There were several signings this year that proved profitable for players in their new environments, as well as clubs building towards something bigger.
From taking their clubs to finals to making a name for themselves in the competition, here are the recruits of 2026.
10. Morgan Knowles (Dolphins)
Morgan Knowles has squeezed his way into the recruits list for 2026 due to his unbelievable work rate for the Dolphins. Knowles has become Mr Reliable for his squad, chalking up 24 appearances and even scoring a try in his debut season.
His move from St Helens in the Super League can be attributed to Kristian Woolf, the current head coach of the Dolphins. The two had been at St Helens together and were reunited with Knowles' signing; clearly Woolf saw something in the Englishman, and it has paid off this year with the Dolphins one game away from the grand final.
Knowles has a 90% tackle efficiency rate for 2026 and holds the second-most tackles for the Dolphins behind second-rower Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
The Dolphins recruit should be expecting an international call-up for England for this year's Rugby League World Cup, alongside his current teammate, Herbie Farnworth.
I would not include Dylan Brown in the list of “10 best signings”. Why? Because Newcastle has signed him for far too long and for far too much money.
He will be 35 when he starts the last year of his contract.
Don’t expect him to be anywhere as near as good then as he is now.
I see him as a second Jason Taumalolo. Signed for ten years on about a million per year. He might have been worth the money in his first few years, but now he nowhere near worth the money.
I think Brown will end up just the same.
Where’s Coby Black…………………………………..