It's not all that often that Origin quality halves become available on the open market.
We're extremely spoilt this season as both a NSW Origin regular and a Queenslander with an Origin to his name have officially become off contract as of November 1st.
We all know about the multi club chase to secure the services of Jarome Luai, but there's an equally sough after number six available.
That player is of course Cowboys five-eight Tom Dearden.
Although the Cowboys are desperate to retain him, there have been a number of clubs linked to the 22 year-old.
Of course this is all speculation but the five clubs below are the five most likely destinations for Tom Dearden:
I've left the Bulldogs off as they have made it very known that they are chasing Jarome Luai. If Luai were to re-sign with the Panthers, expect the Dogs to be in on Dearden.
As always, let's get the boring one out of the way first. There remains a very real possibility that Dearden won't go anywhere and will instead re-sign with the Cowboys.
Cowboys fans are desperate to see the club retain their prized playmaking asset, and for good reason.
The 22 year-old is an Origin representative and still has his best footy ahead of him. He was their undoubted best creative half in 2023.
He has 10 try assists, seven tries and forced five drop outs despite his club turning in a shocker this season.
With his halve's partner Chad Townsend now sitting at 32 year's of age, it's time for Dearden to take over the side and make it is.
The Cowboys will hope that he does this in 2024 and for many, many more seasons to come.
Expect the club to do absolutely everything within their power to retain Dearden's services, even if it means moving on a player elsewhere.
Although I'm more than a little indifferent to the side overall, the general feeling is that the Sharks have a good side.
They have one genuine superstar in Nicho Hynes. I'd argue that Hynes has had to carry them for two reasons and is the only reason they played Finals in either.
Simply put, he needs help.
Matt Moylan, attacking-wise, was brilliant in 2022. He was ok in '23. Defensively he was a horror show and had to be moved on.
The jury is still out on Braydon Trindall, while young Kade Dykes looks a prospect.
Prospects are great but they can easily make way should your club sign a proven star and partner him with Hynes.
If the Sharks are serious about their title aspirations in 2024 and beyond, they need to be on the phone to Dearden's manager now, if not already!
Incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has made no secret of his need to refresh the Dragons side in a big way.
The Dragons will be linked to every off-contract player in the near future and although the temptation will be there to sign everyone, they need to be smart about it.
A big investment in their long-term future in the halves should be priority number one.
Dearden's name can be locked in for however long the contract would be, and a side can then be built around him.
He can partner Ben Hunt for as long as Hunt's legs will carry him and then can partner either Kyle Flanagan, or whoever is the brightest prospect from there.
Flanagan Jr showed he can play at nine and I doubt he would mind making way, albeit temporarily, if it meant bringing Dearden to the club.
One signing is never going to completely re-shape a club but an Origin level number six coming in is just about as close as you'll ever get.
I know the club is linked with Luai but I'd be in on Dearden. Luai is the bigger star but Dearden looks far more likely to be tempted away from his current club.
I really like the look of the Newcastle roster. They have a megastar in Ponga, a future megastar in Bradman Best, and talent all across the park.
I do feel that they lack that genuine, go to half though.
Tyson Gamble is a personal favourite of mine, while I still cannot fathom why the Tigers allowed Jackson Hastings to leave.
All three could play a role in the Newcastle set up. I believe it starts with Dearden at six and working from there.
Newcastle have some big decisions coming up, with Best and Jacob Saifiti off-contract.
Re-signing Best should be priority number one; there aren't too many out there built like or capable of what Best can do at his best.
Their second call should be to Dearden to try and entice him to the Hunter.
Despite signing gun youngster Simi Sasagi from the Knights, I still don't feel as though Canberra have truly replaced Jack Wighton.
It just feels as though Ricky Stuart needs to land a marquee signing to rejuvenate his squad and put them back on the right path again.
Jamal Fogarty is a massively underrated and under-appreciated halfback but he cannot do it on his own. Especially without a real ball playing fullback to chime in.
I don't even think it's a question here. Canberra need to land Tom Dearden.
They have an all-star, monster forward pack, one of the game's brightest young stars in Matt Timiko at centre, but lack creativity in a big way.
Dearden goes a long way to solving all their issues. He also looks a perfect foil for the aforementioned Fogarty.
I would be absolutely shocked if Canberra haven't made a call north.