The player your side must re-sign in 2018

With literally millions of dollar of players off-contract at the end of 2018, clubs will be looking to lock their star players (or future star players) into long-term contracts. It's inevitable that players will move clubs however there are some players that just cannot be replaced. Below is a look at the one player your club must re-sign. This doesn't have to reflect the biggest name off contract but more-so the player I believe each club should pull out all the stops to ensure they do not move clubs. Brisbane Broncos [caption id="attachment_31149" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 22: Corey Oates of the Broncos looks on during the warm-up prior to the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on September 22, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Corey Oates Oates looks set for a move into the back row in 2018. Sam Thaiday looks as though he is entering the final season of his decorated career. It isn't a huge jump to assume Oates could be a ready-made replacement if the move proves to be a success. If not, he remains one of the most dangerous wingers in the game and should be re-signed as a marquee winger. I can't see Oates leaving the Broncos but at 23 and with almost 100 NRL games to his name he is certainly going to be worth plenty on the open market. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs [caption id="attachment_29528" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Brett Morris of the Bulldogs looks dejected after defeat during the round eight NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Canterbury Bulldogs at ANZ Stadium on April 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Brett Morris In terms of genuine first-grade talent, the Dogs have signed most of their squad to long-term deals. Both Morris twins are off-contract and despite their age should be the number one targets for contract renewals. Brett edges out his brother in terms of the most valuable due to his versatility. An incumbent Origin winger, he can also play fullback which may come in handy is Mbye struggles in his return to the position. The fact Morris has also retired from rep footy means his only focus will be on the Dogs. At 31 he still a few seasons left in him yet. Canberra Raiders [caption id="attachment_31291" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Blake Austin of the Raiders runs the ball during the round 21 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Blake Austin Despite a poor(ish) 2017 season, Blake Austin remains the man in the nation's capital. Both he and Sezer are off-contract at the end of 2018 and have it all to play for. A big start to the season should see him re-signed quickly before other clubs come sniffing if they haven't already. I certainly don't blame the Raiders for not jumping in after a sub-par 2017 season from both their halves, but if Austin moves on it's a feeling of having to start again for the Green Machine. Cronulla Sharks [caption id="attachment_31748" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Jayson Bukuya of the Sharks is tackled by Trent Merrin of the Panthers during the round seven NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Cronulla Sharks at Pepper Stadium on April 16, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Jayson Bukuya The succession plan to Paul Gallen's retirement looks to be Jayson Bukuya moving into a starting position. At 28, the hugely underrated forward is at his peak and should be the top priority for the Sharks. There was talk the club were looking at Taumalolo and Crichton but the feeling is Bukuya is the man to step into the number 13 if Gallen does hang up the boots. Even if Gallen does decide to play on, Bukuya's influence from the bench was a huge factor in the Sharks 2016 success. Gold Coast Titans [caption id="attachment_26038" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 04: Kane Elgey of the Titans in action during the round one NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Sydney Roosters at Cbus Super Stadium on March 4, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)[/caption] Kane Elgey This comes with an asterisk as it depends on Elgey having a far improved season to his 2017 output. Elgey is a wonderful young player but a huge level of potential. In a perfect world, he would partner Ash Taylor for the better part of a decade on the holiday strip and allow the Titans to build around their partnership. On talent alone, that should not be an issue, although it is not unfair to say Elgey did not perform to expectation last year. Spending 2016 on the sidelines after an incredible rookie season would have dented his confidence but heading into 2018 there is no excuse. If he has a monster start to the year, as we all know he can, the Titans have to move to ensure he and Taylor are bound for many years to come. Manly Sea Eagles [caption id="attachment_29237" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Apisai Koroisau of the Sea Eagles passes 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] Apisai Koroisau Following a brilliant World Cup campaign, the Manly number nine is very much in the Origin discussion. He is one of the most dangerous numbers nines in the game and should be Manly's absolute priority in terms of re-signings. They've extended contracts of DCE and the Trbojevic brothers, with Koroisau the last remaining piece of the nucleus of the side puzzle. Look for the talented number nine to have a break out season on the back of a wonderful 2017. There will be no shortage of suitors with first choice numbers nines at a premium in the current market. Melbourne Storm [caption id="attachment_30131" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 25: (EDITORS NOTE: This image has been digitally altered) Felise Kaufusi of the Storm poses for a portrait during a Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Gosch's Paddock on September 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Felise Kaufusi Club legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith are back off-contract at the end of 2018 but there is no chance either will sign to play for another side, hence neither were considered. Kaufusi had a monster 2017 and is now a World Cup winner with the Kangaroos. With Lewis and Gallen looking like they could retire Kaufusi would be target number one in the Shire. The Tigers and Knights are cashed up, while the Bunnies are looking to replace Crichton. There's an argument that Kaufusi may be the hottest off-contract player right now. New Zealand Warriors [caption id="attachment_21877" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 09: Simon Mannering of the Warriors reacts during the round six NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Manly Sea Eagles at Mt Smart Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Simon Mannering With the club yesterday announcing a long-term deal for Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, the next re-signing as an absolute no-brainer in the heart and soul of the club, Simon Mannering. Despite being 31 year's of the age the Warrior and Kiwi legend shows no signs of slowing down. He was the Warriors best again in 2017 and will again prove to be Mr Reliable in 2018 and beyond. I can't see him signing anywhere else but stranger things have happened. With Tohu Harris on board to shoulder some of the defensive workload, we may see an even greater output in attack by the man who will likely bring up his 300th game for the Warriors this season. Newcastle Knights [caption id="attachment_22929" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Sione Mata'Utia of the Knights reacts after the game finished in a draw during the round three NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Canberra Raiders at Hunter Stadium on March 19, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Sione Mata'utia It's incredible to think the Newcastle captain is still only 21 years of age. He has played for the Kangaroos as a winger, developed into a Knights starting second rower and now looks set to play centres in 2018. He can literally do it all. Given the time the Knights have invested, I would be very surprised to see him line up elsewhere for 2019 and beyond, but the Knights need to ensure they don't lose a player they can continue to build around moving forward. North Queensland Cowboys [caption id="attachment_29669" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Jake Granville of the Cowboys runs the ball during the 2017 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Jake Granville As with the Storm guns, Thurston is not considered as there is no genuine threat of him joining another club. Granville is perhaps the most underrated player in the game right now. It's hard to command the spotlight when teammates include Thurston, Taumalolo and Morgan, but Granville is an elite number nine. As mentioned previously, class number nines are at a premium right now, and I would not be surprised if the 29-year-old's name hasn't been discussed at a few clubs. Parramatta Eels [caption id="attachment_28230" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Nathan Brown of the Eels in action during the round five NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Parramatta Eels at GIO Stadium on April 1, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Nathan Brown Brown had a magical 2017 season and will be heavily targeted if the Eels don't re-sign him quickly. I was shocked his deal wasn't upgraded and extended following his 2017 effort, although given the faith the Eels showed in him I can't see him leaving the club. That said, the likes of the Tigers, Titans and Knights are looking for game-changing signings and could do worse than offering big money for a big minute player. Penrith Panthers [caption id="attachment_31062" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Mansour of the Panthers celebrates victory during the NRL Elimination Final match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Mansour Reports indicate the Eels are ready to pounce, while I can think of at least three others clubs (Brisbane, Warriors, Tigers) without much thought, who would absolutely love to welcome Mansour into their ranks. The Panthers need to act now or face a real fight to retain their strike weapon out wide. Mansour has added a World Cup medal to his 100+ NRL appearances, and will surely be the first winger picked for the Blues. Fight on at the foot of the mountains. South Sydney Rabbitohs [caption id="attachment_31749" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tyrell Fuimaono of the Rabbitohs makes break during the round 24 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors at ANZ Stadium on August 18, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Tyrell Fuimaono All the talk is that, despite his 15 appearances for the Bunnies to date, we're yet to really see anything yet. The wraps on the 21-year-old are massive, and for good reason. A massive body despite his young age, Fuimaono looks equally at home in the centres or in the second row. There are a few sides who could use a young, versatile monster like Tyrell so expect his name to come up elsewhere if he is not re-signed. St Goerge Illawarra Dragons [caption id="attachment_31750" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 24: Leeson Ah Mau of the Dragons is tackled during the round 20 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium on July 24, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Leeson Ah Mau The Dragons are another side with most of their retention work already done but I like what I see in 28-year-old Leeson Ah Mau. He now has over 150 NRL games to his name and at 28 is at his prime age. He helps form a pretty handy front row rotation for the Dragons and I doubt the Red V would want to lose him. Plenty of sides are on the lookout for big, experienced, bench props who don't break the bank, and Ah Mau fits that bill perfectly. Sydney Roosters Nat Butcher 20-year-old Nat Butcher is set to become a hugely in-demand player despite making only three top grade appearances. Tipped to grab a bench spot in a star-studded Roosters side, I expect plenty to be paying close attention to his 2018 progress. With the Roosters splashing big, big money on Angus Crichton, Butcher's path to first grade may be away from Bondi. Watch this space as the Roosters will not want to lose him. Wests Tigers [caption id="attachment_31751" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 04: Esan Marsters of the Wests Tigers is tackled by Brock Lamb of the Knights during the 2017 Auckland Nines match between the Knights and the Wests Tigers at Eden Park on February 4, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Esan Marsters For the Tigers to build a side capable of a quick return to the finals they need to hold onto players like Marsters. At only 21, the massive (understatement) centre is a must re-sign for the Tigers. He played 13 times last year and scored five tries in a pretty fire attacking outfit. He will start the season in the centres again for the Tigers and with yet another pre-season under his belt should provide a real highlight for 2018, and hopefully beyond, in Tiger Town.