We are now just two weeks away from the NRL's silly season - November first!
The latest name to join the mayhem is Newcastle's Kai Pearce-Paul after he announced he would be testing the market for 2026 and beyond.
Pearce-Paul remains contracted to the Knights for next season but has hinted at being open for a change for the year after.
Below are FIVE potential landing destinations for the talented second-rower for 2026.
Let's get the boring one out of the way first. There's every chance Pearce-Paul will end up receiving an improved offer and re-sign in the Hunter.
KPP arrived at the Knights as a relative unknown. That may sound unfair, considering he won a title with Wigan in the Super League, but I stand by it.
How many Super League prospects have we seen arrive in the NRL and fail to make the switch?
Fortunately, KPP is not one of those. He had a marvellous 2024 season and looks set for a big bump in his salary. He earned it.
With Tyson Frizell on the back end of his career, I'd imagine 23 year-old Pearce-Paul could be a fixture in the Knights second row for a long time to come.
The Knights' attack benefited big time from KPP's ability to create second-phase play via an offload.
I can't see a world in which Adam O'Brien and co won't want to keep their star import. I'd imagine the next two weeks will be spend in constant contact with the six foot four Londoner.
KPP will attract no shortage of suitors so Newcastle are going to have to pony up to retain their wide running weapon.
Michael Maguire's arrival at Red Hill will surely usher in a new era for the Brisbane Broncos.
With that new era comes new signings.
Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura are both super talented players but neither are un-moveable.
The Broncos squad is absolutely stacked with talent, but I'd argue they're due some new blood.
KPP adds a dimension in attack that the Broncos lacked in 2024. He had 15 offloads to Riki's five and Piakura's three.
Brisbane have no issues in the middle with Haas and Carrigan but out wide they were pretty average this past season.
That's not to say that Maguire can't get more out of both of his current options, I just really believe the Broncos need a fresh face or two.
Maguire will want to make an immediate impact in his new role. What better what to kick things off than by landing a big name signing?
The Raiders have enjoyed great success bringing in players from the English Super League. Especially in the forwards.
Pearce-Paul wouldn't be untested either, having enjoyed success his in his debut season in the game's elite competition.
I have no doubts his 2025 will be just as good, if not better.
Elliott Whitehead returns to England in 2025. Simi Sasagi has shown some promise during his young Raiders career, but there's certainly a spot there for KPP.
Morgan Smithies and Corey Horsburgh are out and out middles and while the Raiders NSW Cup and Jersey Flegg teams both made Prelims, those players will take time.
I would be absolutely shocked if Ricky Stuart didn't have his alarm set for early on November first.
A backline of Hudson Yound and Kai Pearce-Paul certainly looks the goods. There's plenty of points out wide.
If any coach in the NRL is going to know what KPP is all about, it's the former St Helens turn Dolphins head coach Kristian Woolf.
We're yet to really see what Woolf can do at the NRL level, having only seen him take the reigns of three NRL games as an interim.
That said, the wraps are very real and his Super League record is impeccable. I believe he'll have some pull in the transfer market.
With Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich entering the 2025 season at 33 year's of age, the change is coming.
KPP will be 25 by the time the 2025 season kicks off. He'll also have two full NRL seasons under his belt and 100 top grade games under his belt.
That is the near-perfect situation for a recruit. Young, experienced and super talented.
A potential back row of Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Kai Pearce-Paul certainly looks appealing. That's also a combination that could see the Dolphins long into the future.
I have no insight into the Dolphins cap situation but you have to think they can free up the space for a potential marquee signing.
The Tigers continue their complete rebuild in 2025. That said, they should see some big improvements.
Jarome Luai is a monster signing while Lachlan Galvin is one of the game's most exciting young players.
Royce Hunt arrives but the Tigers still look a little thin up front. Especially slightly wide.
KPP would be a direct replacement for Isaiah Papali'i, albeit 12 months later.
Pearce-Paul is, rightfully, testing the market, which means he believes he can attract a decent offer. The Tigers look in a position to present just that.
With David Klemmer being shopped, Stefano Utoikamanu off the books and more moves to come, I can absolutely see a way to make room for the current Knight.
The Tigers have filled gaps over the past few seasons. Luai is a piece they can truly build around.
Now that the halves are settled, and the spine complete, the other positions can be filled, with a view to long-term.
KPP can fill that role for the next five years. He also immediately improves the back row. This also allows Fainu to shift into the middle.
There is a lot to look about this potential signing.
If the Tigers can offload some players and free up some cash, Pearce-Paul is an ideal candidate to arrive in Tiger town.