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.
2. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sydney Roosters)
Daly Cherry-Evans is undoubtedly aging like fine wine, only getting better with the ball in his hands.
His signing at the Sydney Roosters was met with heavy criticism at the back end of last season, with the Roosters seemingly doing well with Hugo Savala and Sandon Smith in the halves.
With DCE joining the Sydney-based side this year, it saw Sandon Smith signing with the Newcastle Knights, and Hugo Savala voicing his discontent at the club, believing he would be overlooked with the veteran coming into the halves.
Despite all the fuss regarding the halves situation, Cherry-Evans slotted perfectly into the side, partnering up with Sam Walker and finishing the regular season in the top four.
Cherry-Evans has since stood up and shown his veteran class with Sam Walker injured and the Roosters still very much a chance at the premiership. Can DCE complete a fairy-tale finish to his NRL career before heading over to Hull FC 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…………………………………..