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.
We start with the most recent signing on the list, that of former Eels enforcer Nathan Brown.
Although he had enjoyed a wonderful career at Parramatta, including two Origin selections, but at the time of the signing, was very much forgotten about.
Since arriving on the northern beaches the middle forward has become a cult hero. His kick returns literally start at the back fence and have become a genuine highlight.
Brown is now playing a big role in the Manly charge toward a return to Finals footy.
Most will have to google the name to know who I am referencing.
I openly use Norrie as an example of Craig Bellamy being able to win a Premiership with anyone. The former Shark turn Storm title winning big man deserves much better.
Heading to the Storm with a little over 60 NRL games to his name, he was seen as a journeyman.
Craig Bellamy turned him into a weapon up front. Norrie would run out 120 times for Melbourne, score for eight tries (having never crossed prior) and became part of the Storm leadership group.
Kodi Nikorima has been an absolute revelation for the NRL's newest club, the Dolphins.
Nikorima burst onto the scene in Brisbane, where fans of the club had high hopes that he would do some special things.
Unfortunately his form was indifferent. He would ultimately end up as Souths where he was vert much a bit part player.
To say he become an integral part of the current Dolphins Finals charge is putting it lightly. He has been utterly fantastic.
I wasn't sure whether to place the Manly winger as technically he didn't make an NRL appearance at another NRL club prior. Hear me out though.
Garrick's name was spoken about in high regard during his time at the Dragons but was released without ever making his senior grade debut.
Manly must have seen something because I cannot find any fanfare re Garrick's initial signing. In fact the only article I found was a paywall'ed report from the South Coast Register.
Garrick has turned into a point scoring machine. He is equally at home on the wing, at centre or fullback and stared in the World Cup if 9s for the Australians.
This may sound strange given Kaufusi's standing in the game, but given his age and role at the time, many had eyebrows raised when the Dolphins trumpeted Kaufusi's signing.
A QLD Origin regular and Storm legend, Kaufusi has turned out to be the perfect signing for Wayne Bennett and his young side.
Kaufusi has become a leader for the Dolphins, literally leading from the front at prop. He will do anything for the club. You cannot buy that quality.
Kaufusi was recalled for the QLD Origin side on the back of monster shifts for his club side.
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.
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.
I am basing this almost entirely on the Broncos fans reaction when Dearden signed for the Cowboys.
They openly laughed at their northern rivals. I went through the replies while putting this together and I had to double, triple check they were referencing the same player.
Dearden has since turned into a genuine star of the game. He's risen from a Broncos meme to Origin rep during his time in Townsville.
He is now locked in a three way battle with Ezra Mam and Sam Walker to see who is the next long-term Origin half when DCE steps down. He's leading as of now.
Kids, I am old enough to remember a Dane Gagai that wasn't a highly decorated rep footballer who played a massive part in QLD's Origin dominance.
Gagai was a very highly rated youngster but arrived at Newcastle ... troubled.
The Broncos released their young star due to disciplinary reasons, with Gagai's undoubted potential looking as though it would go to waste.
To his credit, Gagai used his time at the Knights to completely turn both his career and life around to become one of the Origin arenas most decorated wingers.
The ultimate rugby league rags to riches (and unfortunately back to rags) stories comes in the form of Ben Barba.
Reduced to a bit part player coming off the bench for the Broncos, fans in the Shire grit their teeth as the wayward, albeit talented fullback made his way to the Sharks.
Barba would rise in 2016 to be the Sharks most influential player in their maiden title win. He should have won the 2016 Dally M medal.
Barba's 2016 season was the best individual season I have ever seen for the Sharks. I'd argue there were few better in the recent game.
Considering how he arrived, very much in a last chance saloon type situation, he delivered in a massive way.