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 remaining eight teams heading into 2025:
In: Karl Lawton, Kai O'Donnell, Jaxson Paulo
Out: Kyle Feldt, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki, Jack Gosiewski, Valentine Holmes, D'Jazirhae Pua'Avase, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Chad Townsend
Re-signed: Tom Chester, Jake Clifford, Reuben Cotter, Tom Dearden, Coen Hess, Zac Laybutt, Heilum Luki, Sam McIntyre, Jordan McLean, Thomas Mikaele, Griffin Neame, Semi Valemei
Let's be frank here; I have no idea why the Cowboys allowed Valentine Holmes to walk a year early. He threatened to beat the Sharks on his own back in the Final last year.
Finefeuiaki is a talent but not the biggest loss. He can be covered from within.
Recruitment wise ... well, it's not exeactly a thrilling class. Lawton, O'Donnell and Paulo are all solid footballers but won't have fans rushing out to buy their Grand Final tickets.
A lot of work was done in retention.
Tom Deardon's re-signing with a monster coup. There would have been six or seven sides after his prized signature. Reuben Cotter would have been a monster get elsewhere so I love the fact the Cowboys were able to tie him down.
Luki, Clifford and Neame all have their best footy ahead of them. Tom Chester could be special.
Despite losing Holmes, I'm not willing to say I expect the Cowboys to go backwards. They just didn't add anything of note.
They get better than a pass mark due to the Deardon re-signing. That was literal make or break!
Grading: C+
