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?
Related
- 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Tigers, Knights, Titans, Rabbitohs
- 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Bulldogs, Warriors, Raiders, Eels
- 2018 Recruitment Gradings - Panthers, Cowboys, Dragons, Sea Eagles
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.
Sydney Roosters
In: James Tedesco (Wests Tigers, 2021)
Out: Paul Carter (released), Kane Evans (Parramatta Eels), Aidan Guerra (Newcastle Knights), Shaun Kenny-Dowall (released)
Off Contract: Mitch Cornish, Blake Ferguson, Brenden Santi, Chris Smith, Zane Tetevano, Johnny Tuivasa-Sheck
Re-signed: Ryan Matterson (2019), Dylan Napa (2019), Mitchell Pearce (2019), Sitili Tupouniua (2019) Michael Gordon, Daniel Tupou
The biggest in of all signings for 2018 is James Tedesco. The NSW number one is a game changer and will see the Roosters enter 2018 as premiership favourites, at least other than the Storm of course. As good as SKD and Guerra have been for the club, the Roosters won't really miss either. Manu and Mitchell have made the centre positions their own, and Guerra has been relegated to a role from the bench. Expect Blake Ferguson to join them, with the recently re-signed Michael Gordon shifted to the wing. Tupou also re-signed, filling the other wing position. Tedesco's in though, makes any loss mean a whole lot less.
Should Target: John Folau
The Roosters big name signings and re-signings are done. I don't see how they can afford Blake Ferguson's re-signing, so there becomes a fringe first-grade position available. Tedesco, Tupou, Mitchell, Manu and Gordon have the back five stitched up, but the likes of a John Folau to push the younger two for a spot could be just what they need. He won't break the bank and won't expect a first up spot. Plenty of talent and potential. Perfect, no risk, signing.
Grading: A
The Roosters have done well to re-sign five first graders as well as add Tedesco, who must be on mega bucks. They're going to lose at least two rep players, but given the emergence of their young players, all is good at Bondi. There aren't many teams who can lose Guerra, SKD and likely Ferguson, yet still, score an A grading, yet the in for Tedesco and current re-signings have the tri-colours ready to right the wrongs of 2016.
