NRL 2021: 5 underrated signings set to make a difference

His move to Melbourne didn’t attract the same headlines as other NRL signings, but Reimis Smith could be the one that got away for Canterbury.

As pre-season training resumes a host of new recruits are getting ready to set their new clubs on the path to premiership glory.

Origin stars like Tyson Frizell, David Fifita and Tino Fa’asuamalueai are just some of the big names who are changing colours for next season but often the difference in a team’s season came come from recruits who fly under the radar.

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Ben Murdoch-Masila is back in the NRL after five years in the Super League. Picture: Getty Images.

BEN MURDOCH-MASILA

(Warriors)

Murdoch-Masila (pictured) didn’t live up to his full potential during his first NRL stint, but found consistency during his five seasons in Super League.

The 29-year old is a wrecking ball of a forward with terrific footwork to back up his size and strength.

He became a star for Salford and Warrington.

Because his move to the Warriors was confirmed so long ago (he signed for the upcoming season in March last year), it has slipped under the radar.

But Mur­doch-­Masila could be every bit as influential as the club’s other new prop, Addin Fonua-Blake.

Matt Eisenhuth could be a perfect addition to Panthers’ depleted forward pack. Picture: NRL Photos.

MATT EISENHUTH

(Panthers)

Eisenhuth is not a flashy player by any means, but he’s an astute purchase by the Panthers and rounds out their front-row depth nicely.

James Tamou’s departure means there’s a vacancy at prop and Eisenhuth will compete with Moses Leota and Spencer Leniu for the spot.

Given his attention to detail and ability to do the little things well, don’t be surprised to see Eisenhuth get plenty of NRL action, especially given he broke into first grade and played some of his best football under Ivan Cleary at the Tigers.

Newcastle Knights recruit Dom Young may not get a run straight away in 2021 but is one to watch.

DOMINIC YOUNG

(Knights)

There’s an emerging trend of NRL clubs signing young ­English players from Super League rather than chasing expensive stars in the prime of their career. Herbie Farnworth showed such a transition was possible, and Young (pictured above) could be the sort of player to follow in the Brisbane flyer’s footsteps.

At 19, Young might need a little seasoning and could spend much of the year in reserve grade.

However, his physical potential is compelling and coach Adam O’Brien was adept at shaving rough edges off his younger players in his first year with the Knights.

Albert Kelly could feature for the Broncos in 2021 after signing a train-and-trial deal.

ALBERT KELLY

(Broncos)

As with Murdoch-Masila, Kelly has been one of Super League’s most dangerous players in recent years.

In 2017, Kelly was named in the Super League Dream Team and was a runner-up for the Man of Steel when his speed and sharp attacking instincts helped him cut teams to shreds.

Off-field troubles have slowed down the star halfback more than once, as they did in the NRL, and the 29-year-old will need to prove himself over the off-season.

If he can stay on the straight and narrow he could be a fine purchase, as halves depth or in a bench utility role.

Melbourne have a habit of getting the best out of players and Reimis Smith could prove to be one of the best outside back signings. Picture: AAP.

REIMIS SMITH

(Storm)

Smith didn’t have his best year in 2020 as he struggled to get clean service out wide for Canterbury.

But he is just 23 and with his best football in front of him, and he’s shown enough flashes of brilliance in some struggling Bulldogs sides to indicate he can be a dangerous winger.

A strong finisher with great speed and tremendous leaping ability, Smith shapes as an ideal replacement for Suliasi Vunivalu.

Craig Bellamy has done a lot with players who have a lot less than Smith, and he shapes as a classic Melbourne signing that works spectacularly well and leaves us all wondering how the Storm got away with another one.