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.
14. St. George Illawarra Dragons: Ben Hunt
You don't often see a player become the most talented yet most disliked player at a club, but that is exactly what unfolded for Ben Hunt at the Dragons.
Captaining the St. George Illawarra Dragons for four years, Hunt was the only thing keeping his side afloat.
After leading the club to its first finals appearance in years in 2018, the Dragons saw very little success in the following years. They did, however, seem to attract talent over the years, no doubt due to the brilliance of Ben Hunt.
The now-Brisbane Bronco shouldered the load for his side throughout his seven-year tenure, making the successful transition from hooker to halfback upon arriving at the club.
While the last few years of his time at the Red V involved a lot of criticisms and negative press from both parties, Hunt is still the club's best talent of the last decade by far.
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 !