The recent signing of Chad Townsend by the Sydney Roosters has the majority of league fans asking one thing ...

"...Really?"

On paper, this makes little to no sense. An aging halfback, hardly setting the league on fire, moving to Sydney to play for the Roosters.

I get it, this is a premiership-winning halfback, widely known as one of the competition's genuine good guys, who can do a job.

That said, with the greatest of respects to the man who lead my Sharks to their first ever title ... really?

It did get me thinking about recent, similar signings. Players who were signed to a chorus of indifference, and the impacts they ultimately had.

Here are ten signings who arrived under, shall we say, mixed reviews!? All of which turned out more than a little okay.

5. Scott Sorensen (Penrith Panthers)

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Scott Sorensen of the Panthers looks on during the round six NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Manly Sea Eagles at BlueBet Stadium on April 08, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Scott Sorenson is a personal favourite of mine, having helped lead the Newtown Jest to a NSW Cup and Interstate Cup double all those years ago.

That said, he arrived in Penrith as an solid fringe First Grader. Way too good for NSW Cup but not yet an NRL regular.

Under Ivan Cleary he has transformed into a Premiership winning weapon and Kiwi international.

Sorenson is now one of the competition's safest back rowers. He may not have the profile of the Fifitas or Kikau's but he is safe as houses and a marvellous player.