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NRL team lists 2020: Player movements, re-signing targets for 2020

The Wests Tigers have signed well despite missing out on Latrell Mitchell, landing Joey Leilua and Adam Doueihi. We look at every team’s roster and analyse their biggest assignments for the 2020 season.

Every NRL 2020 roster rated.
Every NRL 2020 roster rated.

The upcoming NRL season is fast approaching with recruitment managers hard at work to finalise their rosters for 2020.

We’ve assessed every squad in the competition to work out how each club is placed for a crack at the NRL premiership.

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Tristan Sailor is set to sign a new deal with the Dragons. Picture: AAP
Tristan Sailor is set to sign a new deal with the Dragons. Picture: AAP

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Who’s in:Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Eddie Blacker, Jackson Ford, Jason Saab (upgraded from development contracts), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans)

Who’s out: Gareth Widdop (Warrington), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Jeremy Latimore (retired), Mitch Allgood, Jai Field, Patrick Kaufusi, Lachlan Plowman, Darren Nicholls (released), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Luciano Leilua (Tigers), Jonus Pearson (Titans), Lachlan Timm (unsigned)

Off-contract 2020: Euan Aitken, Jack de Belin, Jackson Ford, Tyson Frizell, James Graham, Jacob Host, Tim Lafai, Josh Kerr, Mikaele Ravalawa, Jason Saab, Isaac Luke, Joe Lovodua, Tristan Sailor

Re-signing priorities: Tyson Frizell will be a key man to keep in the pack but is naturally getting plenty of interest from NRL rivals, but has expressed a desire to stay with the Red V. 

Signing news: Tristan Sailor, the son of legendary NRL winger Wendell Sailor, is poised to re-sign with St George Illawarra on a multi-year deal.

Sailor, who made his NRL debut in the Dragons’ round 23 loss to the Sydney Roosters, will officially put pen to paper in the coming weeks.

He scored a scintillating solo try in that game to prove that he has the ability to perform at the highest level.

Sailor, 21, finished last season in the Canterbury Cup ranks and was named in the team of the year.

They say: “What is really exciting is that of the 24 players contracted, 22 of them have played first grade. Those who haven’t are previous development players in Joe and Eddie Blacker, who was always transitioning into our Top 30 in 2020.

“It goes to show our pathways are working too. Whether it be (Jacob) Host and (Matt) Dufty, through to those who debuted last year in Tristan (Sailor), Jackson Ford and Jason (Saab), we won’t be short on first grade experience.

“We have six spots to fill now and I’m sure out of that we will bring players with first grade experience into our organisation ahead of 2020.” — St George Illawarra Director of Rugby League Pathways and List Management Ian Millward.

Our verdict: The loss of Gareth Widdop back to England could be telling for the Dragons, especially if Ben Hunt and Corey Norman can’t step up in attack. If this happens, coach Paul McGregor’s job could be on the line ... again.

— Matt Logue

Latrell Mitchell’s movements will greatly impact the Roosters’ roster. Picture: Dan Himbrechts
Latrell Mitchell’s movements will greatly impact the Roosters’ roster. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

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SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Who’s in: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks)

Who’s out: Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Cooper Cronk (retired), Zane Tetevano (Panthers), Bernard Lewis (released)

Off-contract 2020: Mitch Aubusson, Jake Friend, Matt Ikuvalu, Asu Kepaoa, Lachlan Lam, Latrell Mitchell, Brett Morris, Drew Hutchison

Re-signing priorities: Where to start for the Chooks, who have a host of big names coming off contract this year?

They say: “Billy Smith and Lachie Lam are my guys, so I just grab those boys and we’ll work together. Billy Smith is a centre and he’ll work on his quick hands and he’ll do some long passes with me. Lachie will do his catch and pass too. It’s a little crew we have and we always work together after most sessions.” — Fullback James Tedesco

Our verdict: Even with the departures of Cooper Cronk and Latrell Mitchell, the Roosters still boast a 2020 roster stacked with internationals, Origin stars and undoubtable premiership favouritism.

— Nick Walshaw

Clive Churchill medal winner Jack Wighton is off-contract after 2020. Picture: Dan Himbrechts
Clive Churchill medal winner Jack Wighton is off-contract after 2020. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Who’s in: George Williams (Wigan Warriors), Curtis Scott (Storm), Tom Starling, Harley Smith-Shields (upgraded from development contracts)

Who’s out: Jordan Rapana (Japanese rugby union), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield),  Joey Leilua (Tigers), Brad Abbey, Ata Hingano, Royce Hunt, Reuben Porter (unsigned)

Off-contract 2020: JJ Collins, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker, Sebastian Kris, Joey Leilua, Jack Murchie, Michael Oldfield, Sia Soliola, Jack Wighton

Re-signing priorities: Cotric, Croker and Wighton are Raiders men through and through and are the obvious priorities.

They say: “We are just looking at improving on our position from last year. We have a good window of opportunity while this squad is together.” — Head of Recruitment Peter Mulholland

Our verdict: The biggest surprise of the 2019 season, and now they have their confidence back so look out. Perhaps the only question mark hangs over the latest English import George Williams who comes in to replace Super League bound Aidan Sezer.

— Paul Crawley

Mitchell Barnett was Newcastle’s best last season. Picture: Brett Costello
Mitchell Barnett was Newcastle’s best last season. Picture: Brett Costello

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Who’s in: Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best, Star To’a (upgraded from development contracts), Enari Tuala (Cowboys), Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos), Jirah Momoisea (upgraded from development contracts)

Who’s out: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Jamie Buhrer, Zac Woolford (unsigned), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Slade Griffin, Nathan Ross (retired), Danny Levi (Sea Eagles), Beau Fermor (Titans)

Off-contract 2020: Mitch Barnett, Herman Ese’ese, Aidan Guerra, Brodie Jones, Josh King, Mason Lino, Tautau Moga, Jacob Saifiti, Connor Watson, Enari Tuala

Re-signing priorities: Mitch Barnett won the Danny Buderus Medal for the second time as the club’s best in 2019, so he has to sit at the top of this list. Of the others coming off-contract it’s the individuals who need to prove to the club why they deserve another opportunity.

They say: “The club has identified the areas surrounding our poor finish to the season and has implemented a number of changes including advancements to our facilities and programs and a new and expanded coaching staff which includes two designated development coaches and full-time manager of our academy program.” — Director of Football Brian Canavan

Our verdict: For too long this club has got away with excusing poor results on a roster rebuild. Newcastle has had more than enough time to get it right but they simply buckled under the pressure this year. New coach Adam O’Brien has said all the right things so far, now Knights fans will just be hoping he finally makes the players accountable.

— Paul Crawley

Chanel Harris-Tavita will be key to the Warriors’ future. Picture: Hannah Peters
Chanel Harris-Tavita will be key to the Warriors’ future. Picture: Hannah Peters

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Who’s in: Adam Pompey, Eliesa Katoa (upgraded from development contract), Wayde Egan (Panthers)

Who’s out: Blake Ayshford (retired), Issac Luke (released), Tevita Satae (Hull FC), Ligi Sao (Hull FC)

Off-contract 2020: Gerard Beale, Lachlan Burr, Jackson Frei, Blake Green, Peta Hiku, Patrick Herbert, Adam Keighran, Sam Lisone, Taane Milne, Isaiah Papali’i, Leivaha Pulu, Nathaniel Roache

Re-signing priorities: The Warriors have locked in promising playmaker Chanel Harris-Tavita. Harris-Tavita is a playmaker with enormous promise and given Blake Green is now 33 it isn’t too difficult to work out who the Warriors will build their future around.

They say: “This next year is going to take a lot of hard work and a collaborative effort. But there is one thing I can assure you, we will really have the attitude to aim up against a lot of people’s views.” — Chief Executive Cameron George

Our verdict: On talent alone the Warriors would press for a finals finish every year but 2019 was another disappointing result, although not a great surprise. Pressure is building on Stephen Kearney who is entering his fourth season at the Warriors, although Kearney is contracted until the end of 2022.

— Paul Crawley

South Sydney are looking for a replacement for Sam Burgess. Picture: Lukas Coch
South Sydney are looking for a replacement for Sam Burgess. Picture: Lukas Coch

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Who’s in:

Latrell Mitchell (Roosters), Bryson Goodwin (Warrington), Troy Dargan (Broncos), Steven Marsters (Dragons), Joshua Cook, Dean Hawkins, Keaon Kolomatangi, Ky Rodwell (upgraded from development contracts)

Who’s out:John Sutton, Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess (retired), George Burgess (Wigan), Dean Britt (Bulldogs), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Kyle Turner, Billy Brittain, Jacob Gagan, Mawene Hiroti (unsigned), Adam Doueihi (Tigers)

Off-contract 2020: Tom Amone, Cory Denniss, Kurt Dillon, Bryson Goodwin, Alex Johnston, Liam Knight, Steven Marsters, Ky Rodwell, Bayley Sironen

Re-signing priorities: It looks likely Alex Johnston won’t stay at the Rabbitohs beyond 2020, while prodigal son Bryson Goodwin is also off contract, so outside back depth will be a priority. Liam Knight has also looked promising so far at Souths and will also be a priority.

They say: “We are in good shape. Our backs are not the problem. Replacing the experience of Sam up front is the challenge for us.” — General Manager of Football Shane Richardson

Our verdict: The reality is you don’t win comps without the best players and in the last 12 months the Rabbitohs have lost Greg Inglis and Sam Burgess. While James Roberts (Inglis’ replacement) will get better after another pre-season, Burgess’ retirement has put pressure on the club to find a top forward before the New Year.

— Paul Crawley

Jai Arrow is top of the Titans retention list. Picture: Jerad Williams
Jai Arrow is top of the Titans retention list. Picture: Jerad Williams

GOLD COAST TITANS

Who’s in: Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Darius Farmer (upgraded from development contract), Greg Leleisiuao (Eels), Beau Fermor (Knights)

Who’s out: Michael Gordon, Will Matthews (retired), Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Brenko Lee (Storm), Jack Stockwell (unsigned), Leilani Latu (Warrington)

Off-contract 2020: Ryan James, Kevin Proctor, Nathan Peats, Phillip Sami, Keegan Hipgrave, Treymain Spry, Sam Stone, Dale Copley, Anthony Don, Tyrone Roberts.

Transfer targets: The Titans haven’t yet made a genuine player signing for the 2020 season. The sacking of coach Garth Brennan and appointment of Justin Holbrook has delayed the club’s planning. The Titans have some room to move in their salary cap, but will have to release a well-paid player if they are to secure a decent signing during the pre-season. At the moment they are looking to add depth to their roster with four spots to fill before March 1.

They say: “The recruitment team are involved in that stuff and it’s always ongoing. There is always movement. It’s not great for the game but it’s just part of it.” — Head Coach Justin Holbrook

Our verdict: As it stands, the Titans are in a poor position for 2020. They haven’t signed any players and only released a few lesser names after collecting the wooden spoon. Things can change quickly if the player movement market heats up in the coming months. The other factor that is hard to judge is how much Holbrook will be able to improve a squad that simply didn’t put in enough effort under Brennan. The Titans have enough decent players to be competitive if they decide to have a crack in 2020.

— Travis Meyn

 

Young gun Matt Burton is highly regarded at Penrith. Picture: Brett Costello
Young gun Matt Burton is highly regarded at Penrith. Picture: Brett Costello

 

PENRITH PANTHERS

Who’s in: Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Dean Blore, Shawn Blore, Stephen Crichton, Braydon McGrady (upgraded from development contracts), Kurt Capewell (Sharks), Zane Tetevano (Roosters)

Who’s out: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Sione Katoa (Bulldogs), Tim Grant, Sam McKendry (retired), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons), Hame Sele, Frank Winterstein, Paea Pua, Nick Lui-Toso (unsigned)

Off-contract 2020: Caleb Aekins, Jed Cartwright, Dylan Edwards, Kaide Ellis, Tyrone May, James Tamou, Brian To’o, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak, Dean Blore, Shawn Blore, Braydon McGrady

Re-signing priorities: Initially starting 2019 as a development player, centre Brian To’o enjoyed a strong debut season in first grade and looms as a future star out west. The Panthers will also be looking to extend Skipper James Tamou given the loses to their forward pack. 

They say: “While we continue to consider recruitment options to strengthen our squad for next season, we also have full confidence in the talent and temperament of the playing group as it stands.” — General Manager Rugby League Matt Cameron.

Our verdict: Given Penrith boast one of the youngest rosters in the NRL, much will depend on the continuing development of players like Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau, James Fisher-Harris and Dylan Edwards. It will also be interesting to see how Samoan international Jarome Luai handles the No.6 jersey fulltime.

— Nick Walshaw

 

Ryan Matterson is a huge inclusion to the Eels pack. Picture: Mark Evans
Ryan Matterson is a huge inclusion to the Eels pack. Picture: Mark Evans

 

PARRAMATTA EELS

Who’s in: Ryan Matterson (Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers), Haze Dunster, Ethan Parry (upgraded from development contracts)

Who’s out: Tim Mannah, Matt McIlwrick (retired), Manu Ma'u (Hull FC), Tepai Moeroa (Super Rugby), Greg Leleisiuao (Titans), Josh Hoffman (unsigned)

Off-contract 2020:  David Gower, Kane Evans, George Jennings, Shaun Lane, Reed Mahoney, Will Smith, Peni Terepo, Brad Takairangi, Ray Stone, Andrew Davey, Haze Dunster, Ethan Parry, Jaeman Salmon

Re-signing priorities: New Zealand prodigy Dylan Brown, the rising No.6 who no less than eighth Immortal Andrew Johns believes will be one of the code’s best. Hooker Reed Mahoney also had a breakout 2019 and is another player they'll want to lock down.

They say: “Our players are excited for the season ahead, not just the NRL team, but a number of our elite juniors joining pre-season training over the next 10 weeks. There are some positive changes we’re all looking forward to, we’ve brought second grade back in-house for the 2020 season to ensure an optimum pathways system for our juniors, and we’re weeks away from moving into the brand new facilities at Kellyville Park. While our club improved in 2019, we have a lot more hard work to do both on and off the field to ensure sustained success in 2020 and beyond, which our members and fans deserve.” — General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill

Our verdict: Already, Parramatta boast a backline with plenty of points in them. Now in 2020, coach Brad Arthur will be hoping the signings of NSW Origin contenders Ryan Matterson and Reagan Campbell-Gillard give his side some additional firepower up front.

— Nick Walshaw

 

Tom Trbojevic has re-signed long-term. Picture: Cameron Spencer
Tom Trbojevic has re-signed long-term. Picture: Cameron Spencer

 

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Who’s in: Danny Levi (Knights), Luke Metcalf (upgraded from development contract), Brayden Musgrove (Knights)

Who’s out: Kane Elgey, Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (unsigned)

Off-contract 2020: Cade Cust, Brendan Elliot, Albert Hopoate, Semisi Kioa, Luke Metcalf, Sam Smith, Moses Suli, Corey Waddell, Tony Williams, Danny Levi, Luke Metcalf

Re-signing priorities: With the Trbojevic brothers, Martin Taupau and Joel Thompson nailed down, Manly will now focus on re-signing gun centre Moses Suli.

They say:“I don’t want to sit here next year talking about how good we could be. Hopefully next year is the year we put it all together and everyone stays on the field and we show it. We’ve made it this far in the year with the limited playing options we had throughout the season.” — Captain Daly Cherry-Evans

Our verdict: Stunned the NRL by reaching week two of the 2019 finals and only a bad refereeing blunder prevented Manly a grand final qualifier in week three. The club is buoyant going into next season but the possible absence of Fainu will hurt Manly, but Danny Levi is a solid replacement for now. Forwards Jake Trbojevic and Addin Fonua-Blake will miss the opening two games through shoulder reconstructions but Manly rate themselves massive top eight chances again.

— Dean Ritchie

 

Jesse Ramien returns to Cronulla for the new season. Picture: Gaye Gerard
Jesse Ramien returns to Cronulla for the new season. Picture: Gaye Gerard

 

CRONULLA SHARKS

Who’s in: Kayleb Milne (Melbourne Storm), Jesse Ramien (Newcastle Knights), Connor Tracey (South Sydney Rabbitohs), Kyle Paterson (Raiders), Mawene Hiroti (Rabbitohs - train and trial contract), Royce Hunt (Raiders - train and trial contract)

Who’s out: Jayden Brailey (Newcastle Knights), Sosaia Feki (Castleford Tigers), Kyle Flanagan (Sydney Roosters), Paul Gallen (retired), Isaac Lumelume (released), Ava Seumanufagai (Leeds Rhinos), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Matt Prior (Leeds Rhinos)

Off-contract 2020: Jayson Bukuya, Sione Katoa, William Kennedy, Kayleb Milne, Josh Morris, Cruz Topai-Aveai, Braydon Trindall, Daniel Vasquez, Jack A Williams, Teig Wilton, Toby Rudolf, Scott Sorensen

Re-signing priorities: Teig Wilton. Captain of Sharks under-20s premiership team and the current NSW under-20s captain. Backrower with good size, good footwork and is the nephew of head coach John Morris.

Signing news: Cronulla have recruited former Junior Kangaroos hooker Cameron King to bolster their top-30 roster for the 2020 season.

The former Dragons, Cowboys and Eels dummy-half has been signed on a base wage contract and will be used in a vital supporting role for talented Sharks rookie No.9 Blayke Brailey.

Brailey will be Cronulla’s first-choice hooker in the wake of his older brother Jayden joining Newcastle.

King, 28, has spent the past 12 months in the UK with the Featherstone Rovers, where he scored 18 tries in 28 games.

Earlier, Cronulla locked down their 2019 Player of the Year Chad Townsend for at least the next two seasons.

The premiership-winning halfback’s new contract is guaranteed until 2021 - with options in the contract for both the halfback and the club that has the potential for him to remain in the Shire until 2023.

Regarded as the general of the Sharks attack, Townsend is pivotal to the overall running of the side, particuarly given the freestyle footy which halves partner Shaun Johnson can play with.

The departure of local junior and rookie half Kyle Flanagan to the Roosters also made the re-signing of Townsend - who was off-contract in 2020 - an important one for Cronulla.

In a disappointing 2019 season for the Sharks, stymied by injuries and inconsistent results, the 28-year-old enjoyed one of his best seasons, finishing with the club’s highest achievement, the Monty Porter Medal award.

 

Cowboys recruit Esan Marsters adds strike out wide for the club. Picture: Cowboys Media
Cowboys recruit Esan Marsters adds strike out wide for the club. Picture: Cowboys Media

 

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Who’s in: Reece Robson (Dragons), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Connelly Lemuelu (Bulldogs), Reuben Cotter, Thomas Gilbert, Daniel Russell (upgraded from development contracts), Valentine Holmes (NFL)

Who’s out: Matt Scott, Scott Bolton (retired), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Enari Tuala (Knights), Te Maire Martin (retired), Javid Bowen, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Kurt Baptiste, Carlin Anderson, (all unsigned)

Off-contract 2020: John Asiata, Jake Clifford, Gavin Cooper, Reuben Cotter, Mitchell Dunn, Kyle Feldt, Jordan McLean (PO), Francis Molo, Tom Opacic, Emry Pere, Dan Russell, Tukimihia Simpkins, Shane Wright, Ben Hampton (PO), Corey Jensen (PO)

Re-signing priorities: After a poor 2019 season, the Cowboys have put contract talks on hold for now. A host of forwards, including Gavin Cooper, John Asiata and Francis Molo, are all off contract, which will be a priority after losing Scott Bolton and Matt Scott. Jake Clifford, Kyle Feldt will also be key re-signing targets.

They say:“We’re excited about our roster heading into the 2020 season. We’ve signed a couple of young exciting outside backs in Esan Marsters and Connelly Lemuelu, which gives us significant depth in an area we identified needed strengthening. Reece Robson has fitted in extremely well during his first couple of weeks at the club and we believe he’s going to be a great asset for us. We still have a couple of spots left in our top 30, which provides us with some flexibility as we head into 2020.” — Cowboys recruitment manager Clint Zammit

Our verdict: The Johnathan Thurston hangover has passed at the North Queensland club as they look to make their first finals berth since 2017. It was a rollercoaster 2019 for the Cowboys who were hit hard by injury and off-field incidents and with the opening of a brand new homeground, the club will be hoping for a brand new era in the state’s north.

— Chris Honnery

 

Brodie Croft has signed with Brisbane. Picture: Scott Barbour
Brodie Croft has signed with Brisbane. Picture: Scott Barbour

 

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Who’s in: Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys), Jesse Arthars (Titans), Ilikena Vudogo, Keenan Palasia, Jamil Hopoate, Xavier Coates (all upgraded from development contracts)

Who’s out: Matt Gillett (retirement), Shaun Fensom, Sam Tagataese (retired), Troy Dargan (Rabbitohs), George Fai, Patrick Mago, James Segeyaro (unsigned), Gehamat Shibasaki (Knights)

Off-contract 2020: Herbie Farnworth, David Fifita, Thomas Flegler, Rhys Kennedy, Sean O’Sullivan, Izaia Perese, Kotoni Staggs, Jamil Hopoate, Jordan Kahu, Richie Kennar, Andrew McCullough (PO), Anthony Milford (PO), Corey Oates (PO), Ilikena Vudogo

Re-signing priorities: Re-signing David Fifita is an absolute must for the Broncos, but he is in high demand. Young gun Kotoni Staggs is also a priority, as well as Herbie Farnworth,and  Thomas Flegler.

They say:“Like a lot of clubs, the rosters are still not 100 per cent where they want them to be. We’re no different to any other club. There’s still a bit of time between now and Round 1 next year.” – Darren Lockyer, Recruitment and Retention Board Member.

Our verdict: The most successful rugby league club in Queensland is facing a 13-year premiership drought which can end in 2020 with a consistent halfback in Croft now on board. Jake Turpin did a handy job filling in the No.7 jersey in 2019 but they need a full-time playmaker to work off the back of the incredible, young forward pack emerging as the best in the competition.

— Chris Honnery

Nathan Peats looks a good target for the Dogs. Picture: Jerad Williams
Nathan Peats looks a good target for the Dogs. Picture: Jerad Williams

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Who’s in: Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Joe Stimson (Storm), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Isaiah Tass (upgraded from development list), Jake Averillo (upgraded from lower grades)

Who’s out: Fa’amanu Brown, Danny Fualalo, Michael Lichaa, John Olive (all released), Connelly Leumelu (Cowboys), Kaiyne-Lee Kalache

Off-contract 2020: Jack Cogger, Adam Elliott, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kieran Foran, Morgan Harper, Kerrod Holland, Marcelo Montoya, Sauaso Sue, Isaiah Tass, Aiden Tolman, Brandon Wakeham

Transfer targets: The Bulldogs need a hooker and off-contract Nathan Peats could be a player to target.

Our verdict: The Bulldogs are largely young and keen but they’re missing a big-name playmaker, especially following the season-ending injury to Kieran Foran. Dean Pay’s men will fight hard but lack the polish and experience to compete for the premiership. Lachlan Lewis is a promising re-signing for the club.

— Matt Logue

Melbourne's plans for life after Cameron Smith will be in full swing. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Melbourne's plans for life after Cameron Smith will be in full swing. Picture: Phil Hillyard

MELBOURNE STORM

Who’s in: Brenko Lee (Titans), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Aaron Pene, Darryn Schonig, Nicho Hynes, Isaac Lumelume (upgraded) 

Who’s out:Will Chambers (Japanese rugby), Solomone Kata (Super Rugby), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Billy Walters (Wests Tigers), Curtis Scott (Raiders), Brodie Croft (Broncos)

Off-contract 2020: Sandor Earl, Tom Eisenhuth, Cooper Johns, Max King, Isaac Lumelume, Justin Olam, Cameron Smith, Nicho Hynes, Brenko Lee, Aaron Pene, Darryn Schonig, Marion Seve, Christian Welch 

Our verdict: While ever Cameron Smith is playing for Melbourne, the Storm will be a major premiership threat. Smith, Munster and Jesse Bromwich up front can compete with the NRL’s best. The recent re-signing of electric fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, along with leader Cameron Smith, suggests there’s still life in Melbourne’s long-running dynasty.

— Matt Logue

Luke Brooks will again be a key figure for the Tigers. Picture: Dave Hunt
Luke Brooks will again be a key figure for the Tigers. Picture: Dave Hunt

WESTS TIGERS

Who’s in: Billy Walters (Storm), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders), Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs), Zane Musgrove

Who’s out: Robbie Farah, Robbie Rochow, Ben Matulino (all retired), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ryan Matterson (Eels)

Off-contract 2020: Oliver Clark, Matt Eisenhuth, Robert Jennings, Chris Lawrence, Benji Marshall, Sam McIntyre, Chris McQueen, Paul Momirovski, Alex Seyfarth, Dylan Smith, Elijah Taylor

Re-signing priorities: Luke Brooks is one of the game’s best halves at his best but he needs to be more consistent. That said, Brooks is a key player and he will only become better with a star player like Latrell Mitchell outside him. The recent re-signings of Alex Twal and Luke Garner will prove strong assets to the pack.

Transfer targets: Latrell Mitchell. The two-time premiership winner is a franchise-changer for the Tigers, especially if he can continue his freakish form from previous seasons at the Roosters and on the Origin and Test stage.

Our verdict: With the addition of Mitchell, the Tigers immediately become a genuine contender. Michael Maguire has the strike, now the players must aim up consistently to push for a premiership.

— Matt Logue

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/roster-rater-your-nrl-clubs-top-signing-targets-for-2020-season/news-story/d605cddc2f6bf8bafcbbecbbae615421