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.
8. Newcastle Knights: Kalyn Ponga
The biggest superstar to don the Newcastle Knights jumper since Andrew Johns, the signing of Kalyn Ponga was monumental.
His off-field buzz and his on-field heroics made him a pivotal piece to the Knights' premiership aspirations, and while they aren't there yet, the 26-year-old's influence has been felt since day one.
Joining the club in 2018 from the North Queensland Cowboys, Ponga cemented his role as an all-star level fullback.
Starring for both Queensland and Mฤori, Ponga's silky attack and cool-headed leadership left the rest of the competition on notice.
These impressive qualities also scored the Knights skipper a Dally M win in 2023, a season where the young fullback showcased his elite rugby league potential, finally coming to fruition.
He is already one of the most impactful Newcastle Knights players of all time, and if management can put a consistent footy side around him, he could be one of the best in the club's 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 !