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.
8. Jamal Fogarty (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Jamal Fogarty has provided experience to a young Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles side since leaving the Canberra Raiders. Despite narrowly missing out on finals, Fogarty clocked in 23 try assists in 2026, placing him in the top five players for try assists.
Fogarty's kicking is arguably the best part of his game. He maintains an average top-five position in the competition for kicking stats such as forced dropouts, total kicks and average kicking metres.
Fogarty's conversion rate, however, was a struggle for the veteran halfback, only kicking around 70% of goals. He had taken the kicking duties of Manly centre Reuben Garrick, who many would consider a more reliable goal kicker.
Regardless, Fogarty was the most significant signing for Manly in 2026, especially after Cherry-Evans' departure to the Roosters. He is contracted to the Sea Eagles until the end of 2028 and will be setting his sights on finals footy next year.
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…………………………………..