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.
3. Melbourne Storm
Major ins: None
Major outs: None
Re-signed: Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Tui Kamikamica, Eliesa Katoa, Josh King, Nick Meaney, Will Warbrick
The Storm, much like the aforementioned Sharks, really didn't do much in terms of recruitment. They almost literally did nothing.
Instead the Storm focused on a major retention haul, including 2023 breakout stars Will Warbrick, Eliesa Katoa and Josh King.
Nick Meaney was magnificent at fullback and earned his extended role with the club. He's a mainstay even when Ryan Papenhuyzen returns.
There were no major ins, or outs to speak of.
Given they finished in the top four, I can understand. Given the gulf between them and the top two sides though, Storm fans will feel that their club may have missed a trick.
Grade: D
