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.
2023 gains: Logan Bayliss-Brow (2023), Jock Madden (Wests Tigers, 2024), Brendan Piakura (2024), Ethan Quai-Ward (2023), Martin Taupau (Manly Sea Eagles, 2023), Reece Walsh (New Zealand Warriors, 2025)
2023 losses: Tyson Gamble (Newcastle Knights), Zac Hosking (Penrith Panthers), Jamayne Isaako (The Dolphins), Ryan James (retired), Rhys Kennedy (Hull Kingston Rovers), Brenko Lee (The Dolphins), Te Maire Martin (New Zealand Warriors), David Mead (retired), Tesi Niu (The Dolphins), Jake Turpin (Sydney Roosters)
Re-signed: Patrick Carrigan (2024), Selwyn Cobbo (2025), Herbie Farnworth (2026), Kobe Hetherington (2025), Delouise Hoeter (2024), Blake Mozer (2025), Corey Oates (2025), Billy Walters (2024), Xavier Willison (2025)
The Broncos narrowly missed a place in the finals last season finishing in 9th place.
The signings in and out of the club indicate a transformative period for the Broncos, shipping out various experienced players from their side.
The re-signings of Patrick Carrigan (2024), Selwyn Cobbo (2025), Herbie Farnworth (2023), Kobe Hetherington (2025) and several other good-quality players means the Broncos have a long-term vision.
Bringing back Reece Walsh is the key signing for the Broncos.
2023 gains: Danny Levi (Huddersfield Giants, 2024), Pasami Saulo (Newcastle Knights, 2024)
2023 losses: Adam Elliott (Newcastle Knights), Josh Hodgson (Parramatta Eels), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (New Zealand Warriors), Harry Rushton (Huddersfield Giants), Ryan Sutton (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Sam Williams (released)
Re-signed: Matt Frawley (2023), Corey Harawira-Naera (2026), Corey Horsburgh (2025), Ata Mariota (2024), Xavier Savage (2025), James Schiller (2024), Tom Starling (2024), Joseph Tapine (2028), Matthew Timoko (2025), Zac Woolford (2024)
The Raiders' new signings have only signed deals until 2024 and they have lost some very good talent to NRL rivals.
The Raiders do have a solid line-up for 2023 and have re-signed key players such as Joseph Tapine (2028), Xavier Savage (2025), Matthew Timoko (2025) and Corey Harawira-Naera (2026).
These contracts are massively important as the Raiders haven't really strengthened their side in terms of incomings.
2023 gains: Fa'amanu Brown (Wests Tigers, 2023), Brandon Clarke (2023), Andrew Davey (Manly Sea Eagles, 2024), Samuel Hughes (2023), Viliame Kikau (Penrith Panthers, 2026), Reed Mahoney (Parramatta Eels, 2026), Karl Oloapu (2026), Franklin Pele (Cronulla Sharks, 2024), Hayze Perham (Parramatta Eels, 2024), Jacob Preston (2024), Jeral Skelton (2024), Ryan Sutton (Canberra Raiders, 2025)
2023 losses: Corey Allan (Sydney Roosters), Matt Doorey (Parramatta Eels), Matt Dufty (Warrington Wolves), Jack Hetherington (Newcastle Knights), Josh Jackson (retired), Isaac Lumelume (Parramatta Eels), Jeremy Marshall-King (The Dolphins), Brent Naden (Wests Tigers), Aaron Schoupp (Gold Coast Titans), Ava Seumanufagai (Leigh Leopards), Joe Stimson (Gold Coast Titans), Paul Vaughan (Warrington Wolves), Brandon Wakeham (Wests Tigers)
Re-signed: Declan Casey (2023), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (2025), Max King (2024), Jacob Kiraz (2024), Jackson Topine (2024)
One of the biggest overhauls of a club's roster in recent history has been the current Bulldogs team.
Many gains and losses will change the whole look of the side.
A lot of dead wood has been moved along with key new singings of the returning Reed Mahoney and Penrith star Viliame Kikau set to bolster the side.
The former Shark Franklin Pele is someone to keep an eye on as he has potential to have a breakout season. The side is in a much better position to keep building chemistry in 2023.
2023 gains: Daniel Atkinson (2023), Max Bradbury (2024), Oregon Kaufusi (Parramatta Eels, 2025), Sam Stonestreet (2023), Siteni Taukamo (2024)
2023 losses: Andrew Fifita (retired), Luke Metcalf (New Zealand Warriors), Lachlan Miller (Newcastle Knights), Franklin Pele (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Aiden Tolman (retired)
Re-signed: Jayden Berrell (2023), Blayke Brailey (2026), Jesse Colquhoun (2024), Kade Dykes (2024), Wade Graham (2023), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2024), Thomas Hazelton (2025), Mawene Hiroti (2023), Royce Hunt (2024), Kayal Iro (2024), Matt Moylan (2024), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Briton Nikora (2025), Jack Williams (2024)
A pretty quiet one for Cronulla who had a great 2022 and have a great team for 2023. The addition of Oregon Kaufusi will be a great option off the bench and someone very capable of slotting into the starting line-up.
The Sharks have also made some key re-signings, with the likes of Blayke Brailey (2026), Matt Moylan (2024), and Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025) extending their stay and have no major outgoings.
2023 gains: Jayden Berrell (2023), Blayke Brailey (2026), Jesse Colquhoun (2024), Kade Dykes (2024), Wade Graham (2023), Braden Hamlin-Uele (2024), Thomas Hazelton (2025), Mawene Hiroti (2023), Royce Hunt (2024), Kayal Iro (2024), Matt Moylan (2024), Ronaldo Mulitalo (2025), Briton Nikora (2025), Jack Williams (2024)
2023 losses: N/A
Re-signed: N/A
The newcomers have added some very experienced NRL talent to their roster with the Bromwich's, the Lee's and the likes of Euan Aitken, Felise Kaufusi, Jarrod Wallace and Tom Gilbert all new players. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Jeremy Marshall-King are two other great additions for the Dolphins.
But they get a D rating as they failed to deliver on so many of their top targets. Cameron Munster, Dylan Brown and Kalyn Ponga amongst other names all failed to become a Dolphin in 2023. They are in for a tough first season in the NRL.
2023 gains: Jacob Alick (2024), Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles, 2024), Chris Randall (Newcastle Knights, 2024), Aaron Schoupp (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2025), Joe Stimson (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2024), Sam Verrills (Sydney Roosters, 2024), Thomas Weaver (2024)
2023 losses: Herman Ese'ese (The Dolphins), Jamayne Isaako (The Dolphins), Sam Lisone (Leeds Rhinos), Esan Marsters (Huddersfield Giants), Greg Marzhew (Newcastle Knights), Kevin Proctor (Wakefield Trinity), Will Smith (Wests Tigers), Corey Thompson (retired), Paul Turner (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jarrod Wallace (The Dolphins)
Re-signed: Erin Clark (2025), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (2026), Beau Fermor (2026), Jojo Fifita (2025), Sam McIntyre (2023), Phillip Sami (2024)
The Titans are set for a hard 2023 losing some decent players. Greg Marzhew, Jarrod Wallace and Jamayne Isaako will all be key outgoings.
Likewise, with the outgoings, the Titans have acquired some decent talent.
The experience of Kieran Foran and the addition of players who will benefit with more playing time such as Chris Randall, Aaron Schoupp, Joe Stimson and Sam Verrills could turn out to be great additions.
The biggest re-signings for the Titans is the extensions of Phillip Sami (2024), Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (2026), and Beau Fermor (2026).
2023 gains: Ben Condon (North Queensland Cowboys, 2025), Samuela Fainu (2023), Viliami Fifita (2024), Raymond Tuaimalo Vaega (2023), Kelma Tuilagi (Wests Tigers, 2025)
2023 losses: Andrew Davey (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Sione Fainu (Wests Tigers), Kieran Foran (Gold Coast Titans), Jorge Taufua (Wakefield Trinity), Martin Taupau (Brisbane Broncos), Dylan Walker (New Zealand Warriors)
Re-signed: Josh Aloiai (2025), Morgan Boyle (2023), Daly Cherry-Evans (2025), Zac Fulton (2024), Sean Keppie (2026), Tolutau Koula (2024), Karl Lawton (2024), Haumole Olakau'atu (2025), Jason Saab (2026), Ben Trbojevic (2023), Kaeo Weekes (2023)
The Sea Eagles business has been quite quiet.
Some key re-signings have been Josh Aloiai (2025), Daly Cherry-Evans (2025), Tolutau Koula (2024), Haumole Olakau'atu (2025) and Jason Saab (2026).
The side has a solid foundation but only Kelma Tuilagi is likely to make the top 17. The addition of Ben Condon is one to watch for 2023 and could develop into a player who regularly features for the Sea Eagles.
2023 gains: Joe Chan (Catalan Dragons, 2025), Eliesa Katoa (New Zealand Warriors, 2024), Aaron Pene (New Zealand Warriors, 2024), Tariq Sims (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2023)
2023 losses: Jesse Bromwich (The Dolphins), Kenneath Bromwich (The Dolphins), Cooper Johns (Manly Sea Eagles), Felise Kaufusi (The Dolphins), Brandon Smith (Sydney Roosters), Tyson Smoothy (Brisbane Broncos)
Re-signed: Grant Anderson (2023), Tom Eisenhuth (2024), Jack Howarth (2027), Jahrome Hughes (2026), Dean Ieremia (2023), George Jennings (2023), Tui Kamikamica (2025), Trent Loiero (2025), Alec MacDonald (2025), Tepai Moeroa (2023), Cameron Munster (2027), Jayden Nikorima (2023), Justin Olam (2026), Marion Seve (2024), Reimis Smith (2024), Christian Welch (2026)
The Storm have lost some clubs veterans, but the depth of the Storm's squad has put them in a good place for 2023.
They have used their money well and reinvested in forwards, with others additionally already in the club to step up into a more permanent starting role in 2023.
The Storm have also re-signed well over a dozen players including Cameron Munster (2027), Jahrome Hughes (2026), Justin Olam (2026) and Christian Welch (2026). The club is well prepared once again for another season of footy and the future.
2023 gains: Mitch Barnett (Newcastle Knights, 2025), Jackson Ford (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2024), Valingi Kepu (2024), Te Maire Martin (2025), Luke Metcalf (Cronulla Sharks, 2024), Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (Canberra Raiders, 2025), Marata Niukore (Parramatta Eels, 2026), Demitric Sifakula (2025), Taine Tuaupiki (2023), Dylan Walker (Manly Sea Eagles, 2025), Brayden Wiliame (2024)
2023 losses: Euan Aitken (The Dolphins), Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels), Lleyton Finau (released), Jackson Frei (released), Eliesa Katoa (Melbourne Storm), Matthew Lodge (Sydney Roosters), Dunamis Lui (released), Jack Murchie (Parramatta Eels), Ben Murdoch-Masila (St George Illawarra Dragons), Kodi Nikorima (The Dolphins), Aaron Pene (Melbourne Storm), Pride Petterson-Robati, Junior Ratuva (released), Ashley Taylor (retired), Reece Walsh (Brisbane Broncos)
Re-signed: Josh Curran (2024), Wayde Egan (2024), Addin Fonua-Blake (2026), Freddy Lussick (2024), Viliami Vailea (2025)
The Warriors have had lots of business and have the potential to be the surprise package in 2023.
Almost every signing they have made will feature often with Marata Niukore and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad being great additions for the Warriors.
The losses of Reece Walsh will hurt with players such as Kodi Nikorima, Aaron Pene, and Euan Aitken all being big losses for 2023. Josh Curran (2024), Wayde Egan (2024), Addin Fonua-Blake (2026), Freddy Lussick (2024) and Viliami Vailea (2025) have all re-signed and are all important players in different roles for the Warriors.
2023 gains: Adam Elliott (Canberra Raiders, 2025), Tyson Gamble (Brisbane Broncos, 2024), Jackson Hastings (Wests Tigers, 2025), Jack Hetherington (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2025), Dylan Lucas (2024), Greg Marzhew (Gold Coast Titans, 2025), Lachlan Miller (Cronulla Sharks, 2025), Toni Tupouniua (2024)
2023 losses: Mitch Barnett (New Zealand Warriors), Jake Clifford (Hull FC), Tex Hoy (Hull FC), David Klemmer (Wests Tigers), Edrick Lee (The Dolphins), Anthony Milford (The Dolphins), Jirah Momoisea (Parramatta Eels), Chris Randall (Gold Coast Titans), Pasami Saulo (Canberra Raiders), Sauaso Sue (Hull Kingston Rovers)
Re-signed: Mat Croker (2024), Phoenix Crossland (2024), Kalyn Ponga (2027), Simi Sasagi (2024), Leo Thompson (2025)
Despite being one of the wooden spoon favourites, the Knights have purchased well, making all their signings players with good potential.
If they can help grow their new additions the Knights could have a decent season.
Re-signing their star player Kalyn Ponga (2027) means the longer-term squad can be built around him.
This season will be testing for the Knights, and they will be a team to keep an eye on. I like the addition of Greg Marzhew, he may potentially be the surprise package signing of the season.
2023 gains: Jake Bourke (2023), Tom Chester (2024), Jack Gosiewski (St George Illawarra Dragons, 2023), Jordan Lipp (2023), Riley Price (2023), Gehamat Shibasaki (2023), James Tamou (Wests Tigers, 2023)
2023 losses: Daejarn Asi (Parramatta Eels), Ben Condon (Manly Sea Eagles), Brendan Frei (Brisbane Broncos), Tom Gilbert (The Dolphins), Connelly Lemuelu (The Dolphins), Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (The Dolphins)
Re-signed: Reuben Cotter (2025), Scott Drinkwater (2027), Mitchell Dunn (2023), Brendan Elliot (2023), Jake Granville (2023), Ben Hampton (2023), Heilum Luki (2025), Jordan McLean (2023), Jeremiah Nanai (2027), Griffin Neame (2025), Taniela Sadrugu (2023), Murray Taulagi (2026)
The Cowboys have not done any major business with only a few ins and outs.
They once again this season have a very good roster assembled that will likely see them challenge top four again. Their major business has been in re-signings, with the key players Reuben Cotter (2025), Scott Drinkwater (2027), Jordan McLean (2023), Jeremiah Nanai (2023), Griffin Neame (2025) and Murray Taulagi (2026) all re-signing.
This is the best contractual success in the NRL for this upcoming season. With that many top-quality players committing to the side, the Cowboys look in good shape.
2023 gains: Daejarn Asi (New Zealand Warriors, 2024), Matt Doorey (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2024), Josh Hodgson (Canberra Raiders, 2024), J'maine Hopgood (Penrith Panthers, 2024), Samuel Loizou (2023), Isaac Lumelume (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2023), Jirah Momoisea (Newcastle Knights, 2024), Jack Murchie (New Zealand Warriors, 2024)
2023 losses: Oregon Kaufusi (Cronulla Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Marata Niukore (New Zealand Warriors), Tom Opacic (Hull Kingston Rovers), Isaiah Papali'i (Wests Tigers), Hayze Perham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Ray Stone (The Dolphins)
Re-signed: Jakob Arthur (2024), Dylan Brown (2031), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (2025), Haze Dunster (2025), Wiremu Greig (2023), Clinton Gutherson (2025), Shaun Lane (2026), Makahesi Makatoa (2024), Ryan Matterson (2026), Junior Paulo (2026), Mitch Rein (2023), Ky Rodwell (2024), Sean Russell (2024), Maika Sivo (2025)
The grand finalists have major outgoings for the 2023 season with Isaiah Papali'i and Reed Mahoney being huge losses, with both players highly influential to the Eels playing style.
With the new signings, the Eels have again gone for players who can develop at the club hoping to continue the trend of significant player development as seen with the likes of Shaun Lane and Isaiah Papali'i in recent history.
The Eels have lost key stars but have also locked in key stars with the re-signings of Dylan Brown (2031), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (2025), Clinton Gutherson (2025), Shaun Lane (2026), Junior Paulo (2026), Ryan Matterson (2026), and Maika Sivo (2023).
2023 gains: Jack Cogger (Huddersfield Giants, 2023), Jack Cole (2026), Luke Garner (Wests Tigers, 2024), Zac Hosking (Brisbane Broncos, 2024), Jesse McLean (2026), Tyrone Peachey (Wests Tigers, 2023)
2023 losses: J'maine Hopgood (Parramatta Eels), Robert Jennings (The Dolphins), Viliame Kikau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Sean O'Sullivan (The Dolphins), Charlie Staines (Wests Tigers)
Re-signed: Eddie Blacker (2023), Nathan Cleary (2027), Dylan Edwards (2024), Matthew Eisenhuth (2024), Mitch Kenny (2024), Taylan May (2024), Jaeman Salmon (2023), Chris Smith (2023), Lindsay Smith (2024), Izack Tago (2025), Sunia Turuva (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).
2023 gains: Terrell Kalo Kalo (2023), Josiah Karapani (2024), Keaon Koloamatangi (2024), Peter Mamouzelos (2024), Blake Taaffe (2023), Leon Te Hau (2024)
2023 losses: Mark Nicholls (The Dolphins), Kodi Nikorima (The Dolphins), Jaxson Paulo (Sydney Roosters)
Re-signed: Michael Chee-Kam (2023), Dean Hawkins (2023), Lachlan Ilias (2025), Ben Lovett (2024), Taane Milne (2024), Shaquai Mitchell (2024), Isaiah Tass (2024), Izaac Thompson (2024)
Not too much action for the bunnies going into 2023. They have a good roster and have made some re-signings, locking up first-team regulars Isaiah Tass (2024), Lachlan Illias (2025) and Taane Milne (2024). The further commitments of also Latrell Mitchell and Dylan Walker until 2027 is great long-term for the Rabbitohs.
2023 gains: Jacob Liddle (Wests Tigers, 2023), Nick Lui-Toso (2023), Ben Murdoch-Masila (New Zealand Warriors, 2024), Zane Musgrove (Wests Tigers, 2024), Paul Turner (Gold Coast Titans, 2024)
2023 losses: Daniel Alvaro (Toulouse Olympique), George Burgess (retired), Poasa Faamausili (The Dolphins), Jackson Ford (New Zealand Warriors), Jack Gosiewski (North Queensland Cowboys), Andrew McCullough (retired), Josh McGuire (Warrington Wolves), Tariq Sims (Melbourne Storm)
Re-signed: Talatau Amone (2024), Jack Bird (2025), Billy Burns (2023), Mathew Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Ben Hunt (2025), Jaiyden Hunt (2024), Blake Lawrie (2026), Tautau Moga (2023), Michael Molo (2024), Jayden Sullivan (2025)
The Dragons could be in for a hard 2023 despite re-signing their main man Ben Hunt. The Dragons have lost a few forwards particularly which could hurt their chances in 2023. But they have made some additions with Jacob Liddle being a good addition and will be the new option at hooker.
The Dragons have some good re-signings, with Talatau Amone (2024), Jack Bird (2025), Billy Burns (2023), Mathew Feagai (2024), Max Feagai (2024), Ben Hunt (2025), Jaiyden Hunt (2024), Blake Lawrie (2023), Tautau Moga (2023), Michael Molo (2024), and Jayden Sullivan (2025) the full list of re-signings for 2023.
2023 gains: Corey Allan (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2023), Tuku Hau Tapuha (2023), Terrell May (2024), Jaxson Paulo (South Sydney Rabbitohs, 2024), Brandon Smith (Melbourne Storm, 2025), Robert Toia (2025), Jake Turpin (Brisbane Broncos, 2023), Naufahu Whyte (2024), Siua Wong (2024)
2023 losses: Renouf Atoni (Wakefield Trinity), Adam Keighran (Catalan Dragons), Lachlan Lam (Leigh Leopards), Freddy Lussick (New Zealand Warriors), Kevin Naiqama (Huddersfield Giants), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Siosiua Taukeiaho (Catalan Dragons), Sam Verrills (Gold Coast Titans), Ronald Volkman (New Zealand Warriors)
Re-signed: Angus Crichton (2024), Joseph Manu (2024)
The Roosters have a potential title-winning roster for 2023 with Brandon Smith being arguably the biggest new signing for any NRL team going into 2023.
The Roosters have also not lost any major players and have added some good depth to the side, replacing many of their outgoings. The re-signings of Angus Crichton and Joseph Manu until 2024 put Roosters as contenders and in the ‘A' grade.
2023 gains: John Bateman (Wigan Warriors, 2026), Sione Fainu (Manly Sea Eagles, 2024), David Klemmer (Newcastle Knights, 2026), Apisai Koroisau (Penrith Panthers, 2025), Isaiah Papali'i (Parramatta Eels, 2025), Fonua Pole (2025), Triston Reilly (2024), Apisalome Saukuru (2023), Will Smith (Gold Coast Titans, 2023), Charlie Staines (Penrith Panthers, 2023), Brandon Wakeham (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2023)
2023 losses: Fa'amanu Brown (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs), Luke Garner (Penrith Panthers), Oliver Gildart (The Dolphins), Jackson Hastings (Newcastle Knights), Luciano Leilua (North Queensland Cowboys), Jacob Liddle (St George Illawarra Dragons), Jock Madden (Brisbane Broncos), Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves), Zane Musgrove (St George Illawarra Dragons), Junior Pauga (Sydney Roosters), Tyrone Peachey (Penrith Panthers), James Roberts (retired), James Tamou (North Queensland Cowboys), Kelma Tuilagi (Manly Sea Eagles)
Re-signed: Shawn Blore (2024), Asu Kepaoa (2024), Justin Matamua (2025), Brent Naden (2025), Joe Ofahengaue (2025), Tommy Talau (2023), Starford To'a (2024), Brandon Tumeth (2025), Alex Twal (2024)
After an awful 2022 tough decisions have been made at the Tigers with both big ins and outs.
But the Tigers are another side that could improve massively from last season.
Isaiah Papali'i and Apisai Koroisau are top editions to the side with John Bateman and David Klemmer bolstering the forward pack.
Re-signings Joe Ofahengaue (2025) and Alex Twal (2024) will boost the Tigers, with exciting youngsters Shawn Blore (2024), Asu Kepaoa (2024) and Justin Matamua (2025) all re-signing.