The Dragons are considering making a shock bid for injured Knights skipper Jayden Brailey for next season.
And with Newcastle finding a superb replacement for Brailey during their 10-match winning run in Phoenix Crossland, they may let him walk.
The talented Brailey suffered a ruptured ACL and torn meniscus in round six in April, bringing his year to a shuddering halt.
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Crossland, better known as a halfback, took over the dummy half role mid-season and excelled as the Knights secured an unlikely finals berth.
Brailey is contracted to the Knights until the end of 2025 but incoming Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is on the lookout for an experienced hooker.
"He is a good No.9 and also a forward leader," a Dragons source told Wide World of Sports.
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"He's someone we would definitely be interested in."
Jacob Liddle played at hooker for much of this season at the Dragons but Brailey – when he returns to full fitness – would be a handy acquisition for the Dragons if the deal comes off.
Crossland comes off contract at the end of 2024, which means rival clubs can talk to him come this November.
The Knights are keen to sign Crossland to a long-term deal before then, but will only do so if Brailey moves on.
The switch would suit Brailey for personal reasons – he's a Cronulla junior who began his career at the Sharks and would be closer to family and friends at the Dragons.
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