The Sydney Roosters remain keen on pursuing Daly Cherry-Evans despite his axing from the State of Origin set-up and the emergence of their own young halves.
It comes as coach Trent Robinson reveals all five of his State of Origin representatives will back up for Saturday's match against North Queensland, who are resting Reuben Cotter and Reece Robson.
The Roosters shaped as the front-runners for Cherry-Evans's signature after the premiership-winning halfback confirmed 2025 would be his 15th and final season at Manly.
Since then, Cherry-Evans has been dropped as Queensland captain and endured patchy form for an out-of-sorts Manly side fighting to keep pace with the top eight.
The Roosters, meanwhile, have unearthed an out-and-out first-grader in rookie halfback Hugo Savala and also have highly rated Sam Walker signed through 2027.
Sandon Smith has proven a capable back-up playmaker too, particularly impressive in a big Anzac Day win over St George Illawarra.
The Roosters have held preliminary talks with Cherry-Evans but the 36-year-old has indicated his immediate focus is on the 2025 season, not finalising his future.
Robinson previously endorsed the club's pursuit of Cherry-Evans and has not changed his position amid the events of recent months.
"Nothing has moved, we haven't had any discussions or anything like that. But there hasn't been any difference on what I said last time either," he said.
"We said he's going to wait so we've just been getting on with our business until that time."
Cherry-Evans has been instrumental in big wins over Penrith and Brisbane in recent months but most recently struggled to ignite the side in a 28-8 thrashing from last-placed Gold Coast.
Robinson has been unconcerned over public commentary surrounding Cherry-Evans's form this season.
"That hasn't been a discussion for us," he said.
The coach sees a world where all four of Cherry-Evans, Savala, Walker and Smith can co-exist at the club next season.
Savala's preferred position is in the halves but his 194cm frame makes him a candidate for opportunities in the back row or outside backs.
Smith, meanwhile, was a regular on the bench before five-eighth Luke Keary left the club in the most recent off-season.
"We're in a good spot, I feel like we're developing really well," Robinson said.
"We want to keep pushing forward in being the best team that we can be. There's no wavering on what I said (about wanting to pursue Cherry-Evans) but that time will come."
The Cowboys will have Queensland duo Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden on deck as they fight to bounce back from their 58-4 hiding at the hands of the Dolphins last week.
But NSW hooker Robson and Maroons forward Cotter will be given extra time to rest following the Maroons' 26-24 game-two win on Wednesday.
"(They're) just carrying a couple of niggles that we don't want to make worse, given that we've got a long road ahead," said coach Todd Payten.
