Every once in a while, a rugby league club makes a signing that shifts the balance of the entire NRL. Whether that leads to a premiership, a Dally M medal, or simply an inch closer to the finals, an elite talent can alter the fabric of an NRL franchise.
While not every club has had a premiership-winning acquisition in the last decade, here are the best signings of the last decade for every team.
3. Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs: Stephen Crichton
It's difficult to single out an individual who has made as much of an impact on their club in their first year as Stephen Crichton at the Bulldogs. Crichton may very well end up being the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs' best signing of all time, let alone the last decade.
Joining the Blue and White ranks in 2024, Crichton immediately had an impact on the Bulldogs.
His impenetrable defence and big-game moments had him heralded as the best centre in the world, but it was his leadership that drove Canterbury to their first finals appearance in eight years.
Speaking on Crichton's influence to nrl.com.au, Bronson Xerri said, โCritta has been massive, not just for myself, but the whole team... I think we are all blessed to have Critta at this club."
Crichton still has plenty of work to do to restore the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs to their former glory, but after just one season, 'Critta' is already the club's best signing in well over a decade.
Every one of those is a plausible contender.
Personally, I would have picked Wayne Bennett as the Dolphinsโ greatest signing, but I expect youโre excluding coaches :=)
The only one I actually disagree with is Reece Walsh. I believe Payne Haas is more influential. Just my opinion, and you know what they say: โopinions are like a**holes โ everybody has got one, and some are more smelly than othersโ.
Apologies to ZeroTacklers if I just stank out the room !