Ryan James is set to join the Brisbane Broncos, which could throw a Canberra Raiders lifeline for Dunamis Lui.
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James has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Queensland powerhouse that will take his NRL career into its 13th season.
The 30-year-old was contracted to the Raiders for next year, but was given permission to explore his options.
It's believed the prop has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Broncos - without an option for 2023 - which could be finalised this week.
The Broncos were in the market for an experienced middle forward, with the likes of James, Lui - who remains uncontracted for 2022 - Aaron Woods and Dylan Napa all on Brisbane's list of possibilities before opting to go with the former Gold Coast Titans captain.
His leadership will help develop their young pack, which has been built around Payne Haas, following the retirement of captain Alex Glenn.
James spent just one season with the Green Machine, where he made his comeback from two knee reconstructions that saw him miss almost two years of football.
He played just 12 games for the Raiders this year, as well as two games on loan to the Canterbury Bulldogs while on the Gold Coast as part of the NRL's Queensland bubble.
His departure opens the door for Lui to remain in lime green.
The 31-year-old's contract runs out at the end of October and he's yet to sign a new deal.
Lui wants to remain in Canberra, having established a home there for his young family.
The Broncos considered luring him back to the club where he began his NRL career and played 32 games, but they opted to go with James instead.
A couple of English Super League clubs have made offers, but he'd prefer to remain Down Under.
The Raiders' pack was undergoing a refresh after their 2021 campaign, with veteran Sia Soliola potentially playing his last game for the club and Siliva Havili joining South Sydney.
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Trey Mooney, 19, has been promoted to the senior squad after spending the end of the season in their Gold Coast training hub.
The Raiders will either scour the market to bolster their forward stocks or promote from within.
JJ Clarkson and Caleb Esera were of a couple from their under-21 side that won this year's SG Ball premiership who could take the next step.
But Darby Medlyn's time at the club could be coming to an end.
"There's lots of possibilities ... we're always looking and we probably will [bring some players in to bolster the squad], but we'll bring through some young guys too," Raiders chief executive Don Furner said.
"There's some young guys in our 19s and 21s that we'll bring through. It will be a combination of both I imagine."
Meanwhile, Wests Tigers have dismissed rumours linking them to Raiders hooker Josh Hodgson for next season.
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
