I've said it before and I will continue to repeat it - recruitment drives can make or break seasons.
We've seen the Bulldogs transform from competition also-rans to Finals competitors mainly due to a season upon season recruitment drive.
Meanwhile the Tigers signed a host of players over the past three seasons and finished last on all three ocassions.
Today we're here to run a look over nine of the 17 NRL teams and their recruitment decisions for 2025.
Some teams will attract average grades due to a lack of activity. Keep in mind that not all teams need to go out and sign five quality players.
That said, below are recruitment grades for the first nine teams heading into 2025:
In: Myles Martin, Matty Nicholson, Shaun Packer, Owen Pattie, Joe Roddy, Ethan Sanders, Peter Taateo, Savelio Tamale, Manaia Waitere
Out: Nick Cotric, Peter Hola, Hohepa Puru , Jordan Rapana, James Schiller, Adrian Trevilyan, Elliott Whitehead, Zac Woolford
Re-signed: Michael Asomua, Jamal Fogarty, Ata Mariota, Trey Mooney, Pasami Saulo, Ethan Strange, Peter Taateo, Matthew Timoko, Kaeo Weekes
Ethan Sanders is a brilliant, young pick up. I'm really looking forward to seeing what he can do as a regular NRL starter.
Outside of that though, there isn't too much to be excited about in terms of instant impact.
In terms of the outs, it will be strange to watch the Raiders sans Jordan Rapana. Elliott Whitehead is a loss but you can't begrudge him retiring.
The real work has come in the re-signings. Kaeo Weekes is special, Matt Timoko is unstoppable on his day, Ethan Strange can be anything and Jamal Forgarty has been a revelation.
This legit feels like a scratch. No major improvement, no untennble losses. Given the Raiders missed Finals last season, that doesn't look good enough.
Grading: D
