Gold Coast Titans star and captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui is currently a free agent, but the window for him to make a call on his immediate future is closing.
A clause in his contract relating to Justin Holbrook's job made him a free agent, but the timeline for a call to be made is believed to be mid-October.
Approximately half of the NRL have reportedly expressed interest in the Queensland State of Origin representative, and Fa'asuamaleaui and his management have confirmed they will explore their options before deciding whether to commit to the Gold Coast.
Even if he elects to stay at Robina, he will become effectively a free agent again from November 1, with his contract only in an option state for 2025 and 2026.
But what if he were to leave at the end of this season, taking advantage of the clause in his contract.
There are plenty of sides in the NRL who could use the star forward, but here are the top five options who must be putting everything on the line in pursuit of the forward.
4. Melbourne Storm
The Storm are always careful and selective around their signings, but Fa'asuamaleaui is one player they never wanted to let go of in the first place.
The NRL's picture of consistency for the best part of two decades, the temptation of liking up with his first NRL coach in Craig Bellamy could well speak to Fa'asuamaleaui.
As much as Bellamy is only around for another year, being in constant contention for premierships would also speak to the star forward - and the Storm, regardless of Bellamy being in charge or not, you'd have to imagine, will continue remaining at the head of affairs.
The Storm too need another forward to complement their current engine room.
The club lost big in the initial recruitment raid by the Dolphins, and while their starting group of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica and Christian Welch is still among the best in the competition, there is a real train of thought that they have lacked depth at times this season.
Fa'ausamaleaui would walk straight into the starting outfit of this side and instantly provide upgrades in multiple facets of the game.
Don't be surprised if the Storm make a play here.
