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Top 5 underrated signings in 2019

These players might have slipped under the radar.

Published by
Pat Staveley

Everyone's talking about the big names in the NRL that have made the move to a rival club.

Shaun Johnson, Angus Crichton and a bunch of other stars will run out wearing different jerseys this season and all are expected to make a big impact.

But for all the big name signings, there are a few shrewd signings who I believe have slipped under the radar.

Ryan Matterson (Sydney Roosters to Wests Tigers)

Ryan Matterson started his career playing five-eighth in the lower grades at Parramatta and was touted for big things before making the switch to the Roosters.

Matterson made his debut in 2016 and notched up 60 games as a Mr-fix-it including last year's Grand Final victory, playing in the halves, back row and at centre.

The utility is a versatile pick-up for the Wests Tigers who could easily slot him into their starting back row.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Ryan Matterson in action during the round 21 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on August 4, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Shaun Lane (Manly Sea Eagles to Parramatta Eels)

In just his fifth season of top grade, Shaun Lane is already at his fourth club, after stints at the Bulldogs, Warriors and Manly.

Lane may finally have found himself a permanent home after a strong 2018 which boasted 9 tries in all 24 games for the big second-rower, encouraging Brad Arthur to sign him for the Eels.

Whether he will be a starter or a bench player, Lane is sure to have an impact on the fringes for Parramatta.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Shaun Lane of the Sea Eagles takes on the defence during the round 25 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Manly Sea Eagles at Suncorp Stadium on September 2, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Jesse Ramien (Cronulla Sharks to Newcastle Knights)

While David Klemmer has been the highest-profile signing for the Knights, Ramien is undoubtedly sure to have a strong impact for his new club too.

Despite debuting with a single game in 2017, Ramien received a nomination for rookie of the year in 2018 after scoring 10 tries in 20 games for the Sharks.

The Knights wasted no time in scoring his signature for 2019 before a game had even been played last year.

The strong, bustling centre should fit into the Knights backline seamlessly.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 21: Jesse Ramien of the Sharks dives to score a try which was later disallowed during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on September 21, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Ryley Jacks (Melbourne Storm to Gold Coast Titans)

It's still difficult to pick who's going to partner Ash Taylor in the halves for the Titans - young gun AJ Brimson, returning Tyrone Roberts or new signing Ryley Jacks.

Despite having only played 25 NRL games for Melbourne and being behind Cooper Cronk, Cameron Munster and Brodie Croft in his two years with the Storm, Jacks is my pick to get the gig.

The level-headed five-eighth is mature and can take some pressure of Taylor with the ability to take control of the team and allow Taylor to embrace his ball-running game.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Ryley Jacks of the Storm breaks through a tackle during the round 14 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos at AAMI Park on June 10, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Kane Elgey (Gold Coast Titans to Manly Sea Eagles)

Kane Elgey had a difficult four seasons at the Titans despite showcasing his brilliant potential on a number of occasions.

The 25-year-old half struggled with injury and couldn't manage a full season to build up consistent form.

Elgey will be competing with Trent Hodkinson for the five-eighth role at Manly and it will be exciting to see how Elgey compliments an accomplished and experienced halfback like Daly Cherry-Evans.

This could be a make-or-break season for the young half with a lot to prove.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kane Elgey during a Gold Coast Titans NRL training session at Parkwood on March 14, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)
Published by
Pat Staveley