Now that Manly’s all-representative halves combination have settled their futures, NRL clubs looking for halves have started to look at other options.
Players such as Trent Hodkinson and James Maloney have sat back quietly, and are now set to cash in on potentially huge deals for 2016 and beyond.
Manly, Cronulla, Canberra, the Titans and a fair few others clubs are cashed up and ready to launch bids at securing two of the best halves off contract.
Aidan Sezer is another who is set to benefit, as Manly and the Sharks have both already been linked with the talented half, and the Titans will want to pair him with Cherry-Evans next season.
But it is former Origin halves Maloney and Hodkinson that I expect to attract the biggest offers.
Manly have a massive war chest after losing both current halves, and would go a long way to softening the blow they have suffered if they were to sign Maloney.
Another player that the Sea Eagles have been linked to is Todd Carney. Given the right leadership and direction, Carney could help Manly avoid a crisis next year.
The Sharks, after reportedly offering the biggest deal in the club’s history to their failed bid to sign Cherry-Evans, would surely be lining up big money offers for the three off-contract halves, especially Hodkinson.
Although Ben Barba’s move to five-eighth has suffered a disappointing start, those at the club still believe he is a long-term option in the halves.
Trent Hodkinson has the abilities to lead the side around and allow Barba to inject his talents whenever he pleases. Jeff Robson does not seem to have the same abilities, meaning Barba has too much responsibility so early in his career in the halves.
The Dogs, who have quietly built one of the best sides in the competition will be more than eager to keep their Origin number seven. He was in supreme form last season, leading his side to the grand final and his state to Origin success.
The same applies for the Roosters who will not want to break up a successful, Premiership-winning combination.
This was always going to be a huge year in the market given the amount of talent and pure ability of those coming off contract, but now that the two biggest pieces of the puzzle are in place, I expect the activity to skyrocket over the coming weeks and months.
Simply put the Sharks cannot afford to miss out on a half option, whether it be Hodkinson, Maloney, or Sezer, while Manly will want to land one, and possibly bring Todd Carney back to the NRL, so both will be huge players in upcoming negotiations.
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