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.
4. Trey Mooney (Newcastle Knights)
Departing from the nation's capital under Ricky Stuart, Trey Mooney was looking for more game time and that regular starting prop position. It is safe to say he found that at the Newcastle Knights under Justin Holbrook.
Following a mediocre career at the Canberra Raiders, Mooney was able to lock down a starting position at Newcastle and record 22 appearances. Unfortunately, he sustained a fractured shoulder blade in round 26 that ruled him out of the remainder of the Knights' 2026 campaign.
Mooney has made a name for himself this season as one of the competition's top prop forwards, showcasing that he can run the ball well and score tries too.
Looking ahead to next year, Mooney should be available post-pre-season, depending on his three-to-six-month recovery and rehabilitation. All in all, Mooney proved to be an excellent signing for Newcastle.
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…………………………………..