It may only be July (coming into August) but each and every team is already looking to their 2022 seasons and beyond. It's the nature of the rugby league beast.
Nothing can turn around a team's fortunes as quickly as an aggressive, successful recruitment drive.
In reverse, nothing can stunt a team's forward momentum, or even send them backwards, like losing a string of important players without bringing in replacements.
This season we saw a number of big name players off contract. Unfortunately we've also seen players released due to a variety of reasons.
Teams have been busy shaping their rosters for next year on both the signing and re-signing side of things. We take a look at the five teams who had lead the way... to date:
2. Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks have consistently finished in the eight since 2015 but since their 2018 prelim have provided little other than fodder when it comes to finals runs.
They've majorly reshaped the club on and off the field with a series of big moves. Not all of those have been popular but ultimately were all required.
Shaun Johnson, Josh Dugan and Chad Townsend are gone, while Aaron Woods is likely to also be shown the door. Moylan's contract has been massively reduced while Andrew Fifita is being shopped around.
They're re-signed their long-term number one in Will Kennedy as well as forward staples Toby Rudolf and Siosifa Talakai. Connor Tracey and Brayden Trindall, as well as Matt Moylan Moylan have also been extended to compete for a half position.
In terms of additions the Sharks have solved three massive issues within their side whilst adding much needed leadership on and off the field.
Nicho Hynes was chased by numerous sides but chose the Sharks after a series of chats with the incoming Craig Fitzgibbon. He is chasing a possible Dally M medal in 2021 before becoming the Sharks long-term six or seven.
Cameron McInnes is the game's elite middle defender and instantly improves the Sharks brittle middle. He is also a club captain and brings a brilliant attitude.
Dale Finucane was offered monster money across multiple clubs but again chose Fitzgibbon and the Sharks. He is also a leader as well as an Origin starter.
The Sharks are probably a centre and potential halfback short of the finished product but given they were going nowhere and fast, fans can be extremely happy with their work to date.
