3. Recruitment Impact

Few teams, if any, have recruited as aggressively or as well as the Bulldogs. They've signed a long-term, point-scoring halfback in Kyle Flanagan, an Origin fullback in Corey Allan, an gun winger in Nick Cotric and two extremely clever acquisitions in Waddell and Hetherington.

Young Flanagan had a brilliant season under tremendous pressure last year at the Roosters. He was, unfairly, made a scapegoat for their "failure" to win a third straight Grand Final. The Bulldogs were in the perfect position to pick Flanagan up and I believe it will prove to be an A+ signing.

Nick Cotric moving into the centres makes him all the more dangerous. You did get the feeling, that despite his incredible try-scoring record, he was a little wasted on the wing. He could prove to be a huge pick up if he can make the switch.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Nick Cotric of the Raiders is tackled during the round nine NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at ANZ Stadium on April 29, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Allan for me is the cherry on the cake. This Dogs outfit was screaming out for a star fullback and in Allan they have secured just that. He was incredible (one mistake aside) on debut for the Maroons after shining for the Bunnies.

They've lost some big names, but truthfully it was time for a clean out. Smith's exit hurts as he'll no doubt become a star in Melbourne, but otherwise the Dogs have it spot on.

See Zero Tackle's own Dan Nichols over at Rugby League Outlaws.