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.

2. Brisbane Broncos

Major ins: Fletcher Baker

Major outs: Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth, Keenan Palasia

Re-signed: Patrick Carrigan, Payne Haas

I'm going to be blunt here. The Broncos have lost two stars and only, somewhat, replaced one.

In Fletcher Baker the club has largely offset the loss of Tom Flegler. I'd argue they're not yet like for like but Baker shows tremendous upside.

That said, there is no replacing Herbie Farnworth. He is the best centre in the game right now. Top two at the very least.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 11: Herbie Farnworth of the Broncos celebrates victory after the round one NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, on March 11, 2022, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

His move ever so slightly north to the Dolphins is an absolute dagger.

That said, the club was able to retain two of their marquee men in Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, both of whom will own the rep scene for the next decade.

The Broncos didn't need to recruit. They should be Premiers right now.

That said, losing Farnworth shapes as the biggest loss across the entire competition.

Grade: C-