2018 Recruitment Gradings

2018 Recruitment Gradings – Bulldogs, Warriors, Raiders, Eels

STAFF WRITER | June 29, 2017 - 9:47pm

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.

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.

Parramatta Eels

In: Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters, 2020), Mitchell Moses (Wests Tigers, 2019)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Kevin Proctor of the Storm tackles Kane Evans of the Roosters during the round 20 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney Roosters at AAMI Park on July 23, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Out: Jamal Fogarty, James Hasson (released), Semi Radradra (rugby union), Alex Twal (Wests Tigers)

Off Contract: Kirisome Auva'a, Nathan Davis, Bureta Faraimo, John Folau, David Gower, George Jennings, Cameron King, Cody Nelson, Marata Niukore, Rory O'Brien, Frank Pritchard, Jeff Robson, Scott Schulte, Will Smith, Kelepi Tanginoa, Peni Terepo, Honeti Tuha, Matthew Woods

Re-signed: Tepai Moeroa (2019)

Mitch Moses is the obvious big in, although I still maintain he doesn't make the side's genuine strongest 13. Semi Radradra is the obvious big out, although he looks like he will return next season following a stint in French rugby. They've re-signed Moeroa, a solid and clever second rower, and haven't really moved too quickly elsewhere. All looks almost settled at the Eels, and for good reason. Expect a few re-signings and a few bargain buys. The salary cap looks almost full out Parra way.

Should Target: Brenton Lawrence. Re-sign Auva'a/Folau

The Eels run on 13 is pretty dangerous. There isn't an obvious weakness there. Perhaps their depth is a little lacking, but the signing of Lawrence and the penning of Auva'a and Folau to new deals will help calm those concerns. Given the makeup of the side, there can't be a spare 350,000+ to sign a genuine star, but Brenton Lawrence offers another option off the bench, as well as value.

Grading: C

Another almost 'default' grading. The Eels haven't needed to do a whole lot as they look toward 2018 and beyond, although there are a few players off-contract that they'd like to tie down if possible. Another club who shouldn't expect too much in terms of action in the market. The Eels should have found a way to go all in for Nathan Peats, but have since withdrawn interest.