The withdrawal of the Toronto Wolfpack from the 2020 Super League competition has sparked the interest of several NRL clubs who are looking to sign its talent - most prominently Sonny Bill Williams.
The dual-international is one of seven Australian or New Zealand players contracted to the Wolfpack who are now without anywhere to play, with NRL teams looking to capitalise on the opportunity to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the 2020 season.
As the only transatlantic club in the competition, the Wolfpack cited COVID-19, visa issues and reduced revenue generation as a result of the pandemic as reasons that led to the decision.
It is understood that the Canadian side has allowed its players to seek contracts elsewhere for the remainder of 2020, provided they are available before the 2021 Super League season.
Before Williams or other prominent former-NRL players such as Ricky Leutele, Josh McCrone and Darcy Lussick can be signed, however, several complications will need to be resolved.
For instance, by the time negotiations are completed, a contract is drawn up and signed, and the 14-day quarantine period after arriving in Australia is observed, the player in question may only be available for the final six games of the season
Moreover, it is an NRL requirement that players are signed based on the market value the governing body perceives that player to be worth - a significant issue given Williams' 2-year $10 million deal with the Wolfpack and Leutele's standing as the highest-paid centre in the world.
A reunion between Williams and the Sydney Roosters was initially put forth as a likely outcome given the former's close relationship with Roosters chairman Nick Politis, but with the club's 30-man roster currently filled, it seems an unlikely fit.
The Warriors, however, are expected to make a serious bid for the superstar forward after several of the New Zealand outfit's key players chose to return home from Australia rather than see out the remainder of the NRL season.