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: Addin Fonua-Blake, Hohepa Puru
Out: Samuel Healey, Royce Hunt, Jack Williams
Re-Signed: Jayden Berrell, Billy Burns, Jesse Colquhoun, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Tuku Hau Tapuha, Mawene Hiroti, Kayal Iro, Oregon Kaufusi, Niwhai Puru, Toby Rudolf, Chris Vea'ila
The Sharks opted for quality over quantity whilst addressing their biggest need, a pack leader!
Addin Fonua-Blake is the literal perfect signing as he delivers the big, aggressive, metre-eating forward the Sharks lacked in 2024.
Hohepa Puru is a brilliant depth signing and looks set to fill in at lock when called upon. He'll, at least, add an an experienced head to the Sharks feeder club, the Jets.
Sam Healey is an exciting talent but with Chaz Jarvis in the ranks, something had to give. Royce Hunt and Jack Williams are big losses, literally, but are easily covered.
Kayal Iro and Jesse Colquhoun are going to play a massive part in the Sharks side over the next few seasons and are marquee re-signings.
Grading: A
