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.
4. Cronulla Sharks: Nicho Hynes
The first million-dollar man in Cronulla Sharks history, Hynes was pegged as the next legend to bring a premiership to the Shire.
While critics and fans have hammered Hynes since his Dally M-winning season, there is no doubt the star halfback is the best talent the Sharks have signed in a while.
A late bloomer, Hynes made his way to Cronulla as a 26-year-old after playing fullback for the Melbourne Storm the year prior.
In his first year at his new club, and now playing halfback, he won the Dally M medal, racking up a record-breaking amount of points.
His footy IQ and natural ball-running made him an elite NRL half, elevating the Sharks to finals contention.
He has made the Cronulla-based club relevant once again, and if he can bring a premiership to them by the time he retires, he may be the best signing in Sharks history.
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 !