Sydney Roosters unexpectedly withdrew their contract offer to Sam Walker, sparking a search for new halfback options.
Well, put your hand up if you saw that coming?
It wasn't quite the dead of night, but Sydney Roosters' proclamation that they had pulled their contract offer to Sam Walker arrived well after business hours and hit like a thunderbolt.
The talks had dragged on and on, testing the patience of the Roosters and their boss, Nick Politis. Yet it still came as a shock when the club opted to head in another direction, effectively cutting Walker adrift as they prepare to explore alternative options in the player market.
The seismic decision - which arrived only hours after Canberra pulled their offer to Hudson Young - will send shockwaves through their rivals given the Roosters are now in the market for a halfback and have in excess of $1 million to get a deal done.
There are obvious candidates whose contracts align with Walker. Penrith superstar Nathan Cleary is believed to be well down the track in talks with the Panthers over an extension and the horse has likely bolted on that front. He seems certain to stay.