Top 10 2018 Transfers (So Far)

A huge number of transfers took place before the start of the 2018 season, and while not all have worked out as expected, other transfers have proven to be excellent. These 10 men have been the most impressive so far. Mitchell Pearce Mitchell Pearce was signed by the Knights for his experience and leadership and certainly delivered just that over the opening rounds of the competition. Unfortunately a pectoral injury has ruled him out for some time, and Newcastle will suffer as a result. [caption id="attachment_31830" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 01: Mitchell Pearce of the Knights looks on during the 2018 NRL season launch at First Fleet Park on March 1, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Siliva Havili While he was only a fringe player at the Dragons, Siliva Havili has proven himself to be a quality 80 minute hooker at the Raiders. While he started the season slowly he has kept improving and is certainly a big part of the Raiders recent resurgence. [caption id="attachment_33208" align="alignnone" width="696"] during the round five NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Canterbury Bulldogs at GIO Stadium on April 5, 2018 in Canberra, Australia.[/caption] Tohu Harris Tohu Harris was one of the best forwards for the Storm over the past few years and it does not look like he is slowing down at the Warriors in 2018. In fact, if Harris continues his consistent performances in 2018, he may be one of the few players that improves after leaving Melbourne. [caption id="attachment_33207" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Tohu Harris charges forward during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Corey Thompson After leaving the Bulldogs in 2015, many NRL fans did not expect to see Corey Thompson back in the competition; let alone as a starting fullback. However, Ivan Cleary decided to bring Thompson to the Tigers and he has been an excellent addition to the much improved 2018 roster. [caption id="attachment_33206" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Corey Thompson of the Tigers fends against Bunty Afoa of the Warriors during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption] Jai Arrow Just like Jarrod Wallace in 2017, Jai Arrow has made the move from the Broncos to the Titans and become a serious competitor up front. The change of clubs has given Arrow the opportunity to improve his game and he has taken it. The Titans lock has even played himself into Queensland contention. [caption id="attachment_33205" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Jai Arrow of the Titans looks dejected after losing the round seven NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at 1300SMILES Stadium on April 21, 2018 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Benji Marshall Benji Marshall has wound back the clock in 2018 and is a huge part of the reason the Tigers have been performing so well. A pre-season injury to Josh Reynolds meant that Marshall had an opportunity to start the season at five-eighth and he has certainly taken the opportunity with both hands. [caption id="attachment_32608" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 02: Benji Marshall of the Tigers kicks ahead during the round four NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on April 2, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Ben Hunt When the Dragons announced they had signed Ben Hunt on a lucrative contract for 2018, many NRL fans were skeptical. However, Hunt has justified the money being paid to him by taking his new club to the top of the NRL ladder and making them a major contender. [caption id="attachment_32788" align="alignnone" width="696"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Ben Hunt of the Dragons in action during the round four NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on April 1, 2018 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] James Maloney It was a huge call for the Sharks to let their premiership winning five-eighth leave the club and they are likely regretting the decision after observing James Maloney’s form so far in 2018. The Panthers must be incredibly pleased to have a proven representative player leading them on the field. [caption id="attachment_33204" align="alignnone" width="696"] PENRITH, NEW SOUTH WALES - APRIL 27: James Maloney of the Panthers prepares to catch the ball during the NRL round eight match between the Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs on April 27, 2018 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Kalyn Ponga Everyone expected Kalyn Ponga to develop into a great player, but he is already performing exceptionally well in just his first year at Newcastle. The Knight’s new long term fullback is one of the most threatening runners of the ball in the game and is also a great playmaker. Considering he will only get better other teams are no doubt wishing they had signed him. [caption id="attachment_33203" align="alignnone" width="696"] during the round 10 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Penrith Panthers at McDonald Jones Stadium on May 11, 2018 in Newcastle, Australia.[/caption] Blake Green Though Blake Green was a late buy for the Warriors, he has proven to be exactly the man they needed in the number six jersey. Green’s game management has been second to none, and he is allowing other players like Shaun Johnson and Isaac Luke to play the way they want to. [caption id="attachment_33202" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 05: Blake Green of the Warriors looks on during the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Wests Tigers at Mt Smart Stadium on May 5, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)[/caption]