The last few seasons have seen a number of young prospects sign big money, long-term deals with various NRL clubs. These sorts of deals have made some club hierarchies look like geniuses and other morons.
Take a look below at five clubs that have been vindicated, and others humiliated.
5. Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs
While it may not be the most notable deal of its kind, the Bulldogs made waves in the market back in 2013 by re-signing a then unknown 19-year old called David Klemmer to a three-year $1 million-dollar deal. All before he had made his NRL debut.
Klemmer, a Bulldogs fan as a child, signed on the dotted line only a few days after being named to make his NRL debut off the bench in round 1 against North Queensland.
Prior to his re-signing with the Bulldogs, Klemmer was the hottest young prospect available on the market in 2013. Off the back of a stellar 2012 season that included playing for the Australian Schoolboys as well as being named the Toyota Cup Player of the Year.
Very much an unknown commodity at the time, that didn't stop other club's from having an almighty crack at the All Saints Toongabbie junior. With then Knights coach Wayne Bennett reportedly having made an almighty play for the then towering youngster, along with a host of other rivals.
While it will be tough for the Bulldogs faithful to watch Klemmer run out in Newcastle colours in 2019, the mammoth deal put forward in 2013 by Canterbury proved to be money well spent. With Klemmer going onto establish himself as one of the game’s premier front-rower while still at Belmore, accruing numerous Origin and Test caps along the way.
Don’t worry. Manly will get the best out of Sulli. Just like we turned hopeless TRex into an international before going to the dogs to ruin his career. Des has the same Bellamy touch.