The NRL era is approaching three decades old, having kicked off in 1998 after the bitter Super League war drew to a close.
In that time, every club bar the two expansion franchises have won a premiership or featured in a grand final, and while some have had more success than others, every club will note some excellent signings over the journey.
Pulling back the curtain on those signings, here are the players we mark as the best for each club.
Manly Sea Eagles - Jamie Lyon
Noting that players who debuted for the Northern Eagles are not considered, the Sea Eagles have produced most of their elite talent locally, or signed prior to a first-grade debut, in the NRL era.
There are some strong options though, with Brent Kite signing from the Dragons in 2005, Martin Taupau signing from the Tigers in 2016, Lachlan Croker joining from the Raiders in 2018 and Dylan Walker from South Sydney in 2016.
Ultimately though, Jamie Lyon is unlikely to be knocked of his perch as Manly's best NRL-era signing anytime soon.
Debuting for Parramatta in 2000 and then joining St Helens in 2005 and 2006, he eventually wound up at Manly from 2007 where he played in 224 games including multiple deciders, while he was also Dally M centre of the year on four occasions - 2010, 2011, 2013 and 2014.
Stephen Crichton should be considered for Doggies.
Why? Sure hes helped change the culture but the dogs haven’t looked close to winning a comp unlike with other guys mentioned. I think Critta is one of their best signings but he needs a grand final before he gets put in the same category as those mentioned here. I also doubt they’ll go close this year until they settle on a 7.
Michael Ennis or James Maloney ?
JM didn’t do much in 2017, but he was brilliant in 2016 and I believe that he – more than anyone else – got Cronulla their Grand Final success, that year.
Hard call to make: has to be one of those two, but which ?
Jahrome Hughes best for the Storm ?
No sir. For me it has to be Cam Smith
Smith isn’t a signing as he debuted at storm