The player your team would love to have back

The rugby league transfer merry-go-round occurs every year, new players come, while others go. It's part of the game and it happens to every team. However, particular departures can leave fans wondering what could have been. We've looked at each team and picked one player they would love to have back in their jersey. Brisbane Broncos [caption id="attachment_24908" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 24: Israel Folau of Australia in action during an Australia training session at the RDS Arena on November 24, 2016 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)[/caption] Israel Folau He's currently one of the best players in rugby union. Originally departing the NRL to pursue a career in the AFL, Folau then made the transition into rugby union with his bid to return to the NRL thwarted at the last minute by salary cap issues. The Broncos would love to convince Israel Folau to return to Brisbane. Canberra Raiders [caption id="attachment_26743" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Anthony Milford of the Broncos celebrates kicking a field goal during the round eight NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Brisbane Broncos at ANZ Stadium on April 21, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Anthony Milford Anthony Milford moved to Canberra as a teenager from Brisbane. He burst onto the scene in 2013 as a fullback for the Raiders and everyone could see that he was the next big thing. However, the master-coach of Wayne Bennet persuaded the young-gun to join Brisbane. Canberra would love to have Milford back, especially with the experience he's gained whilst he was gone. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs [caption id="attachment_26494" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Johnathan Thurston of the Cowboys passes the ball to a team mate during the round six NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Wests Tigers at 1300SMILES Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Johnathan Thurston The decision the release Thurston in 2004, will be listed down as one of the biggest retention blunders the game has seen. Thurston desperately wanted to stay, shedding tears in the Belmore carpark when told he was going to leave. In 2017, Thurston is the greatest rugby league player in the game. The Bulldogs attempted to lure him back to Belmore in 2013, however, he stayed in Townsville. If Johnathan Thurston had left the Cowboys, North Queensland and the game of rugby league would've been robbed of so many great memories and moments. The Bulldogs club can only sit here and wonder 'what if'. Cronulla Sharks [caption id="attachment_23638" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 29: Tyson Frizell of the Dragons looks on during the round 21 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on July 29, 2016 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Tyson Frizell Tyson Frizell barely made his name in the Cronulla Sharks. He transferred over to Kogarah and hasn't looked back since. Frizell has established himself as one of the best back-rowers the Dragon's club ever had. Frizell has performed at Origin level and made his Australia debut. The Cronulla Sharks decided that releasing Frizell was the way to go, to make way for veteran Luke Lewis. The Shire would love to have Frizell back, to compliment an already strong forward-pack. Gold Coast Titans [caption id="attachment_27559" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Gavin Cooper of the Cowboys looks on during the round seven NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the North Queensland Cowboys at WIN Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)[/caption] Gavin Cooper Gavin Cooper joined the Gold Coast Titans almost a decade ago from the Cowboys. He enjoyed his stint, however, moved back up north to the club he made his debut at. Since his departure, Cooper had made his Queensland debut, his Australian debut, and won the Premiership in 2015 with the Cowboys. He also captained the Cowboys into the 2017 Grand Final. Cooper's experience is one that the Titans would cherish. They need some experience to mentor their young players and haven't found the suitable player yet, however, Cooper fits the bill. The Titans would love to have Cooper back, but it's too little too late as he's built a Cowboys dynasty in North-Queensland. Manly Sea Eagles [caption id="attachment_28399" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Clint Gutherson of the Eels runs the ball during the round 20 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on July 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Clint Gutherson Clinton Gutherson was playing for New South Wales under 20's during his time with Manly. The club saw him as a long-term player. When Parramatta Eels coach Brad Arthur was the assistant coach at Manly, he built a strong relationship with Gutherson leading to Arthur signing him for the 2016 season and beyond. While 2016 was a rocks and diamonds season for Clint, in 2017 after a strong pre-season, he had a stand-out year despite it being cut-short to injury. If Gutherson would've played on to season's end, he could've been a contender for the Dally M Medal. Manly need Gutherson's strike power, and they will be filthy with themselves for not doing enough to keep Clint in the Northern Beaches. Melbourne Storm [caption id="attachment_26795" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Kevin Proctor of the Titans looks on during the round three NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Parramatta Eels at Cbus Super Stadium on March 17, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)[/caption] Kevin Proctor He enjoyed success at Melbourne winning a premiership, before making a move to Gold Coast this year, which hasn't been successful. After being appointed as captain, an off-field incident led to a lengthy ban. Melbourne have a number of young players coming through the system, as possible replacements for Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, and Cameron Smith. Proctor's experience, as a New Zealand International, would be one that Melbourne would cherish most. Melbourne have still remained at the top, despite Proctor's departure, but would surely benefit if Proctor decides to head South back to Victoria. Newcastle Knights [caption id="attachment_27995" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 09: Darius Boyd of the Broncos passes the ball during the round 14 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on June 9, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Darius Boyd Darius Boyd linked up with Newcastle in 2012 after Wayne Bennett was appointed the head coach. In his three year stint with the Knights, we saw Boyd play through adversity, facing issues on and off the field. When in full-flight Boyd impressed the Knights-faithful. A move in 2015 to Broncos, saw Boyd revive his career, and succeed with the Brisbane club he's always known. It's no secret that the Knights have had fullback problems since Boyd's departure. The fullback vacancy was filled by Dane Gagai, Nathan Ross, Kurt Gidley, and Jake Mamo. Although the Knight's would love the ball-playing fullback back in the Hunter, they've got Connor Watson and Kalyn Ponga joining their ranks for next season, in what will be a new-look Knights outfit. North Queensland Cowboys [caption id="attachment_26397" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 18: James Tamou of the Panthers is tackled by Beau Scott of the Eels during the NRL Trial match between the Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels at Pepper Stadium on February 18, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] James Tamou The Northern Queensland club were devastated to find out that their premiership-winning prop James Tamou signed a deal with the Penrith Panthers, to be closer to his family. The experienced prop has had a tough year with the Penrith side, however without a doubt his experience is worth the pay cheque. Tamou's Australian and NSW representative experience would be valued by any team. The Cowboys have had front-row problems all season, opting with John Asiata and Scott Bolton to fill the vacancy, left by the departure of Tamou and the injury of veteran Matt Scott. The Cowboys would love to have Tamou back in Townsville, to mentor their young forwards, Corey Jensen, and Jason Taumalolo. Parramatta Eels [caption id="attachment_28274" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 23: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.)Steam rises from Nathan Peats of the Titans as he watches on after a Tigers try during the round 16 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Gold Coast Titans at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on June 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Nathan Peats Nathan Peats was squeezed out of Parramatta after they breached the salary cap. The call to release Peats was a controversial one, as at the time, Peats was one of their best players. Peats since joined Gold Coast Titans, where he has felt at home, on and off the field. Peats made his New South Wales debut, impressing many spectators, who doubted the No. 9. The Eels haven't had a permanent hooker since his departure with Isaac De Gois, Kaysa Pritchard and Cameron King all having stints in the jersey. They would love to have Nathan Peats back in the West, to add further talent to this already great team. Penrith Panthers [caption id="attachment_28365" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Luke Lewis of the Sharks in action during the round 17 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Central Coast Stadium on July 1, 2017 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Luke Lewis In one of the most biggest headlines in the 2012 season, it was revealed that Lewis was released from his Panthers contract after Phil Gould opted for him to look elsewhere. Coach Ivan Cleary stripped his captaincy away from him in Round 10, with his position at the club looking unstable. After over a decade at the foot of the mountain, Lewis joined the Cronulla Sharks with only one intention, to win the premiership, and so he did. He won the Clive Churchill medal in the historic 14-12 victory over the Melbourne Storm. It seems as though the more he ages, the better he gets. The Penrith Panthers would be pinching themselves, seeing what they had let go, succeed in the Shire. The Penrith club would love to have the 34-year old back, to add experience to the squad, that has many young forwards. South Sydney Rabbitohs [caption id="attachment_26353" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Luke Keary of the Roosters passes during the round four NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on March 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Luke Keary Keary burst onto the scene for Souths in 2013, then lead the Redfern club to premiership glory. A couple of lacklustre years for the then 24-year old, saw him offloaded to a rival club. Since, Luke Keary has been a revelation at the Sydney Roosters, almost leading the tri-colours to the big dance. Souths, on the other hand, have had ongoing issues with their five-eight position. For most of the year, Cody Walker had filled the void. However, in the long-run, is Walker the suitable option? Souths couldn't even string ten wins together, is it a fair credit to Walker who couldn't help his under-performing Bunnies side. Souths need a overhaul in their halves stocks, Reynolds who has been in and out through injury needs a consistent partner who can lead from the front, on and off the field. With Luke Keary returning to South Sydney, in the form he's in now, Souths would have a lethal halves partnership that could trouble the NRL. St George Illawarra Dragons [caption id="attachment_22531" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 16: Brett Morris of the Bulldogs runs toward the try line during the round 23 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Titans at Central Coast Stadium on August 16, 2015 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Brett Morris The flying winger epitomises what it means to be apart of the Red V. The veteran winger grew up in Kiama, and remarkably scored 112 tries from 169 games for the merged club. Since, Brett Morris has suffered several setbacks through injury, however impressed with every opportunity he was handed. We saw him score seven tries in three games last year when he returned from injury for the Bulldogs. We're all aware of what the representative winger is capable of, and without a doubt the Wollongong-based club wouldn't hesitate to lure Morris back to their club. They have lacked quality wingers, opting with the much criticised Nene McDonald and Jason Nightingale. The class and experience of Brett Morris, who already spent more than a decade with the club, would be one that the Dragons would value. New Zealand Warriors [caption id="attachment_24692" align="aligncenter" width="3000"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Russell Packer of the Dragons passes during the round 22 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Brisbane Bronocs at WIN Stadium on August 4, 2016 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Russell Packer It's not a fair reflection to blame the departure of Russell Packer on the New Zealand Warriors, however despite his off-field dramas, Packer would be a great signing for the New Zealand club. He played under Ivan Cleary, and he was clearly the next big thing. A grand final, then a tragic off-field incident which ultimately saw Packer depart Warriors and the NRL. The prop did his time and then signed with the Dragons, before signing with the Wests Tigers for next season. When many discuss New Zealand's problems, they narrow it down to two things, self-belief, and the lacklustre forward pack. The return of Russell Packer would add much needed grunt to the Warrior's forward pack which hasn't been all that exciting. Sydney Roosters [caption id="attachment_22333" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SINGAPORE - APRIL 17: Sonny Bill Williams of New Zealand warms up before the 2016 Singapore Sevens Cup Quarter Final between South Africa and New Zealand at National Stadium on April 17, 2016 in Singapore. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)[/caption] Sonny Bill Williams The notorious Sonny Bill Williams joined the Sydney Roosters in 2013, after years absent from the game. He received backlash for his decision to walk out on the Bulldogs in 2008, however soon after, Williams ensured he silenced the critics. A couple of great seasons, saw Williams walk the Grand Final victory lap. He departed the game, to continue his ongoing journey, playing Rugby Union. The influence of Sonny Bill Williams on the Rooster's side was worth the pay cheque. Teammates spoke of high regard when talking about the part-time boxer. He changed his teammates lifestyle, and vision of life, for they credited him for the premiership win. Roosters have since struggled with players in the No. 12 jersey. But with rumours suggesting that Williams is a possibility to return for the tri-colours in 2019, that problem could be solved. The Roosters would empty their pockets to have Williams at Bondi, after seeing his influence on and off the field. He's an incredibly gifted athlete, and an even better mentor off the field. Wests Tigers [caption id="attachment_29597" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 27: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been converted to black and white.) Adam Blair of the Broncos leads the team out onto the field during the round 12 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Brisbane Broncos at Mt Smart Stadium on May 27, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Adam Blair When Adam Blair transferred over to Leichhardt from Melbourne, it was not only a change of environment, but also a change of lifestyle. He under-performed whilst playing for Tigers under Tim Sheens, despite captaining them in 2012. He was regarded as one of the greatest Tigers signing, can we not forget how rich his deal was? The Tigers obviously would've expected more from Blair, however a move to Brisbane would see him restart his career. We all sat by and watched Blair's development and growth as a player, into a leader. He's been a huge factor of Brisbane's success in the last couple of years, recently signing another rich four-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors. Despite, recruiting Ben Matulino and Russell Packer for 2018, Wests could do with another experienced forward who could help the merged club climb up the ladder. A new and improved Blair would be one that Tigers would need, and utilise. Wests Tigers would be pinching themselves for not giving him another chance, or perhapsLeichhardt wasn't the ideal location for Blair.

The player your team would love to have back

Cronulla Sharks

Tyson Frizell

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