The North Queensland Cowboys shocked the NRL landscape earlier in the week by reportedly allowing Valentine Holmes to explore his options prior to his contract expiring.
Holmes, eligible to speak to other teams this November, is reportedly being able to discuss terms with other clubs beforehand.
I am sure there will be no shortage of suitors for the former Premiership winning winger turn superstar centre and fullback.
Right now it looks as case of moving in 2026, however the obvious inference is that any deal worked out could lead to an early release.
Here are five potential landing spots for Valentine Holmes:
The Dragons were the first team linked to Holmes. As they should be!
This is a team that needs a marquee signing after losing Zac Lomax to the Eels. Holmes would be as close to a like for like signing as they could achieve.
If I'm in the Red V I am chasing Holmes with everything.
Offer him the fullback role, offer him a million dollars. Get it done.
Ok, Val is probably enduring a "down" year. His form has slipped a little bit. The bloke is still 29 year's of age and amongst the first players picked for Queensland.
As exciting as Tyrell Sloan is, recent decisions have proven that he is not rusted on as the Dragons number one.
Holmes was electric at fullback for the Sharks. If he hadn't used the NFL to get out of his contract, I have no doubt he'd be an elite fullback right now.
The Dragons have improved out of sight under Shane Flanagan but are still a long way off yet.
Who better to add that a huge name who helped Flanagan achieve a Premiership across the bridge at the Sharks?
Boring, boring. I know!
My feeling is that the Cowboys don't want to be "will he/won't he" with Holmes until November and thus have given him a chance to explore his options.
At 29, Val is going to demand a hefty wage. Given the fact Dearden, Robson and Drinkwater are all on a fair chunk of change, I understand the reluctance.
I do believe it sends a message to Val that suggests he does look around and see what is open. Therefore I don't really see a future at the Cowboys.
That said, there's every chance Holmes is rusted on up north and takes a pay cut to remain.
This Cowboys side is capable of something pretty special.
Holmes is a well paid, rep regular. He's hardly starving for a buck. A slight decrease in wage may sway him to stay at the Cowboys rather than move a thousand plus kms back to Sydney... or further.
Stay with me on this, as it will need a little explaining, but I can absolutely see in lime green for 2026, and potentially 2025.
The Raiders fullback spot has been in discussion for most of the season. Kaeo Weekes is playing exceptionally well there after the likes of Jordan Rapana and rookie Chevy Stewart were given a shot.
Holmes could join that discussion, however I really think Weekes and Stewart present two long-term options I'd not want to ruin.
At centre though is Sebastian Kris. I still have him as a long-term second row option.
With Elliott Whitehead leaving the club at the end of the season, a switch for Kris could finally happen.
Enter Holmes.
Or, with Jordan Rapana's future still in doubt for 2025, let alone 2026, Holmes could slot onto the wing and cap off a fearsome back five.
If the Wests Tigers recruitment team haven't already been in contact with Val's management, then it's time for a new recruitment team.
The Tigers impressive start to 2024 looks as though it will end in a third straight wooden spoon.
They need something to bring joy and hope to their fanbase, whilst giving their younger players an experienced superstar to play beside.
Valentine Holmes hits every one of those indicators and then some.
Team wise, I'd be pushing for Val in the centres here. The Tigers, despite moments from some players, aren't even close to a nailed on centre pairing.
Putting Holmes outside of Jahrome Luai in 2025 (or 26 depending on the Cowboys) makes them a whole lot more dangerous.
Yes we have seen big name, Origin level players arrive at the Tigers for a payday, but you put Holmes beside Api and Luai, and we're talking something potentially special.
With Bula having another year under his belt and Lachlan Galvin looking like a brilliant foil for Luai in the coming years, Holmes attention could be swayed.
Benji Marshall better roll out the almightiest of almighty red carpet welcomes if given the chance.
Oh the romance!
The once pride of the shire, Valentine Holmes returning to the club he helped take to their first ever Premiership. The story writes itself.
Despite being a big fan of Will Kennedy, I've been looking to Kade Dykes and Liam Ison to see what they can offer long term.
You cannot convince me that the Sharks brass wouldn't take a slight look at Holmes, knowing what he can do at fullback.
Holmes had a breathtaking season in 2018 at fullback for the Sharks. He broke the single year try tally for the Sharks with 22.
All the signs were that Holmes would be the next great star at the back for the Sharks prior to his shock request to leave for an NFL holiday then link up with the Cowboys.
As a Sharks fan I'm not completely sold on this, but judging by social media, there are plenty of Sharks fans who are.
I'd love to see this happen if just purely for the chance to see he and clone Kayal Iro lining up in the same backline.