2018 Recruitment Gradings

We next analyse the Storm, Roosters, Sharks and Broncos over their recruitment decisions for 2018. Is there a need for mass changes? Who can they recruit to find that advantage?

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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.

Brisbane Broncos

In: Jack Bird (Cronulla Sharks, 2021)

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Jack Bird of the Blues watches on from the bench during game two of the State Of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on June 22, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Out: Keegan Hipgrave (Gold Coast Titans), Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)

Off Contract: Jai Arrow, Adam Blair, Joe Boyce, Darius Boyd, Mitchell Dodds, Salesi Funaki, Jordan Kahu, Benji Marshall, Francis Molo, Joe Ofahengaue, Jonus Pearson, James Roberts, Marion Seve, Travis Waddell

Re-signed: Andrew McCullough (2021), Josh McGuire (2021), David Mead (2018), Anthony Milford (2021), Corey Oates (2018) Alex Glenn

The news here is in the re-signings. McCullough, McGuire, Oates and Milford are all valuable pieces of the next Premiership puzzle for Wayne Bennett's men. Milford was linked with a mega deal at the Storm, so his decision to stay at the Broncos shows the faith he has in the system. Jack Bird is a big in, although there seems to be no guarantees that he will play where he was supposedly signed to play next season. That should be fun to follow.

Should Target: Re-signing Roberts, Kahu and Boyd.

The Broncos don't need to look outside their own ranks, they have the players, they just need to re-sign them. Boyd will re-sign, I can't see that dragging on too much longer, but James Roberts has been heavily linked with a move to Sydney. There are a host of clubs chasing him. Who wouldn't want the fastest, most elusive centre in the competition? Kahu has been linked with a move back to his native New Zealand. There's plenty of options available, but the Broncos have the three they need.

Grading: B+

Jack Bird is a big in, wherever he plays his footy next season. He can play centres, fullback, halves or at lock, allowing Bennett a wealth of options. Hunt is a big, big out, but there are plenty of options to replace the Dragons-bound number seven. Boyd's deal is surely a matter of formalities away. Whether or not the club can hold onto their other off-contract stars is key to deciding a final grade. So far so good tho.