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: Moses Leo, Stefano Utoikamanu
Out: Chris Lewis, Aaron Pene, Reimis Smith
Re-signed: Grant Anderson, Joe Chan, Sua Fa'alogo, Alec MacDonald, Nick Meaney
The Storm, fresh off a Grand Final appearance, really didn't have many needs.
They did add a NSW Origin rep forward in Stefano Utoikamanu. You can almost guarantee he'll play his best footy whilst in Melbourne. The Craig Bellamy effect!
Chris Lewis is handy while Reimis Smith can have a good game, but truthfully the Storm haven't lost anything.
Sua Fa'alogo has a future that is oh so bright, if they can hold him in Melbourne. Alex MacDonald is one of my low key favourites in the competition. Nick Meaney has been brilliant in purple.
The Storm were quiet and recruited to their one need, a monster forward. Another brilliant round of business.
Grading: B+
