Psssst...I'll tell you a something for nothing. James O'Connor has been signed by the Queensland Reds. There's nothing official yet but we can all expect something dramatic to unfold (wink, wink) at the QRU's Gala Ball, to be held on Friday night. What could it possibly be?
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If the Reds garnering the signature of O'Connor wasn't already the code's worst-kept piece of intelligence, it was simply reported as fact last week, with the reveal to be held in front of sponsors, media and paying guests at Friday's black tie shindig.
There's a strong chance Karmichael Hunt's signing for the 2015 season could also be confirmed, news that would provide something else to celebrate after what was otherwise a Super Rugby season largely devoid of highlights.
Hunt is currently playing AFL at the Gold Coast Suns but should he shift to Ballymore, I tend to think he will be a safe bet. He's a complete professional, an instinctive footballer, teak tough and highly driven. Like Will Genia, he's a relentless competitor that will relish a return to a more familiar game.
O'Connor is the wildcard and I'm intrigued as to how his recruitment will be met by Reds fans. But it's a risk the franchise has to take if they are to compete with the Waratahs, who won the Super Rugby final, the Brumbies and the developing Western Force.
The circumstances in which O'Connor departed Australian rugby would raise red flags for any potential employer, as would many of the antics throughout his career. At 24, he's compiled a fair resume of indiscretions, as well as some pretty decent returns on the field.
The Reds clearly see the value in the latter and indeed, the former appears to be on the improve as well. During stints with London Irish and French side Toulon, his biggest regret has been a dodgy video laden with even dodgier French, promoting a beach party that may have out-dodgied the lot.
It's his football that is needed. On that front, there will be pressure to deliver, given the Reds shipped off half of its flyers to free up room in both the backline and the bank account. Richard Graham, a coach under pressure of his own, will likely employ him on the wing or fullback, adding some much-needed strike.
But O'Connor's return goes beyond Ballymore. Ewen McKenzie will be watching with interest and hoping O'Connor, like Quade Cooper, can mature to become a quality professional that values the opportunities and lifestyle they currently enjoy.
The flacid effort against the All Blacks showed how badly the Wallabies need renovation. A wing combination of Henry Speight and O'Connor, who bring power on one hand and speed and finishing on the other, won't cure everything but it's a handy start.
Reds chief executive Jim Carmichael doesn't suffer fools and O'Connor would have no doubt been made aware of the expectations on his shoulders when he arrives back to his native state. Whether he fulfils the brief will define the rest of his career.
