Luke Brooks' shock move to Manly has left the Wests Tigers with a massive headache going into 2024.
After the local junior knocked back a two-year extension at Concord, news broke on Monday that he would head to the northern beaches on a long-term deal and partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves.
But for the Tigers, it presents a major dilemma in the short-term, with no genuine options at the club to play in the halves next season.
Brandon Wakeham was signed on a cut-price one-year deal and while he could remain at the club to fill one spot, Adam Doueihi is set to be sidelined for the majority of next season after undergoing another major knee surgery.
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The club are reportedly on the verge of locking in Sea Eagles youngster Latu Fainu, who is seen as a future superstar, but are unlikely to push the teenager straight into the NRL next year.
Tim Sheens and Benji Marshall will now likely go to market to replace Brooks and The Sporting News have compiled a list of potential candidates below.
1. Talatau Amone
This would depend heavily on the Ben Hunt situation unfolding at the Dragons, but there's a genuine chance that the Tongan international could move on if his skipper has a change of heart.
Amone has been in and out of the side this season, spending time at five-eighth and on the bench, but has been linked with a move to Concord and is off-contract at the end of 2024.
The 21-year-old also has a court case hanging over his head later this year, which could impact his potential to sign a long-term deal with a rival club such as the Tigers.
2. Braydon Trindall
Another player whose future relies on those around him, Trindall is stuck behind Matt Moylan and Nicho Hynes for a spot in the Cronulla lineup and could look for an early exit if the opportunity doesn't come soon.
One of the most consistent performers in NSW Cup, the 23-year-old would be a perfect fit for the Tigers and has the game-management skills that the side have lacked in recent years.
However, Trindall is contracted with the Sharks until the end of 2025 after inking an extension last year and would need to gain an early release if a rival club expressed their interest.
3. Ronald Volkman
Another player who is stuck behind more established stars and waiting for an opportunity, Volkman's task of gaining a permanent starting role at the Warriors is only going to become more difficult next season.
The 20-year-old has featured on just four occasions for the club since joining in 2022, but will find it tough to break into a halves pairing that could include Shaun Johnson, Te Maire Martin, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Luke Metcalf moving forward.
Volkman is signed long-term and it's clear they are keen to keep him on board - but with no clear pathway into the top grade, an offer from a club like the Tigers could be too good to refuse and the Warriors would be harsh to stand in his way of an opportunity.
4. Jock Madden
This came as a surprise to many, with Madden linked to a move back to the Tigers despite only signing for the Broncos at the end of last year.
According to a recent report from News Corp, Tigers assistant coach Benji Marshall reached out to the 23-year-old to "gauge his interest" in a potential return to the club in 2024.
Madden is signed until the end of next season, but is unlikely to feature on a consistent basis for Brisbane with the likes of Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam in front of him.
5. Lachlan Lam
Looking outside the box, Wests Tigers could do a lot worse than tabling an offer to the former Roosters star, who is currently plying his trade in the Super League.
Lam has already been in talks with Canberra for a potential return to the NRL next season, but would have to seek permission from his father and Leigh Leopards coach Adrian to gain an early release.
The 25-year-old still has plenty to offer and has been in outstanding form in the UK.
6. Anthony Milford
While it may garner some rolled eyes from Tigers fans, Milford would come at a fraction of the price of some his previous deals and has still had some good moments this year for the Dolphins.
However, with the side preferring the likes of Sean O'Sullivan and Isaiya Katoa in the halves this year, Milford has found himself on the outer and is only contracted until the end of 2024.
Milford would bring a wealth of experience and the likes of Marshall and Sheens on the coaching staff could bring the best out of him.
7. Kyle Flanagan
If the Tigers are after an immediate signing that won't attract much interest from other clubs in the competition, they could hand a lifeline to Flanagan for 2024.
The 25-year-old has struggled to make an impact during his stints at the Roosters and Bulldogs, finding himself parked in reserve grade and being forced to play hooker instead of his preferred position of halfback.
Flanagan isn't going to turn the club around by any means, but with no deal in place beyond this year, Wests could table a low-price offer to bolster their stocks.
8. Toby Sexton
One of the forgotten men in rugby league circles, Sexton has played just one game for the Titans this season after the arrival of Kieran Foran and finds himself in a tricky situation with just over a year to run on his contract.
The 22-year-old was highly-regarded coming through the grades but has failed to kick on since making his debut two years ago, playing just 24 games in the top grade, but could benefit from a fresh start.
With the club also in the mix to sign Ben Hunt next year, it will only make Sexton's job tougher and a move to a rival club all the more enticing.
9. Jack Cogger
After doing a steady job filling in for the injured Nathan Cleary at the Panthers, the 25-year-old could attract some interest from clubs on the look-out for a No.7 next year.
Cogger is unsigned beyond 2023 and could be a good stop-gap option for the Tigers after Brooks' departure.
10. Dean Hawkins
A player with limited NRL opportunities to date, Hawkins has been a standout in NSW Cup for a number of years but is unlikely to ever earn a permanent role at South Sydney.
The local junior has featured on just five occasions since making his debut back in 2021 and isn't contracted for next season at this stage.
