Parramatta centre Waqa Blake is considering making a switch to rugby union after the off-contract Eel spoke with the Western Force.
Unsigned beyond 2023, Blake is unlikely to be retained by the Eels for next season after playing only seven NRL games this year through injury and selection.
The 28-year-old has options both in Australia and overseas, with the most likely scenario being he will be able to remain down under and potentially in the NRL.
But AAP has been told one club Blake has spoken to is the Force.
Blake headlines a raft of players who will officially be out-of-contract in a little over a fortnight, with Corey Allan, Nathan Brown and Charlie Staines also on the list.
Blake was was born in Fiji but spent his teenage years in Perth, and has family in Western Australia.
The outside back also grew up watching the 15-man code, and spent time playing it while living on the west coast.
Blake's potential Force move comes after the club closed in on Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton, before a public breakdown in his negotiations with Rugby Australia.
Meanwhile, Parramatta are on the verge of signing Manly centre Morgan Harper to their 2024 squad.
Harper had been expected to move to the English Super League next year to link up with Warrington when the Sea Eagles confirmed he would depart at year's end.
However it now appears more likely his next club will be the Eels, with the 25-year-old likely to remain in Australia.
Off-contract Parramatta NRL centre Waqa Blake could still make the move to rugby union, with a return home to Perth with the Western Force remaining an option.
thewest.com.au