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.
Manly Sea Eagles
In: Toafofoa Sipley (New Zealand Warriors, 2019)
Out: Steve Matai (retired), Nate Myles (released), Brett Stewart (retired)
Off Contract: Billy Bainbridge, Brenton Lawrence, Brad Parker, Jorge Taufua, Johnnie Walker, Frank Winterstein
Re-signed: Addin Fonua-Blake (2018)
It's a case of the job already being done for the Manly side. Aggressive recruitment drives across the past two seasons have set them up for another title tilt, but have also drained their salary cap stocks. Full disclosure, I'm not too aware of young Sipley's exploits. The loss of Myles won't hurt the club, and should prove positive for Myles himself. Only really Taufua is a rush to re-sign. AFB has shown plenty of ability and earned his contract extension.
Should Target: Depth
One to 17, there aren't too many sides stronger than the Sea Eagles on paper. Without going into any great depth or detail, Manly probably don't have the depth of the Roosters, Broncos or Storm, but the likes of Matt Wright certainly have lifted to the job thus far. A few more depth signings and Manly fans can be pretty confident moving forward.
Grading: C
On paper, the Manly grading should be a resounding F. They've failed to strengthen the side, and have lost three legends of the game. In reality, neither Matai nor Stewart were any hope of playing in 2017, and Myles was just filling a position that a younger player could occupy. I can't see much more action coming from Brookvale, although I do expect Taufua to be re-signed. They've done the job over the past years and have a side that could give the 2018 title a real shake.
