowboys forward stocks need replenishing and Sims instantly adds intimidation, metres and defensive workload.
Jason Taumalolo can't do it all himself. Sims would add a more than capable dance partner.
I don't believe the Raiders roster is settled for 2022. Far from it.
I also don't believe the Raiders ever really replaced the brilliant John Bateman.
Sims is the exact kind of player Canberra needs. He runs straight and he hits hard.
Right now the Raiders seem to lack an identity. Do they want to play bash 'em footy or do they want their second rowers to play as third and fourth halves?
Elliott Whitehead and Sims form a frightening combo with Corey Harawira-Naera and Hudson Young there or there-abouts.
Joseph Tapine, shockingly, looks on the outer and I believe Sims would slot right in.
Prediction: Tigers, Sharks or Cowboys. Straight shoot out. Three teams have spots. Three teams have spots. Two teams have the cap space. Let the fun begin. Cowboys for mine.