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.
4. Matt Prior (Cronulla Sharks)
Matt Prior arrived at the Sharks a handy, albeit title winning prop, and left the Sharks as a genuine middle star of the game. Superstar even!
In all seriousness though, Matt Prior became a top level prop during his time in the Shire. His combination with Andrew Fifita literally lead the Sharks to their first ever Premiership success.
Arguably the game's most consistent prop at times, Prior was the unsung hero of that aforementioned and often highlighted Sharks title charge.
He even made a single, victorious, appearance for the NSW Blues.