Big name signings, or clever signings, can completely shape a season. Kalyn Ponga's arrival has transformed the Knights. Although big name additions don't always guarantee success (see the Bulldogs) it usually doesn't hurt.
We take a look at the top 10 signings at this stage for the 2019 season. For the purpose of the below list we have left off mid-season transfers like Mbye and Woods. The below are confirmed and official only.
The Eels' pack have been well beaten for most of the season. Despite Tim Mannah's improved form over the past few weeks Parra are crying out or a big man up front to lay the platform. Junior Paulo returns to the Eels a far better player than when he left. He will have to find the motor for bigger minutes in blue and gold but his signing is a step in the right direction.
The Roosters wasted no time in replacing Blake Ferguson by bringing in English try-scoring machine Ryan Hall. Long thought of as the best winger outside of the NRL, Hall will try his hand in the toughest competition of all. Hall can find the try line and has done so at an unparalleled strike rate. The competition will be much tougher down under but Hall has the pedigree to make an impact.
Glasby isn't the biggest name signing per say but he's exactly what the Knights needed. They recruited well in the halves and in Kayln Ponga but lack a big man up front to take charge. Glasby, a Storm mainstay and a QLD representative, fits the mould. He's no nonsense, makes metres and doesn't overplay his hand. That's what the Knights need. Metres and toughness. Leave the ball playing to the halves.
Leeson Ah Mau is arguably the best specialist bench forward in the game right now. He will likely find himself in a run on spot for the Warriors, which I'm sure had a little to do with his decision. Ah Mau is another who doesn't come with a huge name but does have plenty of talent. His best footy is still ahead of him too. An astute signing by the rebuilding Warriors.
With all due respect to the Shark's winger, it's probably fair to say his name wouldn't have been a favourite to appear on this list before 2018 kicked off. His form in the Shire has been outstanding and the Knights have picked up a really handy signing here. They lack strike power out wide, and Lee has been finding the line with regularity for the Sharks. Great pick up.
The Raiders have seen plenty of cattle depart the nation's capital in the form of Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo and they needed to act quickly to replace them. In Wigan Warriors big man Ryan Sutton they've done well. For those who don't know Sutton, he's over six foot, 120 kilos, has over 100 first grade games in the Super League to his name, all before his 23rd birthday. Upgrade for mine.
The Titans have picked up an absolute gem in New South Wales utility Tyrone Peachey. Peach has struggled to find his full time roll in Penrith and really needed a move. He'll walk into the Titans' line up in any position he wants. He's an 80-minute player with the talent to play anywhere. He also adds a route to the try line that the Titans severely lack right now. Great pick up.
The Eels haven't looked the same team since the departure of Semi Radradra. In Blake Ferguson they've picked up arguably the in-form winger of the competition. Ferguson currently leads the NRL in running metres and has a stack of tackle breaks and tries to his name. He'll help turn around the Eels' backline. The thought of a Hayne-Ferguson backline looks the goods.
Jesse Ramien is one of the competition's best centres, which at 21 is a huge call. He has 10 tries in 15 appearances and has a monster career ahead of him. There are few players harder to tackle than the Sharks' outside back. At 21, Ramien has a young daughter who he is moving to the Hunter to be closer to. His decision proves his maturity is well beyond his years. The Sharks will be very unhappy to lose him but the Knights have picked up an absolute tackle breaking machine. He'll walk into the Knights' outfit and will give Mitchell Pearce and Ponga a huge weapon out wide.
The Roosters trumped their most bitter rivals in the Bunnies, as well as pretty much every club in the NRL by signing the best young forward in the game. Crichton has a massive future at every level of the game after making a huge debut for the Blues earlier this year. Souths fans are rightfully filthy at their young star's decision to move across Sydney. That said, Crichton's decision to literally cut off half his finger proves his passion for the red and green. Huge signing and one that makes the Roosters a far more dangerous side.