The 2023 season now seems like it ended many, many months ago.
With a large number of players returning to pre-season training, attention has quickly and firmly turned to the 2024 campaign.
With a new season comes new hope, new opportunities and most importantly of all, new recruits!
Today I'm going to rank the ins, outs and re-signings of each of the clubs who finished outside of the finals in 2023.
Not every player will be mentioned, just the ones I see making an impact.
3. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Major ins: Stephen Crichton, Josh Curran, Bronson Xerri, Blake Taaffe
Major outs: Tevita Pangai Junior, Kyle Flanagan, Jake Averillo, Luke Thompson
Re-signed: Jacob Kiraz, Matt Burton, Jacob Preston, Blake Wilson
For the seemingly tenth season in a row, the Dogs have undertaken an aggressive recruitment drive.
The jewel in the crown is very obviously Stephen Crichton, who brings with him an incredible pedigree. The result of his move to fullback will have a huge say in how the Dogs go in 2024.
Broncos Xerri arrives after serving out a four year ban. If he can rediscover his form then he'll be a very handy pickup. Expect him to start in NSW Cup to get his legs.
Josh Curran is a brilliant inclusion and adds power to an often beaten pack. Blake Taaffe is far too good for NSW Cup and is a very handy signing.
In terms of loses, they've moved on three players I wouldn't see too many tears shed over. Unfortunately they were unable to retain Jake Averillo but you can't keep them all.
Preston and Kiraz were magnificent last season and their re-signings were vital in building the club.
The Dogs absolutely needed a roster refresh after a dire 2023 season. They've signed an out and out superstar, albeit to play a different position, two very good additions and a string of squad players.
They've legit signed five or six clever utilities. You can only really play one. I guess there's a plan there somewhere.
Crichton's signature lands them a high grade but this could very much go either way.
Grade: B-
Jeez Dan – Get Terry to proof-read the content before you publish it !
Wraps for Raps (did the guy arrive in a big ball of cotton-wool?)
Theyโre for Their
Due for Duo
Broncos for Bronson etc
Anyway:
– D for the Dragons is really mean. Theyโve got rid of Hook and signed Flanagan Senior. They havenโt let Ben Hunt walk. The attitude and motivation in the squad has go to be much higher than it was this time last year. Even if they didnโt sign anybody new, those two actions alone have got to be worth a comfortable B
– C for the Titans is a bit mean. Theyโve re-signed Mo and Tino and five good guys. They didnโt break the bank (somehow!) and could still afford Palasia. That has to worth a B at least.
– C for the Dogs is generous. The quality of the guys leaving is greater than the quality of the recruits, (even with Crichton). D for me.
– C for Parra is generous. Signing only Morgan Harper (no offence to him) is not good enough for a pass mark. D for me.
– C for the Cows is equally generous.
– Bunnies look like a B to me, but I won’t squabble over the A