Parramatta Eels five-eighth Dylan Brown will field offers for 2026 and beyond as he contemplates his future.
It's a major blow for the blue and gold, with their strategy of contract options yet again backfiring.
Brown will make a call on whether he is remaining with the Eels or not for the first of two player options included in his deal until the end of 2031 by the end of Round 10, but in the meantime, there will be plenty of conjecture following the New Zealand international around.
It's the last thing rookie coach Jason Ryles needs as he looks to turn Brad Arthur's old team into a finals team after they slumped to the wrong end of the table last year.
Described by his agent as a 'franchise player' in an email to all 16 other clubs, there will be plenty at least weighing up their options when it comes to making a play for Brown ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Here is where each rival NRL club is likely to sit in the chase for Brown.
13. Penrith Panthers
The Panthers are the first club on this list who might be tempted to at least inquire about Brown, although it's severely unlikely that they would wind up making an offer.
The big issue for Ivan Cleary and his recruitment staff heading into 2025 is going to be replacing five-eighth Jarome Luai, who has signed with the Wests Tigers.
Blaize Talagi has been signed from the Eels though, and given he certainly won't be taking Dylan Edwards' number one jersey, he could well be in line to play at six.
One of the best youngsters in the game, Jack Cole is also signed until the end of 2026, but could yet slot into other positions for Penrith, while Brad Schneider and Daine Laurie are also at the club for 2025, but no guarantee of remaining at the foot of the mountains for 2026.
There is certainly enough conjecture regarding Penrith's number six jumper that if 2025 doesn't start well, they could make inquiries before Round 10.
