Recruitment to date – Panthers, Cowboys, Dragons, Sea Eagles

Today we look at the ins and outs for 2018 and beyond for the Dragons, Panthers, Cowboys and Sea Eagles. How have they recruited thus far? Who should they target?

Related

• 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Tigers, Knights, Titans, Rabbitohs
• 2018 Recruitment Gradings – Bulldogs, Warriors, Raiders, Eels

Without knowing the exact salary cap position of each side, take the suggestions with a grain of salt, but given reports, and common sense, they are players each side would likely be able to recruit.

Penrith Panthers

In: None

Out: Zach Dockar-Clay (Hull Kingston Rovers), Peta Hiku (Warrington Wolves), Samisoni Langi (released), Te Maire Martin (North Queensland Cowboys), Malakai Watene-Zelezniak (Wests Tigers)

Off Contract: Sitaleki Akauola, Sione Katoa, Darren Nicholls, Michael Oldfield, Tony Satini

Re-signed: Viliame Kikau (2018), Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (2020), Dean Whare (2022), Corey Harawira-Naera

Not a whole lot of movement on the recruitment front at the foot of the mountains, with no confirmed signings for 2018 and beyond just yet. The re-signing of DWZ and Dean Whare are important, although it's the penning of CHN to a new deal that the recruitment team can really hang their hat on. Chased by numerous clubs, the try-scoring second rower is a future superstar and a brilliant re-signing. There isn't a plethora of talent off contract out Penrith way, meaning the bulk of the job is already done.

Should Target: Gerard Beale

In reality, the Panthers don't really need too much to go forward. The talent is there, it's just a question as to whether or not Anthony Griffin can unlock it. The Panthers have gone from genuine contenders to also-rans in the space of 17 NRL rounds. They're going to really struggle to make the finals now, which is shocking to me given the ability on the roster. They could probably use another experienced option out wide, who wouldn't break the bank. I don't know if Beale is the answer, but his arrival wouldn't hurt given the performances he's produced during his time at the Sharks.

Grading: C-

The Panthers certainly aren't weaker as a result of their 2017 movements, but I'd argue they're not stronger either. They've lost a few fringe first graders, but their talented NSW cup and NYC sides should provide plenty of cover if injuries continue to occur. The re-signing of CHN is a brilliant move. It looks as though the releases of Hiku and co were to allow CHN to be upgraded. Not a whole lot to say here, but the Panthers, given their current NRL ladder position probably aren't where they thought they would be.

North Queensland Cowboys

In: Carlin Anderson (2019), Te Maire Martin (Penrith Panthers, 2019), Jordan McLean (Melbourne Storm, 2020)

Out: Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights)

Off Contract: Shaun Hudson, Corey Jensen, Patrick Kaufusi, Kyle Laybutt, Gideon Mosby-Gela, Ben Spina, Ray Thompson

Re-signed: John Asiata (2020), Scott Bolton (2019), Jake Clifford (2019), Gavin Cooper (2019), Kyle Feldt (2020), Matthew Scott (2019), Jason Taumalolo (2027), Johnathan Thurston (2018), Enari Tuala (2019)

Jordan McLean is an astute pickup, and will come straight into the run-on side to partner the returning Matt Scott in 2018 and beyond. McLean is an outside shot to debut for NSW on Wednesday if those under injury clouds cannot run out. Te Maire Martin is reportedly seen as the future number seven when Thurston finally hangs up the headgear. I'm not sold on the Kiwi youngster just yet, but his debut certainly showed his ability. Unfortunately, they've lost a future mega star in Ponga, but given the names of those blocking his road to the NRL, combined with the money on offer in the Hunter, you can't blame him for making the move.

Should Target: No need

Despite the loss of Ponga, I can't see any real salary cap room for movement left following the re-signings listed above. Taumalolo's mega deal was worth every cent but makes it tough to sign new talent. Luckily given they have one of the best rosters in the game, that shouldn't be a problem.

Grading: A

The two aforementioned ins are of great value to the club, but it's the re-signings that lead to the A grade. Penning Scott, Bolton, Asiata, Cooper, Taumalolo and Thurston to new deals was crucial for the 2016 premiers moving forward, and they managed to get it done with a minimum of fuss. The Cowboys don't need a roster overhaul, and I expect their future deals to focus on re-signing Kaufusi and Gela-Mosby. The recruitment team can put their feet up and be proud of their efforts thus far.

St George Illawarra Dragons

In: Ben Hunt (Brisbane Broncos, 2023)

Out: Josh Dugan (Cronulla Sharks), Taane Milne (Wests Tigers), Russell Packer (Wests Tigers)

Off Contract: Levi Dodd, Kalifa Faifai Loa, Yaw Kiti Glymin, Siliva Havili, Jacob Hind, Drew Hutchison, Chris Lewis, Jake Marketo, Mose Masoe, Will Matthews, Tyrone McCarthy, Josh McCrone, Shaun Nona, Izaac Thompson

Re-signed: Euan Aitken (2020), Jack de Belin (2020), Jacob Host (2020), Tim Lafai (2020), Blake Lawrie (2019), Paul Vaughan (2021), Gareth Widdop (2021), Jason Nightingale (2018), Kurt Mann (2019)

Ben Hunt was signed to a monster deal, which considering his recent run in the QLD Cup, presents a massive punt. Hunt's ability to bounce back and debut for Queensland next Wednesday Night shows his resilience and talent. The club butchered the re-signing of Josh Dugan and will have to watch him run out for local rivals, the Sharks going forward. Gareth Widdop looked gone, so his re-signing, and current form should bring a big smile to faces of those wearing the famous Red V.

Should Target: Charlie Gubb or another prop forward

The loss of Packer leaves the Dragons looking a little light up front. I can't see the Dragons hoarding a huge amount of salary cap space to target a big name, ready made forward, so it may be smart to target a player the level of Charlie Gubb. I'm not privy to the makeup of the Dragons reserve sides, perhaps their is a big bopper ready to make the jump to first grade, but if not, the firebrand Gubb could be ready made.

Grading: C

The loss of Josh Dugan is heartbreaking, as he is without a doubt the club's biggest attacking weapon. The loss of Packer will hurt too. He has been a revelation at the Red V and repaid the faith shown by the club following his stint away from the game. Ben Hunt is a mammoth in, and along with Gareth Widdop, will form the nucleus of the club's attacking game for the next half-decade. de Belin, Lafai, Aitken, Vaughan's re-signings are also brilliant business. They need one more big signing for mine.

Manly Sea Eagles

In: Toafofoa Sipley (New Zealand Warriors, 2019)

Out: Steve Matai (retired), Nate Myles (released), Brett Stewart (retired)

Off Contract: Billy Bainbridge, Brenton Lawrence, Brad Parker, Jorge Taufua, Johnnie Walker, Frank Winterstein

Re-signed: Addin Fonua-Blake (2018)

It's a case of the job already being done for the Manly side. Aggressive recruitment drives across the past two seasons have set them up for another title tilt, but have also drained their salary cap stocks. Full disclosure, I'm not too aware of young Sipley's exploits. The loss of Myles won't hurt the club, and should prove positive for Myles himself. Only really Taufua is a rush to re-sign. AFB has shown plenty of ability and earned his contract extension.

Should Target: Depth

One to 17, there aren't too many sides stronger than the Sea Eagles on paper. Without going into any great depth or detail, Manly probably don't have the depth of the Roosters, Broncos or Storm, but the likes of Matt Wright certainly have lifted to the job thus far. A few more depth signings and Manly fans can be pretty confident moving forward.

Grading: C

On paper, the Manly grading should be a resounding F. They've failed to strengthen the side, and have lost three legends of the game. In reality, neither Matai nor Stewart were any hope of playing in 2017, and Myles was just filling a position that a younger player could occupy. I can't see much more action coming from Brookvale, although I do expect Taufua to be re-signed. They've done the job over the past years and have a side that could give the 2018 title a real shake.