How does your club's "Big Four" match up?

This time of year is always crazy when it comes to the market and potential player movement, but this year has been especially insane. Some of the money on offer is ridiculous, but the most outrageous talk in the media to date may very well be the talk of the Wests Tigers "Big Four". It has set tongues wagging, with many agreeing that, with all due respect to the likes of Moses and Brooks, they likely wouldn't be a "Big Four" at many other clubs. For fun, we have ranked each team's "Big Four". There is no set criteria here, and the players listed below aren't necessarily the best four players in the squad, but in my mind, make up their club's supposed "Big Four". Newcastle Knights [caption id="attachment_25162" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 28: Trent Hodkinson of the Knights in action during the round 25 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Hunter Stadium on August 28, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Trent Hodkinson, Dane Gagai, Mitchell Barnett, Nathan Ross It's no surprise that the back-to-back wooden spooners aren't among the deeper of talent pools. Trent Hodkinson is a former Origin winning halfback with plenty of talent. Dane Gagai is another Origin star and arguably one of the competition's elite centres. Mitch Barnett has a monster future after a brilliant start to his second season in the top grade. Nathan Ross is a star on and off the field; one of the game's best personalities and a try scoring freak. Mitch Barnett has a monster future after a brilliant start to his second season in the top grade. Nathan Ross is a star on and off the field; one of the game's best personalities and a try scoring freak. Nathan Ross is a star on and off the field; one of the game's best personalities and a try scoring freak. Wests Tigers [caption id="attachment_26254" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Aaron Woods of the Tigers runs with the ball during the round five NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on April 2, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] James Tedesco, Luke Brooks, Mitchell Moses, Aaron Woods James Tedesco walks into almost any of the club's big four and is one of the best fullbacks in the game. His re-signing is vital to the future of the Tigers and the club really needs to move the Earth to ensure his future remains in Tiger Town. Aaron Woods is an Origin prop who really needs to make a decision quickly for both his own sake and that of the club he captains. Brooks and Moses are yet to fulfil their potential. Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses are yet to fulfil their potential. Parramatta Eels [caption id="attachment_26031" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Corey Norman of the Eels passes during the round two NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Parramatta Eels at WIN Stadium on March 12, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Corey Norman, Semi Radradra, Michael Jennings, Bevan French Corey Norman has all the makings of a genuine world class superstar if he can produce his top performances on a consistent basis. Semi Radradra is a try-scoring genius but is also distracted by off-field activities, and has already signed a big money deal to play that other code where his name will drop off entirely outside of Japan, or France, or wherever he ended up signing. Michael Jennings has been one of the premier centres of the past decade but has slightly fallen off in form. Bevan French is arguably the game's most exciting youngster. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs [caption id="attachment_23228" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 06: James Graham of the Bulldogs leads his team out onto the ground during the round 22 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Hunter Stadium on August 6, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] James Graham, Brett Morris, Josh Jackson, Josh Reynolds James Graham has been arguably the best front rower in recent years but is incredibly being reported to be shopped around to free up money for Woods. Brett Morris has suffered some horrible injuries over the years and has struggled to refind the form that made him an Origin and Roos certainty. Josh Jackson is one of the most underrated back-rowers in the game. Josh Reynolds is the heart and soul of the Dogs but is also linked with a move away from the club. Gold Coast Titans [caption id="attachment_25112" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Jarryd Hayne of the Titans celebrates after kicking a drop goal to win the match during the round 23 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on August 13, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Jarryd Hayne, Ryan James, Nathan Peats, Ashley Taylor Jarryd Hayne was once the most sought after player across the four footballing codes, yet really looks like he has no other obvious options other than to re-sign for the Titans. Ryan James is developing into one of the game's best big men and should play Origin this season is Daley is serious about winning the series. Nathan Peats is on the verge of Origin selection, should he be able to return from injury successfully. Ashley Taylor is a superstar in the making. St George Illawarra Dragons [caption id="attachment_25924" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Josh Dugan of the Dragons runs the ball during the round one NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Penrith Panthers at UOW Jubilee Oval on March 4, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Dugan, Gareth Widdop, Tyson Frizell, Paul Vaughan Josh Dugan was enjoying a brilliant start to the season prior to his injury. He should be able to play in whichever position he wants to. Gareth Widdop's potential halves combination with Ben Hunt is mouth watering for fans of the Red V. Tyson Frizell was his state's best player in 2016 and will be among the first players picked for rep duties again this year. Paul Vaughan is the early leader in "signing of the year" honours. Penrith Panthers [caption id="attachment_26267" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Matt Moylan of the Panthers passes the ball during the round three NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Sydney Roosters at Pepper Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Matt Moylan, Trent Merrin, Bryce Cartwright, Nathan Cleary Matt Moylan is an incredibly talented player but needs to sort out his focus. Does he want to captain the side, or does he want to focus on his own game? Which position does he want to play? Trent Merrin, although down on involvement in 2017 thus far, is still one of the game's most damaging big men. Bryce Cartwright, if he can work past his off-field distractions, should be Origin-bound this season. Nathan Cleary has had a nearly unbelievable start to his NRL career. He plays well beyond his experience and age. South Sydney Rabbitohs [caption id="attachment_25372" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Robbie Farah of the Rabbitohs warms up before the NRL trial match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Campbelltown Stadium on February 11, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Adam Reynolds, Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, Robbie Farah Although Greg Inglis may have slowed down slightly since his footballing prime, he is still one of the top fullbacks and players in the business. His season-ending injury was a horror moment for the Bunnies and their finals chances. Adam Reynolds is one of the best halves in the state and has arguably the best kicking game in the competition. There is no more influential big man than Sam Burgess. Robbie Farah is currently second in line to Damien Cook but is still one of the most influential players at the club. Manly Sea Eagles [caption id="attachment_26186" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Daly Cherry-Evans of the Sea Eagles runs with the ball during the round five NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on March 31, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Daly Cherry-Evans, Tom Trbojevic, Jake Trbojevic, Dylan Walker Daly Cherry-Evans is showing signs of justifying the mega-money deal he signed after the media circus to end all media circuses. With Cronk and Thurston's rep careers coming to an end, DCE and Michael Morgan look next in line. Jake and Tom Trbojevic are the game's two brightest prospects. I would wager every dollar I own on both players enjoying hugely successful representative careers. Dylan Walker is back to the form that saw him picked for Origin in years past. Canberra Raiders [caption id="attachment_26300" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Jarrod Croker of the Raiders makes a line break during the round three NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium on March 19, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Hodgson, Jarrod Croker, Blake Austin, Josh Papalii Josh Hodgson is way down on his 2016 form, but still, has all the talent to take his side one game further than in 2016. How Jarrod Croker doesn't have an Origin jersey to his name is beyond me. His point-scoring potential is almost unrivalled. Blake Austin is one of the game's best running halves and should have played Origin. If his surname was Pearce, he'd have six Origin caps to his name already. Josh Papalii has moved on from being known for his shots on Paul Gallen. He's a superstar. Sydney Roosters [caption id="attachment_23757" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 18: Mitchell Pearce of the Roosters looks to pass during the round 19 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium on July 18, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Mitchell Pearce, Boyd Cordner, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Jake Friend For all the jokes about Mitchell Pearce at Origin level, there are few halves with the ability and success of the Roosters number seven. How many minor premierships did he lead the club to in a row? (Three for the record). Boyd Cordner is the next Origin skipper, there's absolutely no question as far as I am concerned. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, on his day, is the premier front rower in the game. Few can change a game's momentum like the Kiwi colossus. Jake Friend is THE most underrated number nine in the game. Brisbane Broncos [caption id="attachment_23803" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Anthony Milford of the Broncos passes the ball during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on September 9, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Darius Boyd, Anthony Milford, Matt Gillett, Sam Thaiday Darius Boyd has emerged as the game's best number one. Talk of him moving into the halves to accommodate Jack Bird are ridiculous. He displaced Greg Inglis at rep level. Anthony Milford can change a game in seconds and is set to become the Broncos, and Maroons, big gun for the next five-plus years. Matt Gillett is a superstar in anyone's eyes. Sam Thaiday is a character off the field and a star on it. Cronulla Sharks [caption id="attachment_25285" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] James Maloney during the 2016 NRL Grand Final match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on October 2, 2016 in Sydney, Australia.[/caption] James Maloney, Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Valentine Holmes The Sharks premiership quartet is among the game's elite. James Maloney is the most successful half of the modern generation. He knows how to win. He's forgotten how to lose. Paul Gallen cops plenty of grief but is the best lock in recent times. An Origin and club legend. There will be statues of the Shark captain erected outside Southern Cross Group Stadium in the not too distant future. Wade Graham is the Sharks captain in waiting and a future Origin captain also. The sky is the limit for a guy who has seemingly been around for ten years. Valentine Holmes, I dare anyone to name a more exciting player in the code. New Zealand Warriors [caption id="attachment_26051" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Kieran Foran of the Warriors watches on during the warm-up before the round four NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the New Zealand Warriors at UOW Jubilee Oval on March 26, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Shaun Johnson, Kieran Foran, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Simon Mannering The Warriors have arguably the best spine in rugby league. I am pulling my hair out trying to justify just how this club hasn't been far more successful. Shaun Johnson is the most influential player in the competition. When he is on, he is unstoppable. Kieran Foran has added so much in so little time that he may prove to be the key to finally unlocking the Warriors premiership hopes. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck arrived with so much hype and has so much to offer. I hope he fulfils his potential, just not when playing my side. Simon Mannering is a genius of a footballer and an absolute workhorse. North Queensland Cowboys [caption id="attachment_26234" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys puts on his head gear before the start the round three NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium on March 18, 2017 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Johnathan Thurston, Jason Taumalolo, Michael Morgan, Matthew Scott Johnathan Thurston is the best player of the modern era. I never saw Lockyer nor Johns in their prime (at an age I could fully appreciate their talents anyways) but Thurston is the best player I've ever seen. Jason Taumalolo is the most damaging player in the game. He could very well have his second Dally M medal by October. Michael Morgan's transition into the halves has made a brilliant player ever more dangerous. Matt Scott, although winding down towards the final years of his career, is still one of the best props in the game. I am glad he will finish his career with the Cowboys. He has earned every wrap he receives. Melbourne Storm [caption id="attachment_20691" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk of Storm pose with the trophy during the lap of honour after winning the 2012 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on September 30, 2012 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith, Craig Bellamy The original "Big Three" plus the most successful coach of the modern era. Craig Bellamy has turned some ordinary looking Storm sides into world beaters, literally. He has had the help of three of the best players in rugby league history. The fact that Jesse Bromwich can't make a side's top four shows just how good these players are. Cameron Smith is the second best player I have ever seen play the game and I fear for NSW future if Cooper Cronk moves into coaching his stateside. Cooper Cronk is just magical to watch. It would be a shame if he retires next season. Billy Slater has suffered injuries over the past few seasons but those with good memories will remember the best fullback in many, many years. I doubt we will ever see three special players reach their peak at the same time like we saw at the Storm.