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:
In: Chad Townsend
Out: Kahu Capper, Michael Jennings, Luke Keary, Joseph Manu, Terrell May, Lewis Murphy, Dylan Napa, Joseph Suaalii, Sitili Tupouniua, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Re-signed: Rex Bassingthwaighte, Nat Butcher Lindsay Collins, Angus Crichton, Spencer Leniu, Junior Pauga, Toby Rodwell, Billy Smith, Sandon Smith, Daniel Tupou, Connor Watson, Naufahu Whyte, Siua Wong
Honestly, this may be the single worst recruitment drive in the history of the NRL.
A fringe First Grade halfback comes in while two world class, rep centres exit, as well as multiple time Premiership winning half, two rep quality forwards and the club's most damaging, young forward.
On the re-signing front they did manage to lock down a plethora of a talent. They will still be dangerous in 2024 as a result.
I just can't see past the fact they've lost so much match-winning talent and failed to replace them.
By adding Reece Robson for 2026, the plan is very clear. Get through 2025 then stack the side in a lightning fast rebuild.
It looks a solid plan but in terms of names lost vs names added, I don't ever remember seeing such a substantial gap.
Grading: F
