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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.