Rate or hate: How every NRL team has recruited for 2020 and beyond
The NRL’s signing window has slammed shut, locking rosters in for the remainder of the season. NICK CAMPTON analyses how every club has recruited and ranks their rosters for 2020 and beyond.
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The NRL’s signing window slammed shut this week, locking rosters in for the remainder of the season.
There has been plenty of wheeling and dealing right up until August 3 deadline, when Blake Green sealed a late switch from the Warriors to finals hopefuls Newcastle.
There have been countless moves since the 2020 NRL pre-season began, from Latrell Mitchell’s shock move to the Rabbitohs, Api Koroisau trading the northern beaches for the foot of the mountains and Sonny Bill Williams coming “home” to the Roosters.
Nick Campton analyses how every club has recruited and ranks their rosters for 2020 and beyond.
1. Roosters
Squad analysis: No team manages their roster better than the Roosters — such is the benefit of being the two-time defending premiers and having the reputation that comes with it. Most clubs would kill for the chance to sign Sonny Bill Williams just in case he still had some magic left on the field, the Roosters are signing him for what he can bring off it.
Best: We all saw how well Brett Morris played in the Tricolours’ run to the title last year. We all watched it happen. Then at the start of 2020 we all just stood there as the Roosters snapped up Josh Morris, and now it’s all happening again. If there’s a long-lost Morris triplet he’ll be on the bench by season’s end.
Question mark: Dropping the leading pointscorer in the competition was a serious move for Trent Robinson, but those are the kind of growing pains young halfbacks go through and no doubt Kyle Flanagan will be better for it in the long run. Teething problems are part of the package for most young halves, and Flanagan will return before too long, but it’s an adjustment after two years of machine-like consistency from Cooper Cronk.
2. Panthers
Squad analysis: Penrith’s years of investing in their juniors have begun to pay off handsomely. They’ve got more depth than most and plenty of competition for spots across the roster. Apart from Kurt Capewell, who’s been injured, all their recruits for 2020 have paid off.
Best: Api Koroisau is the buy of the season by the length of the straight. The Panthers had been looking for a full-time dummy half since Peter Wallace retired and they’ve found it in Koroisau, who’s blossomed in his second stint with the club and helped raise them to premiership contention.
Question mark: Capewell came to the Panthers to be a starter, and he was before injury struck him down early in the season. In his absence, Liam Martin has excelled on the right edge and the former Cronulla forward might not have an easy path back to a starting berth.
3. Eels
Squad analysis: Parramatta are built to win right now and Brad Arthur has been building this squad for a few years, but there’s still been some nice bits of business. Acquiring the likes of Jai Field late in the pre-season, for example, gave the Eels a back-up half with a high ceiling, NRL experience and the club took on little risk. It was the kind of move smart teams make, and it paid off when Field was required to relieve Mitch Moses for a few weeks earlier in the year.
Best: Reagan Campbell-Gillard rounded out the Eels’ prop rotation nicely and he’s played the best football of his career this year, ripping off 200+ metre games with stunning regularity. Ryan Matterson’s season has been a little slowed by injury but he’s been on fire when fit and shapes as a major cog in Parra’s charge to the finals.
Question mark: With success comes new contracts and new contracts means less cap space. The Eels won’t be able to keep this team together forever — their premiership window is open and it’s time to charge right through.
4. Storm
Squad analysis: There are not a whole lot of new faces at the Storm this year — their roster is reasonably settled and after five straight top-four finishes, why wouldn’t it be?
Best: Brenko Lee is a classic Craig Bellamy project player and the journeyman centre was playing some good football before injury slowed him down in recent weeks.
Question mark: The question for the Storm isn’t for 2020, it’s for 2021 and the years beyond as they try to replace Josh Addo-Carr, Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and potentially Cameron Smith. Smith is still the best hooker in the competition but nobody can play forever, not even the ageless Melbourne skipper. Brandon Smith is ready to start now and so is Harry Grant — the time draws near when the Storm must either ask the greatest player they will ever have to stand aside, or be content to let two first-class dummy halves walk away. Neither choice will be easy.
5. Raiders
Squad analysis: Canberra’s primary aim over the last few weeks was dragging up 17 blokes for a game — if you wandered down the streets of the capital and caught Ricky Stuart’s eye you were half a chance, such has been their horrendous injury toll. But the acquisition of Corey Harawira-Naera and a return to health for some of their biggest names have the Raiders in as strong a position as they could hope for given the bad luck they’ve copped in 2020.
Best: The last time an English back succeeded in Australia it was before George Williams was even born, but the former Wigan man has broken the mould and enjoyed a fine first season in green. His combination with Jack Wighton is still coming together, but Williams looks every inch the player he was in England — Stuart has pulled off another piece of Pommy recruiting magic.
Question mark: Curtis Scott has improved in recent weeks and may get better with John Bateman on his inside but the nightmare start to the season will still loom large in many memories. With Nick Cotric departing next season the Raiders could be a bit light on outside backs for 2021 and they need Scott to keep playing like the player they signed him to be.
6. Cowboys
Squad analysis: North Queensland are poised to miss the finals for the third year in a row, but the reason their vacant coaching job is so coveted is the strength of their roster — they’re well-rounded, experienced and dangerous across the park. They haven’t been able to get their best 17 on the field much this season, but that could easily change in 2021.
Best: Reece Robson has been a shining light in a difficult season for the Cowboys and it was no surprise to see him take the starting hooker role from Jake Granville. The former Dragon is one of the underrated buys of the year.
Question mark: Injuries have stopped Jordan McLean from playing his best football at North Queensland but given his ability and reputation the club hasn’t got the best return in his three years as a Cowboy. Of almost greater concern is Esan Marsters’ struggles since he joined from the Tigers.
7. Sharks
Squad analysis: Cronulla are transforming before our very eyes. They’ve lost more than 2500 matches of NRL experience since the end of 2018 and have been without Matt Moylan, Andrew Fifita and Chad Townsend for much of 2020 but have managed to stay on the finals race on the back of an outstanding crop of young players. The junior systems are working in the Shire.
Best: Siosifa Talakai and Royce Hunt both came to Cronulla over the off-season with no guarantees and a promise they’d get a chance to prove themselves, and they’ve done that several times over. The hard-running duo have helped the Sharks weather the injury storm and were rewarded with new contracts for next season.
Question mark: What do Cronulla do with Matt Moylan? He’s still a classy player on his day but chronic hamstring injuries are making it harder and harder for him to string matches together. Throw in his big salary, question marks over his best position and the emergence of promising rookie Will Kennedy and it’s a tough one for coach John Morris.
8. Knights
Squad analysis: Newcastle have adapted well to what 2020 has thrown at them without a whole lot of luck. Andrew McCullough was a handy replacement for Jayden Brailey, only for the former Bronco to be similarly struck down by injury, but once again the Knights have rallied. Blake Green is capable of taking some playmaking pressure off Mitchell Pearce and his arrival allows Kurt Mann to give the club some more experience at hooker. It’s an unorthodox move, but one that could pay off.
Best: The Knights signed Enari Tuala and Gehamat Shibasaki over the off-season but Bradman Best made the left centre spot his own from the first game he played in 2020. Injury might end his rookie year prematurely but the big 18-year old is one of the most exciting prospects in the league.
Question mark: With Tyson Frizell coming to town in 2021 the Knights are overstocked for back-rowers. Lachlan Fitzgibbon has impressed in recent years, Sione Mata’utia is a club stalwart and Aidan Guerra’s experience is invaluable but they can’t all fit in the top 17. These final weeks of the season could determine what Newcastle’s back-row looks like for years to come.
9. Rabbitohs
Squad analysis: What the Rabbitohs wouldn’t give to get Jai Arrow, who joins the club next year, down to Redfern right now. South Sydney’s sparkling backline is all too often hamstrung by their pack, which is high on effort but occasionally low on star power.
Best: Latrell Mitchell has not been the fullback many would have expected — his ball-playing has been his greatest strength, rather than his running game — but he’s improved in his new position as the season has progressed. If he can get another pre-season there under his belt the sky could be the limit.
Question mark: Injuries are starting to take their toll on James Roberts. Still just 27, the fastest man in league only managed six games this year before he was shut down, and that included a stint away from the game to deal with mental health issues. Roberts can still be a gamebreaker on his day but it’s been a tough few years for the ‘Jet’.
10. Sea Eagles
Squad analysis: Manly have something close to a premiership roster at their disposal but are still a little top heavy. This isn’t a problem when everybody’s fit, but given Tom Trbojevic’s hamstring issues and Addin Fonua-Blake’s suspension it’s made it difficult for the Sea Eagles to play to their full potential in 2020. One or two more moves to bolster their depth are all they need.
Best: Cade Cust made his NRL debut for the Sea Eagles last year but in recent weeks he’s made the five-eighth spot his own and combined well with Daly Cherry-Evans. Dylan Walker’s foot injuries have granted Cust another extended stint in the top grade — if he can take this chance and run with it, it may allow Des Hasler to switch Walker back to his preferred position of centre in the run in to the finals.
Question mark: Danny Levi didn’t have the fast start to his Sea Eagles career many expected but he’s been building well in recent weeks and should hit his straps as Manly’s charge towards the semi-finals heats up. Having said that, he’s off-contract at the end of the year and is no certainty to be re-signed — however, he does have the talent and the time to force Manly’s hand should he strike a purple patch.
11. Broncos
Squad analysis: Even accounting for their injuries and losing David Fifita to the Titans, the Broncos still have an enormously talented squad. Losing Fifita is a hammer blow to both their roster and their reputation, but the future can still be bright for the Broncos if Anthony Seibold, or whoever is coaching them in the future, can get the best out of the youth brigade.
Best: Tom Dearden has only played a handful of first grade games but the Broncos look so much more dangerous when he’s at the scrumbase. There are massive wraps and great expectations on the 19-year-old, but he seems a natural halfback and is the kind of player the club can build around in the aftermath of Fifita’s exit.
Question mark: Dearden’s emergence could be the final nail in the coffin for poor Brodie Croft. The former Storm player was signed to be Brisbane’s on-field general and the coaching staff tried to empower him by handing him the co-captaincy. Both moves have backfired, and Croft has born the brunt of frustrations for Brisbane’s troubled season.
12. Tigers
Squad analysis: It feels like the poor old Tigers are constantly rebuilding, but they have made some nice additions this year. The loan deal with Harry Grant has been an unqualified success, but Luciano Leilua has also excelled since joining the club and while Adam Doueihi is still finding his feet as a fullback he’s shown some real promise under Michael Maguire.
Best: Grant has been the best thing about the Tigers this season but we’re getting closer and closer to the day he either returns to Melbourne or opts to stay with the joint venture. There is still so much to be decided — namely Cameron Smith’s future and what the Storm will do with Brandon Smith — but the Tigers would surely move heaven and earth to keep Grant.
Question mark: Josh Reynolds has battled injuries through his entire stint with the Tigers, and even though he’s played some good footy when fit the club has been open to the possibility of moving him on for some time. It’s doubtful there’s a club in the NRL who would take Reynolds on full freight given his injury history, so Super League could loom as a landing spot for the former Origin playmaker.
13. Titans
Squad analysis: It’s all about next season for Gold Coast — they have Tino Fa’asuamaleaui joining from the Storm and David Fifita from the Broncos, instantly giving them one of the most exciting young forward packs in the competition when you add in current Titans Moeaki Fotuaika and Beau Fermor. There’s still some other pieces to be added, but the future of the Titans looks brighter than it has for years.
Best: Gold Coast took their time giving 26-year-old Jamal Fogarty a consistent crack in first grade but the Queensland Cup standout has made the most of his latest chance and has been playing some very tidy football.
Question mark: Nathan Peats has given good service to the Titans and was the Blues Origin hooker in 2017 but he’s since fallen down the pecking order and is no longer an automatic selection in the best 17. Off-contract at season’s end, the Titans will need to make a big call on Peats’ future sooner rather than later.
14. Dragons
Squad analysis: It’s safe to say St George Illawarra’s recruitment hasn’t fired as they would have hoped this season. Tyrell Fuimaono has become a valuable squad player but Trent Merrin hasn’t set the world on fire and Issac Luke is already out the door. With question marks over Corey Norman’s future, there could be big changes to come for the Dragons.
Best: Zac Lomax’s move to fullback didn’t really work out but he’s enjoyed a tremendous season at right centre and is fulfilling all the immense promise he showed as a junior.
Question mark: Jack de Belin hasn’t played an NRL game for two seasons but teams will still be lining up to sign him, pending the result of his ongoing court case. The former NSW Origin lock’s absence has been keenly felt by the Red V and they’ll be desperate to keep him.
15. Warriors
Squad analysis: New Zealand’s squad is changing so quickly it’s impossible to get a good read on it. Players are coming in and out on loan, Blake Green has gone early and four stars have already headed back across the Tasman all the time, but it’s a credit to the rest of the players and Todd Payten that they’ve managed to stay competitive through the season.
Best: Jack Hetherington is only at the club for another few weeks but he’s impressed with his aggression and mobility across the field. The Warriors would surely like to keep him, but he’s been playing well enough that Penrith will surely not want to let him go.
Question mark: Hooker Wayde Egan came to New Zealand for a chance to be a guaranteed starter but the Lithgow man hasn’t quite been able to make the most of it. With Karl Lawton impressing in recent weeks and Nathaniel Roache also in the squad, Egan faces a tough road back to the starting spot.
16. Bulldogs
Squad analysis: This is still very much a work in progress. Even though Canterbury will miss the finals for the fourth year in a row, their rebuild is still ongoing. In signing Luke Thompson and Nick Cotric, the Bulldogs have shown their intent to hit the market and splash the cash — will that be enough to help them climb up from the depths of the NRL ladder? Only time will tell.
Best: The Bulldogs might not yet have seen the best of Thompson, but what they’ve seen so far has been pretty impressive. The former St Helens man has impressed with his work rate and aggression since joining the club and will be even more dangerous once he gets a full pre-season under his belt.
Question mark: Canterbury have offered Kieran Foran a drastically reduced contract for 2021, which is all they can do after injuries have restricted him to 35 games in three seasons. While they would like to keep Foran, and he can still be a fine player on his day, downgrading his salary gives them greater cap flexibility that can help fill out their roster.
Originally published as Rate or hate: How every NRL team has recruited for 2020 and beyond