Your club's most important signing for 2019

Now the 2018 season is over, its time to turn our attention to the 2019 season. Many player movements or re-signings have already been made before the off-season, and we're sure it'll continue right up until kick-off next season. Zero Tackle has taken a look at each clubs signings/re-signings to see which ones will be most important to your clubs success in 2019. Brisbane Broncos Jamayne Isaako He made his first NRL appearance in 2017, but it was the 2018 season which saw youngster Jamayne Isaako play a full year in the NRL. The 22-year-old signed a four-year extension with the Broncos after being highly sort after by rival clubs. A stellar campaign in 2018 saw Isaako named the Rookie of the Year at the Dally M awards, as he finished with 11 tries from 25 appearances. He kicked 97 goals, made 10 line breaks and ran for a total of 2411 metres. If Isaako keeps up his level of talent, 2019 could be another break out year and just want the Broncos need. [caption id="attachment_36963" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jamayne Isaako of the Broncos scores a try during the round 25 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Canberra Raiders Josh Papalii Papalii made his debut for the Canberra Raiders back in 2011 and has committed to the club for another four years to see him contracted until the end of 2022. The 26-year-old will be hoping he can have a huge impact for the club in 2019 after being on of their best in 2018. Papalii played 22 games for the green machine this season, crossing the try line five times and having 60 tackle breaks. The lock made 1222.6 post contact metres, had a total of 2897 running metres and made 644 tackles. Given Papalii can play lock or in the second-row, he'll be looking to get the Raiders on the front foot in 2019 by charging them up field into dangerous attacking positions and putting his body on the line for the green machine. [caption id="attachment_36534" align="alignnone" width="696"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 18: Josh Papalii of the Raiders is tackled during the round two NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium on March 18, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs Rhyse Martin The Dogs didn't have the 2018 season they were hoping for at the beginning of the year, but the emergence of Rhyse Martin was one small highlight. Although Canterbury have signed him on for a one-year deal, the youngster has shown he has the talent and will no doubt improve with more game time in first grade. Martin played 14 games for the Dogs this season, but was a much needed spark in attack with four tries and try assists. But it was his goal kicking which made people notice him, kicking 36 goals at 94.7% conversion rate. He made 450 tackles and ran for 1474 metres, with the Dogs hoping the young second-rower will be able to get Canterbury back into finals contention in 2019. [caption id="attachment_34804" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Rhyse Martin of the Bulldogs reacts after converting a try during the round 17 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground on July 7, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla Sharks Josh Morris With Cronulla losing their outside backs in Edrick Lee and Jesse Ramien, Josh Morris will provide Cronulla with some much-needed experience in those positions in 2019. Morris will join the team from the shire on a two-year deal after making the switch from the Bulldogs after their salary cap fallout in 2018. The centre played 20 games for the struggling Dogs team this season, scoring nine tries and having four try assists. He made five line breaks, 185 tackles and a total of 2117 running metres. Creating a solid connection with fullback Valentine Holmes and gaining metres of his dummy-half runs will be key for the Sharks 2019 success. [caption id="attachment_34763" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Joshua Morris of the Bulldogs is tackled during the round 17 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground on July 7, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Titans Shannon Boyd The Gold Coast Titans will certainly be looking forward to put 2018 in their rear-view mirror and focus on 2019. They have looked to boost their forward stocks by signing big bopper Shannon Boyd on a four-year deal reportedly worth $2.4 million dollars. The prop made 21 appearances for the Raiders this season, making 23 tackle breaks and having 878.4 post contact metres. He had an average of 8.4 hit ups, made 476 tackles and ran for a total of 1964 running metres. Boyd's ability to carry tacklers up the field and offload to get his team into threatening positions will make him a valuable addition to the Gold Coast side. [caption id="attachment_32869" align="alignnone" width="696"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Shannon Boyd of the Raiders catches the ball during the round one NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium on March 11, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)[/caption] Manly Sea-Eagles Kane Elgey It seems like Kane Elgey has been the forgotten player at the Titans, but lucky for him, the Manly Sea Eagles have noticed his talents. They have signed Elgey on a two-year deal with the club as they look to find someone to compliment Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves. Elgey could be the perfect man to do that, as he still has a lot to offer to the game. He had six try assists in only 11 games for the Titans in 2018, as well as having five line break assists. The five-eighth made 147 tackles and a total of 355 running metres. With more confidence under his belt, Elgey could be the one to ignite the Sea Eagles in 2019. [caption id="attachment_35554" align="alignnone" width="696"] GLADSTONE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Kane Elgey of the Titans looks to pass during the round five NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Manly Sea Eagles at Marley Brown Oval on April 8, 2018 in Gladstone, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Felise Kaufusi There's no doubt Kaufusi was instrumental to the Storm in 2018, which sees him earn a two-year contract extension, with an option of a further two years. Playing in the second-row for 21 games this season, Kaufusi showed why he is a value member of the Storm's outfit, and if the plays he same in 2019, Melbourne will be a force to be reckoned with again. Kaufusi managed five tries, six line breaks, 732 tackles and a total of 1871 running metres. Kaufusi was able to help the Storm get out of tough times whether it being a great run from within their own half or an inspiring, hard-hitting tackle. Under the guidance of supercoach Craig Bellamy, Kaufusi's game will continue to get better and better in 2019. [caption id="attachment_33286" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES - MAY 06: Felise Kaufusi of the Storm watches on during the round nine NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Melbourne Storm at UOW Jubilee Oval on May 6, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors Roger Tuivasa-Sheck There's no doubt the 2018 Dally M winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be the most important re-signing to the Warriors for 2019. After a stand out season leading the Warriors to their first finals appearance in seven years, Tuivasa-Sheck signed a four-year extension. The fullback made 23 appearances for the Warriors this season, having eight try assists, 112 tackle breaks and 13 line breaks. The 25-year-old made a whopping 4102 running metres, helping get his side's sets off to a great start. The Auckland based team will be hoping Tuivasa-Sheck can continue this stellar form into 2019. [caption id="attachment_36977" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the New Zealand Warriors poses on stage with the Dally M Award during the 2018 Dally M Awards at Overseas Passenger Terminal on September 26, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Newcastle Knights Tim Glasby Now Tim Glasby is not known for being the flashest player in the NRL, he's just one of those blokes who flies under the radar but gets the job done. For 2019 he'll join the Newcastle Knights on a three-year deal which will provide some much needed experience in their forward pack. The prop has made 24 appearances for the Melbourne Storm in 2018, making 28 tackle breaks, 700.7 post contact metres and an average of 8.5 hit ups. The 29-year-old made 550 tackles and 1875 total running metres. Glasby quietly goes about his business, but makes valuable metres up the middle which off the back of gets his teammates in menacing positions. The Knights will be hoping he can guide the young team towards a finals berth. [caption id="attachment_34564" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 11: Tim Glasby during a Queensland Maroons State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on July 11, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys Ben Barba Given the 2018 season the Cowboys had, they are in desperate need of a spark, and Ben Barba is definitely the type of player they need. The fullback has spent 2018 playing for St Helens in the English Super League and has agreed to a one-year deal with North Queensland for 2019. The Cowboys will be hoping Barba can bring across his 2018 form to help them return to the finals following a disastrous 2018 campaign. Barba was the top try scorer in the Super League with 28, he had 24 try assists and made 141 tackle bursts. The 29-year old has also made 2279 metres and if he can replicate those types of stats, the Cowboys will be unstoppable in 2019. [caption id="attachment_36396" align="alignnone" width="696"] SALFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Ben Barba of St Helens celebrates scores a first half try during the Betfred Super League match between Salford Red Devils and St Helens at AJ Bell Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Salford, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)[/caption] Parramatta Eels Blake Ferguson The Eels will gain a premiership winner in 2019 with winger Blake Ferguson making the switch across to the blue and gold. Ferguson will join the Eels for 2019 on a three-year deal, reportedly worth $1.5 million dollars. The 28-year-old made 27 appearances for the Sydney Roosters in 2018, winning his first premiership with the club. Ferguson was no stranger to the try line, scoring 18 tries and assisted in four others. He made 20 line breaks, 98 tackle breaks and a total of 5300 running metres for the tricolours. As a winger, Ferguson's ability to be agile around the try line will be an asset to the Eels in 2019, with the club hoping he'll continue to be a ball magnet. [caption id="attachment_37057" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 30: Blake Ferguson of the Roosters celebrates victory during the 2018 NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Penrith Panthers Nathan Cleary Young halfback Nathan Cleary has committed to being the future of the Penrith Panthers after re-signing with the club until 2024 after what was another solid 2018 campaign. Re-signing the 20-year old on a long term deal allows Penrith to know exactly what their future looks like in order to build the club around the talented playmaker. Cleary made 17 appearances for the Panthers in 2018, scoring four tries and finishing with nine try assists. He kicked 40 goals and had an average of 229.6 kicking metres. The halfback made 1333 running metres and along with James Maloney led the Panthers to finishing fifth on the ladder. Cleary's ability to put forwards into space, as well as his precise kicking game will make him Penrith's biggest advantage in 2019. [caption id="attachment_36860" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 31: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers warms up during the round 25 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park on August 31, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] South Sydney Rabbitohs Sam Burgess Sam Burgess was one of South Sydney's best players in 2018, and off that inked a long-term deal reportedly worth over $1 million a season to keep him a bunny until 2023. The lock managed 23 games for the Rabbitohs this season, making 38 tackle breaks and 1147.6 post contact metres. He can damage you with his offloading ability, having 37 in 2018 and aiming to go higher next season. Burgess made 3388 total running metres and 745 tackles, showing just how hard the Englishmen is. The 29-year old puts his body on the line for his team and never gives up, and with features such as those make him very important to the Rabbitohs ins 2019. [caption id="attachment_36668" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Sam Burgess of the Rabbitohs celebrates victory during the NRL Semi Final match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] St George Illawarra Korbin Sims Korbin Sims has made the switch from the Broncos to join brother Tariq Sims in a Red V jersey for 2019. K Sims signed a three-year deal with the Dragons for 2019 and beyond, and will be a huge inclusion to the team off the interchange bench. He made 22 appearances for Brisbane scoring four tries and having 596.3 tackle breaks. The 26-year old made 516 tackles at 87.7%, and made a total 1616 running metres. 14 offloads could be what gets fullback Matt Dufty into space in 2019, while providing a different spark off the bench. [caption id="attachment_35000" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Korbin Sims of the Broncos runs with the ball during the round seven NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Melbourne Storm at Suncorp Stadium on April 20, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters Angus Crichton After a stellar season with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Angus Crichton is making the move to bondi on what is reported as a three-year deal worth almost $3 million dollars worth until the end of 2021. The 22-year old will help boost the stocks of the 2018 premiers and make them serious contenders to go back-to-back. Crichton played 25 games for Souths this season, scoring three tries and making six line breaks. The second-rower has 39 offloads, 852 tackles and made a total of 3100 running metres. Playing alongside the likes of Boyd Cordner and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves in the middle, and running into holes off the back of James Tedesco, Crichton is set to make a big impact for the tri-colours in 2019. [caption id="attachment_36755" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Angus Crichton of the Rabbitohs celebrates victory during the NRL Semi Final match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Wests Tigers Ryan Matterson The Wests Tigers have done well in their recruiting and re-sigings for 2019, but adding Ryan Matterson to their squad could be the most important signing of all. Matterson joins the Tigers on a three-year deal which sees him there until the end of 2021. The predominant second-rower had 22 appearances for the Roosters in 2018, which saw him score five tries and have three line breaks. He made 14 offloads with 711 tackles made, while making a total of 1804 running metres. The versatile 23-year-old is a premiership winner with the Sydney Roosters and can play in the positions of second-row, five-eighth or as an impact player of the bench. Having a player in your squad who isn't a one-trick pony will be quite valuable for the Tigers, as Matterson's game play will keep out teams on their toes. [caption id="attachment_36519" align="alignnone" width="696"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 19: Ryan Matterson of the Roosters offloads during the round 23 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters at GIO Stadium on August 19, 2018 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption]

Your club’s most important signing for 2019

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