The season is finally here. Transfers for 2023 are all but complete, squads are full and it's time for the on-field action to finally take over again.
Some clubs will be happy with their results, others not so much, and others barely needed to be touched during the most recently completed off-season.
For this list, the grades have been ranked from A+ being perfect business, to E being the worst possible business. Taken into account is the gains and losses for the 2023 season, as well as contract re-signings and holding onto key talent.
13. Penrith Panthers: C+
2023 gains:ย Jack Coggerย (Huddersfield Giants, 2023),ย Jack Coleย (2026),ย Luke Garnerย (Wests Tigers, 2024),ย Zac Hoskingย (Brisbane Broncos, 2024),ย Jesse McLeanย (2026),ย Tyrone Peacheyย (Wests Tigers, 2023)
2023 losses: J'maine Hopgoodย (Parramatta Eels),ย Robert Jenningsย (The Dolphins),ย Viliame Kikauย (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs),ย Apisai Koroisauย (Wests Tigers),ย Sean O'Sullivanย (The Dolphins),ย Charlie Stainesย (Wests Tigers)
Re-signed:ย Eddie Blackerย (2023),ย Nathan Clearyย (2027),ย Dylan Edwardsย (2024),ย Matthew Eisenhuthย (2024),ย Mitch Kennyย (2024),ย Taylan Mayย (2024),ย Jaeman Salmonย (2023),ย Chris Smithย (2023),ย Lindsay Smithย (2024),ย Izack Tagoย (2025),ย Sunia Turuvaย (2024)
The defending champions like the Eels have lost some great players with Viliame Kikau and Apisai Koroisau leaving.
Both were huge players for Penrith and were key to their success.
With Mitch Kenny re-signing it is likely to see him start as their new first-choice hooker and it will be interesting to see how he tries to fill the void left by Koroisau.
Major re-signings for Penrith are Nathan Cleary (2027), Dylan Edwards (2024), Taylan May (2024), Mitch Kenny (2024), and Izack Tago (2025).
