The recruitment decisions of the Warriors, Raiders, Dogs and Eels are the next to come under the microscope, as well as look to those off-contract players each club should target.
Related: 2018 Recruitment Gradings โ Tigers, Knights, Titans, Rabbitohs
Without knowing the exact salary cap position of each side, take the suggestions with a grain of salt, but given reports, and common sense, they are players each side would likely be able to recruit.
Canberra Raiders
In: Erin Clark (New Zealand Warriors, 2019)
Out: Zac Santo (New Zealand Warriors), Jordan Turner (Huddersfield Giants)
Off Contract: Lachlan Croker, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Makahesi Makatoa, Kato Ottio, Scott Sorensen, Dave Taylor
Re-signed: Joey Leilua (2020), Jordan Rapana (2019), Jack Wighton (2020)
Three huge re-signings in Leila, Rapana and Wighton, three of the club's most potent attacking weapons. In terms of ins and outs, I honestly couldn't tell you a whole lot about any of the players involved. The Raiders don't need a whole lot more. This is a side that probably should have been there on Grand Final day last season.
Should Target: A utility
The Raiders have so much talent, but for some reason, they just aren't consistently getting the job done in 2017. You'd be crazy to rule them out after their 2016 heroics, but when things aren't going right, there's no plan B. The Raiders need an option off the bench to change things up if all is not going to plan. They won't have a whole lot of funds available, or a first-grade position to offer, so they'd need to target the likes of a Joseph Paulo, Tyrone Roberts or Kurt Mann. Slim pickings.
Grading: C
The Raiders get a C here for the simple fact that they've barely done anything. That's not that great, but it's certainly not bad. This isn't a side that requires wholesale changes. Players currently at the club can get the job done, they just need to do it more often. As mentioned, the re-signings of their right-hand side, plus their fullback, means the Raiders can continue to build toward something special without too much upheaval. Probably don't expect too many more movements, this is a settled side.
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