AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 27: Kieran Foran of the Warriors looks on during the round 12 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium on May 27, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

The recruitment decisions of the Warriors, Raiders, Dogs and Eels are the next to come under the microscope, as well as look to those off-contract players each club should target.

Related: 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Tigers, Knights, Titans, Rabbitohs

Without knowing the exact salary cap position of each side, take the suggestions with a grain of salt, but given reports, and common sense, they are players each side would likely be able to recruit.

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Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

In: Fa'amanu Brown (Cronulla Sharks, 2019), Kieran Foran (New Zealand Warriors, 2020), Aaron Woods (Wests Tigers, 2021)

Out: Josh Reynolds (Wests Tigers)

Off Contract: Michael Doolan, Craig Garvey, Rod Griffin, Michael Lichaa, Tyrone Phillips, Andy Saunders, Chase Stanley

Re-signed: Adam Elliott (2020), Danny Fualalo (2019), Kerrod Holland (2020), Will Hopoate (2020), Marcelo Montoya (2020), Reimis Smith (2019), Renouf To'omaga (2020), Aiden Tolman (2020)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Will Hopoate of the Bulldogs in action during the NRL Trial match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Penrith Panthers at Belmore Sports Ground on February 11, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Dogs have attracted two major signings that will help reshape their side, and hopefully their future, with Kieran Foran and Aaron Woods to join the side from 2018 onward. Although more departures are expected, at this time only Sam Kasiano and Josh Reynolds look set to exit Belmore. If somehow the Dogs can balance those books, then they become a far more dangerous side next season.

Should Target: Cheap forwards

Surely the Dogs spending spree is over. Surely Michael Lichaa is on his way out of the club, while Sam Kasiano looks set to join the Storm. Greg Eastwood is rumoured to be on his way also. The Dogs need to find bodies to provide depth, however, won't have a huge amount of funds to do so. They need to find value, likely from the graduating class of a club's NYC side.

Grading: B

Two amazing signings in Foran and Woods will provide a huge shot in the collective Bulldog arm next season. The Dogs lack an organisational half with a kicking game. Foran fills that exact role. They also lack a forward with a genuine punch as both Graham, Tolman and Jackson have lacked support. The cavalry arrives in the form of NSW and Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods. A few clever re-signings, mainly Will Hopoate, sees the Dogs only get stronger next season. Josh Reynolds isn't the biggest loss on the field, but his departure has ripped the heart out of the team and fans off the field. That loss sees the Dogs grading fall.



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