Gold Coast utility Tyrone Peachey's chances of returning to Penrith hinge on whether Parramatta sign Panthers centre Waqa Blake.
Peachey is said to be unsettled at the Gold Coast Titans and was linked to a move back to the Panthers earlier this month.
Titans head of culture and performance Mal Meninga suggested he wouldn't stand in Peachey's way if he desires to leave despite being only six months into a three-season deal.
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But a switch of clubs before the June 30 player movement deadline depends on Blake, who is in the Eels' sights.
Blake only last year extended with the Panthers until 2023 in a deal brokered by Phil Gould and is understood to be receiving a significant wage.
Parramatta would have to take on Blake's rich contract if they signed the 24-year-old and baulked after learning of his salary.
But having failed to land other targets including Matt Lodge and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, the Eels are reportedly keen again on buying Blake – a move that would create room for Penrith to nab Peachey.
"This Waqa Blake, Tyrone Peachey thing's been going on for a while now. It sounded like it was off, it sounded like it was dead and buried," The Australian's Brent Read told Sporting News.
"But there's just a whisper in the next couple of days that maybe the Parramatta interest in Waqa Blake is back on.
"If that happens, that would allow Penrith to get back in the market for Tyrone Peachey.
"... There's just some whispers that might be back on the table."
Peachey played 109 matches for the Panthers between 2014 and '18 before salary cap constraints forced him to the Titans.
All 88 of Blake's NRL appearances have been with Penrith after he debuted with the club in 2015.