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 played Finals footy in 2023.
Of course some of the top sides don't need to undertake a big recruitment spree, focusing instead on retention, while others need a few changes to take that next step.
Not every player will be mentioned, just the ones I see making an impact.
5. Newcastle Knights
Major ins: Jack Cogger, Tom Jenkins, Kai Pearce-Paul
Major outs: Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Dominic Young
Re-signed: Tyson Frizell, Greg Marzhew
The Knights enter 2024 on the back of a shockingly brilliant finish to 2023. I think even the biggest Knights fan will admit that they overachieved.
Adding Kai Pearce-Paul and Tom Jenkings allows them some speedy, try-scoring options in the backline. Both great moves.
In signing Jack Cogger they have a star in the making. He looks likely to take a spot in the halves in 2024, although faces plenty of competition.
Re-signing wise, the Knights acted quickly to sign Greg Marzhew long-term. He had a brilliant 2023 season and looks set for a huge 2024. Tyson Frizell will end his career with the club.
Unfortunately they did lose Dominic Young, who will be missed in a big way. He was breathtaking in 2023 and shapes as the one that got away.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon had a career best season in 2023 and will also need to be replaced.
Overall they probably drew even in terms of ins/outs. I'll them the slightest of edges based on Jack Cogger's arrival. He looks like a real get!
Grade: C+
