The post-season player transfer merry-go-round is cranking up with Ryan James, Moses Suli and Ethan Bullemor the latest to be lined up for new club colours in 2022.
The Broncos have released Bullemor a year early with the young forward expected to join the Sea Eagles, who in turn will release Suli to St George Illawarra.
James, meanwhile, remains in discussions with Brisbane around a return to Queensland, though talks have not seen any offer tabled yet.
The 30-year-old prop is contracted to Canberra for next year but it's understood the Raiders would be willing to consider an early release if he can secure a longer-term deal elsewhere.
That same scenario has prompted Bullemor's move from the Broncos, with his early exit freeing up more salary cap space and another roster spot for Brisbane to target an experienced forward of James' ilk.
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The Dragons are also understood to have weighed in for Bullemor, while Suli's three-year deal has been signed off after he knocked back the Red V's advances 18 months ago to stay at Manly for less money.
Neither the Dragons nor Manly have commented publicly on the futures of Suli and Bullemor, with an announcement on Suli's move to be delayed while the Sea Eagles finals campaign is still alive.
The Dragons disappointing finish to 2021 does come with the caveat of salary cap space to spend, with that figure to swell should Tariq Sims be released from his 2022 contract.
Sims is believed to be on in excess of $600,000-a-season and was given permission to negotiate with rivals some weeks ago.
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Wests Tigers are understood to be monitoring Sims' situation as another outfit in the market with more than $1.5 million in spare salary cap space, though Michael Maguire's uncertain future clouds any immediate recruitment moves.
Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis told NRL.com on Monday that the club's annual end of season review - which will have a significant bearing on Maguire's tenure - is expected to be completed before the end of next week.
The Knights are also in the market for a back-rower but don't have the money for a play at Sims at present.
Bulldogs forward Adam Elliott is another factor in the transfer market after he fronted the Bulldogs board on Monday following his latest off-field incident.
Canterbury are set to make a call this week on the remaining two years of his deal after repeated alcohol-fuelled issues.
Dragons utility Jack Bird is expected to shift into the forwards with Suli tipped to line up alongside Zac Lomax in the centres next year.
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Suli has played 62 of his 78 NRL games with Manly since 2018 but has struggled for game time this year due to the strong form of Brad Parker and Morgan Harper out wide.
Suli has once again been named among the Sea Eagles reserve list for Friday's final against Melbourne.
Utility Dylan Walker is also expected to re-sign on a two-year deal to further reinforce Des Hasler's centre stocks, while the anticipated arrival of Bullemor fills the void left by Curtis Sironen's move to St Helens.
Brisbane reluctantly released 21-year-old Bullemor on Wednesday after "Ethan was presented with a good opportunity elsewhere," according to football director Ben Ikin.
"We wish him all the best as he moves on to a new challenge," Ikin said in a Broncos statement.
"Our club is making decisions for the long-term good of the playing roster and we have seen some players depart as part of that process."
Meanwhile, the Broncos on Wednesday announced that young half Cory Paix had re-signed until the end of 2023.