Every once in a while, a rugby league club makes a signing that shifts the balance of the entire NRL. Whether that leads to a premiership, a Dally M medal, or simply an inch closer to the finals, an elite talent can alter the fabric of an NRL franchise.
While not every club has had a premiership-winning acquisition in the last decade, here are the best signings of the last decade for every team.
13. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Damien Cook
Playing 207 games for the Green and Red, Damien Cook cemented himself as a South Sydney Rabbitohs legend in his eight-year tenure with the club.
It is rare to find a player who is as consistent as Cook. His workload was tremendous during his time with the Rabbitohs, with the agile hooker often playing 80 minutes a game.
Cook's speed and athleticism were a major spark for the Rabbitohs' attack, often creating something from nothing when he ran from dummy-half.
He rounded out to become the perfect hooker, providing all the attributes his side needed to stay competitive throughout his Souths career.
While never acknowledged as an official captain of the club, Cook brought an air of leadership that his side often needed.
His reliability in the defensive line was severely underrated, with the motor of a raging bull that kept him performing at an elite level every week.
Cook has since departed the club, but it could be argued that in a side with many changes over the last decade, the Blues and Australia hooker was the anchor the Rabbitohs needed.
Every one of those is a plausible contender.
Personally, I would have picked Wayne Bennett as the Dolphins’ greatest signing, but I expect you’re excluding coaches :=)
The only one I actually disagree with is Reece Walsh. I believe Payne Haas is more influential. Just my opinion, and you know what they say: “opinions are like a**holes – everybody has got one, and some are more smelly than others”.
Apologies to ZeroTacklers if I just stank out the room !