Manly have found themselves in a huge dilemma just weeks before the 2020 pre-season begins, with the arrest of hooker Manase Fainu leaving the Sea Eagles without a first-grade number nine.
Fainu has been alleged to have produced a knife and stabbed a man at a church party, and if released on bail, will fall under the NRL's no fault stand down policy - the same that kept team mate Dylan Walker sidelined last year.
The Tongan hooker was expected to walk into Des Hasler's starting line-up following some stellar performances in 2019, so much so that the club released premiership winner Apisai Koroisau to Penrith a few months back.
The only other recognised rake around the club is Zach Dockar-Clay, a former halfback for Penrith and Parramatta's junior sides, now Blacktown Workers' hooker, however the Kiwi is yet to make his NRL debut.
While the Sea Eagles must apply for special dispensation so they can buy a new number nine, it is likely it'll be approved after the Dragons were allowed the same benefit this year, using the money from Jack de Belin's standing down to snare Pat Kaufusi from Melbourne mid-season.
Luckily for Manly, there is a host of quality spat of hookers without a club for 2020, most of whom will likely be willing to take a pay cut to ensure their careers continue in the NRL next year. Here's the contenders.
The former Shark and Bulldog has failed to kick on in the NRL after being touted as a future superstar through his juniors, with a restriction on his running game a huge factor in the Lebanon international's average form.
While it makes sense on paper, the relationship between Des Hasler and Lichaa from their days at Canterbury was rocky, with Lichaa stating that 'his game plan doesn't suit the coaching style of Des' weeks before Hasler's sacking from the Belmore-based club. While the rake insists there's no bad blood between the pair, it's doubtful the two will reunite after Hasler tried to release Lichaa, before the club backflipped and re-signed the Cronulla junior after Des' departure.
There's no doubt the former Rabbitoh and Kiwi international is past his prime, he's the type of player that could easily do a job for the Sea Eagles while the club sorts a longer-term option.
Luke departed South Sydney at the end of 2015 to return home to New Zealand with the Warriors, however the club decided not to re-sign Luke for the 2020 season, leaving him a free agent.
It's been reported in recent weeks that he's expected to sign a short-term deal with the Dragons as a back up for Cam McInnes, though the possibility of a starting berth could see a change of mind for the Kiwi.
Another New Zealander, Levi has been told to look elsewhere for 2020 following the signing of Jayden Brailey at Newcastle. While he has endured some up-and-down form patches the last few seasons, at just a month off his 24th birthday, Levi could be an absolute steal for the Sea Eagles.
Having played four tests for New Zealand just two years ago, Levi recently switched allegiances to Samoa, and was named in the World Cup 9's Team of the Tournament after some dominant showings. While he has been reportedly looking around the Super League, Levi would jump at the prospect of remaining in the NRL.
Other off-contract hookers include Kurt Baptiste, Matt McIllwrick, Billy Brittain (although it's widely tipped he'll join Canterbury), and the uncapped Zac Woolford. Look's like Des has some shopping to do.