Today we look at the ins and outs for 2018 and beyond for the Dragons, Panthers, Cowboys and Sea Eagles. How have they recruited thus far? Who should they target?
Related
- 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Tigers, Knights, Titans, Rabbitohs
- 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Bulldogs, Warriors, Raiders, Eels
Without knowing the exact salary cap position of each side, take the suggestions with a grain of salt, but given reports, and common sense, they are players each side would likely be able to recruit.
North Queensland Cowboys
In: Carlin Anderson (2019), Te Maire Martin (Penrith Panthers, 2019), Jordan McLean (Melbourne Storm, 2020)
Out: Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)
Off Contract: Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Patrick Kaufusi, Kyle Laybutt, Gideon Mosby-Gela, Ben Spina, Ray Thompson
Re-signed: John Asiata (2020), Scott Bolton (2019), Jake Clifford (2019), Gavin Cooper (2019), Kyle Feldt (2020), Matthew Scott (2019), Jason Taumalolo (2027), Johnathan Thurston (2018), Enari Tuala (2019)
Jordan McLean is an astute pickup, and will come straight into the run-on side to partner the returning Matt Scott in 2018 and beyond. McLean is an outside shot to debut for NSW on Wednesday if those under injury clouds cannot run out. Te Maire Martin is reportedly seen as the future number seven when Thurston finally hangs up the headgear. I'm not sold on the Kiwi youngster just yet, but his debut certainly showed his ability. Unfortunately, they've lost a future mega star in Ponga, but given the names of those blocking his road to the NRL, combined with the money on offer in the Hunter, you can't blame him for making the move.
Should Target: No need
Despite the loss of Ponga, I can't see any real salary cap room for movement left following the re-signings listed above. Taumalolo's mega deal was worth every cent but makes it tough to sign new talent. Luckily given they have one of the best rosters in the game, that shouldn't be a problem.
Grading: A
The two aforementioned ins are of great value to the club, but it's the re-signings that lead to the A grade. Penning Scott, Bolton, Asiata, Cooper, Taumalolo and Thurston to new deals was crucial for the 2016 premiers moving forward, and they managed to get it done with a minimum of fuss. The Cowboys don't need a roster overhaul, and I expect their future deals to focus on re-signing Kaufusi and Gela-Mosby. The recruitment team can put their feet up and be proud of their efforts thus far.
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