A club's most important addition doesn't always come from the transfer market.

Sometimes, it's the player already on the roster, one returning from a long injury layoff, refreshed and ready to contribute immediately.

As the 2026 NRL season approaches, several high-profile players loom as “like new recruits” for their clubs.

5. Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs)

NRL Rd 9 – Rabbitohs v Knights
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 03: Campbell Graham of the Rabbitohs offloads the ball during the round nine NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Newcastle Knights at Suncorp Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Campbell Graham has long been regarded as one of the NRL's most talented centres.

Since debuting in 2018, he's consistently ranked among the competition's best defensive outside backs while also offering strong yardage carries.

At his peak, Graham regularly averaged 150+ running metres per game, often taking tough carries out of trouble.

His return gives the South Sydney Rabbitohs a genuine two-way centre capable of stabilising an edge and contributing offensively.

Unfortunately, fans were only granted glimpses of his brilliance in 2025, but they will hopefully get the opportunity to see more of him in 2026.