The halfback market is typically barren at the best of times, but suddenly an NRL-quality playmaker is available and it could spark a bidding frenzy.
South Sydney has told Lachlan Ilias he is free to leave at season's end, having been axed from first grade by embattled coach Jason Demetriou in the early rounds.
While that in itself is not a glowing advertisement of his ability, it shouldn't be forgotten Ilias was earmarked as the long-term Rabbitohs No.7 and was the reason they cut ties with premiership pivot Adam Reynolds two years ago.
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The 23-year-old has talent and there is more than one club in need of a quality long-term playmaker.
Ilias' manager Braith Anasta agreed on Monday night "there's a lot of teams who could do with a half at the moment" and claimed there is already "low-level interest" in his client's services.
Ilias is out injured for the remainder of 2024 after breaking his leg playing NSW Cup earlier this month.
But these are the clubs who could be circling for his signature from 2025 onwards.
KNIGHTS
Newcastle has three or four playmakers already on the books and none of them have successfully cemented a spot in the NRL side this year.
Coach Adam O'Brien has rotated through Jackson Hastings, Jack Cogger, and Tyson Gamble this season, while Phoenix Crossland is used as a fill-in for various spine positions when needed.
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Gamble isn't a No.7 and Hastings has struggled to take charge of the side this year, while Cogger is a genuine halfback but is battling to get a look-in with coach O'Brien.
The Knights are crying out for a senior halfback who can take control of the team and allow superstar fullback Kalyn Ponga to do what he does best – inject himself into the attack when he spots an opportunity.
They have looked awfully clunky this season and the coach's constant halves rotation proves O'Brien isn't getting what he wants out of the key playmakers.
COWBOYS
Veteran halfback Chad Townsend wants to stick around for 2025 but North Queensland is yet to agree to an extension.
"I've left a lot of the talk to my manager, it's my intention that I definitely like to play on next year," Townsend told Triple M radio on Tuesday.
"I've had an awesome time here at the Cowboys and we'll see what happens with regards to that."
The arrival of Ilias on the market may entice the Cowboys to cut Townsend and bring the 23-year-old north to partner fellow rising talent Tom Dearden in the halves.
It would also allow Ilias to work with Townsend's 2016 premiership halves partner James Maloney, who is an assistant coach at the Cowboys.
TITANS
Gold Coast is struggling to compete in the NRL this year – at least before a shock win over the Warriors on Anzac Day – and the poor old Titans would no doubt jump at any opportunity to bring a quality playmaker to the glitter strip.
Tanah Boyd was earmarked as the club's long-term No.7 but has failed to stamp his authority on the jumper, and there's no clear back-up for new coach Des Hasler.
A roster revamp looms and Ilias could be the key signing to kick it all off.
BULLDOGS
Ilias' agent Anasta was reportedly spotted meeting with Canterbury football boss Phil Gould at the weekend.
Gould has overseen a roster revamp at Belmore but the No.7 jumper is one area he is yet to have a big win for.
Toby Sexton arrived last year but has played just one game at NRL level in 2024, while Drew Hutchison has filled the role but has had his playmaking credentials questioned.
Hutchison played largely as a centre fill-in or a bench utility at the Roosters previously.
The Bulldogs have the makings of a good team and the addition of a genuine halfback in Ilias could prove the missing piece to Gould's puzzle.
ROOSTERS
The Bondi club suddenly has bucket loads of cash to splash next year.
Veteran playmaker Luke Keary will retire at season's end, as will Kiwi prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves. Big-money outside backs Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii are heading to rugby, while Angus Crichton and Daniel Tupou remain unsigned for 2025.
The exit of Keary in particular makes the Ilias timing interesting.
Sam Walker is a superstar in the making who can wear either the six or seven jumper, and he's often swapped the roles with Keary over the past couple of seasons.
Ilias is a halfback who could allow Walker to take a back seat of sorts and play five-eighth in the mould of Cameron Munster.
Ilias has a connection to Roosters supremo Nick Politis through the Greek national team, while Anasta is a former Roosters player with deep roots in Bondi.
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