I've said it before and I will continue to repeat it - recruitment drives can make or break seasons.
We've seen the Bulldogs transform from competition also-rans to Finals competitors mainly due to a season upon season recruitment drive.
Meanwhile the Tigers signed a host of players over the past three seasons and finished last on all three ocassions.
Today we're here to run a look over nine of the 17 NRL teams and their recruitment decisions for 2025.
Some teams will attract average grades due to a lack of activity. Keep in mind that not all teams need to go out and sign five quality players.
That said, below are recruitment grades for the remaining eight teams heading into 2025:
runs the ball during the round five NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the New Zealand Warriors at Sunshine Coast Stadium on April 13, 2019 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
In: Damien Cook, Clinton Gutherson, Valentine Holmes, Lachlan Ilias
Out: Jack Bird, Max Feagai, Ben Hunt, Zac Lomax, Jesse Marschke, Dan Russell, Savelio Tamale Paul Turner
Re-signed: Corey Allan, Jack de Belin, Tom Eisenhuth, Mathew Feagai, Francis Molo, Michael Molo, Tyrell Sloan, Jaydn Su'A, Moses Suli
You know what? I'm going to take the positive route here.
Zac Lomax is a monster out. Shane Flanagan arguably saved his career but Lomax sees himself as a centre and has moved on as a result. Ben Hunt will be missed, despite what Dragons fans will tell you, but he should have left 12 months ago.
Coming in are three, albeit aging, stars with rep experience. Clint Gutherson will be the heart and soul of the Red V. I do worry about the fact injuries are piling up but I love this signing.
Damien Cook is a genius at nine and should form a magnificent partnership with Jacob Liddle. Valentine Holmes is one of the best centres in the game and a marquee signing. I cannot believe that the Cowboys allowed him to leave.
I don't know what to make of the Lachlan Ilias signing ...
Re-signing with, Jaydn Su'A and Moses Suli are massive holds. The others are fine, but nothing I can find too much excitement in just yet.
I am extremely worried about the halves combination sans Hunt but Flanagan has proven himself to be culture first and in that regard, he's nailed this drive.
On paper, they've lost their two best players from 2025, but in reality, they've added three stars who have bought in. That is a huge win.
Grading: B-
