NRL 2024: The 13 key NRL signings for the 2024 season and how they will benefit your club
He was a huge part of Penrith’s premiership three-peat but now steps into a make-or-break role. We reveal the 13 signings set to make a big difference in 2024.
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There’s been mass movement across the NRL and 2024 could be a huge year for recruits to make a sudden impact in fresh colours.
From the prop with huge boots to fill to the half making a new start, here are the 13 key signings set to make a big difference to their new clubs.
LATU FAINU
New club: Tigers
Signed until: 2027
Position: Five eighth
The promising 18-year-old comes to the Tigers with the rugby league world at his feet, but also the expectation that comes with a significant contract despite the fact that he hasn’t made his NRL debut yet. Benji Marshall is the last superstar half to bring the Tigers success, and the hope is Latu can be the next. He’ll be guided by new coach Marshall and experienced halfback Aidan Sezer through the first past of his career and if everything goes to plan he’ll help take the team into a new era.
SAMUELA FAINU
New club: Tigers
Signed until: 2027
Position: Prop/second row
Samuela is a towering 194cm, 109kg forward who can play in the middle or on an edge, and has already started his transition into first grade. His first five games at the Sea Eagles were impressive in 2023. Much like his younger brother Latu, Samuela’s signing is one for the club’s future. They’re two super talented teenagers who will prove crucial as the Tigers try to rebuild the club under Benji Marshall. Immediately, though, he will give the forward pack some much needed power up front.
FLETCHER BAKER
New club: Broncos
Signed until: 2025
Position: Prop
Big, fast and strong, the 23-year-old comes to Brisbane having not yet filled his potential as a front rower. In three seasons at the Roosters he’s played 45 games, mostly from the bench, but there’s a chance for him to go to a new level with the grand finalists. There’s a gap left by Tom Flegler in the middle that he’s gunning to fill.
STEPHEN CRICHTON
New club: Bulldogs
Signed until: 2027
Position: Centre/fullback
Penrith’s premiership star is the biggest name making a switch in 2024 and a huge signing for the Bulldogs. Crichton has shone in big moments across the past three grand finals and his confidence, experience and talent is exactly what the Bulldogs need. Put simply, he’s a winner who will take ownership in helping turn the club around.
JOSH CURRAN
New club: Bulldogs
Signed until: 2025
Position: Second row/lock
The aggressive young second-rower is exactly what the Bulldogs need in 2024 to add some steel to the once famed pack. At 24, his best football is still ahead of him and a fresh start could be key to unlocking his potential as an enforcer. Gutsy and competitive, he’s crucial for the Bulldogs who have heavily recruited backline talent.
KAEO WEEKES
New club: Raiders
Signed until: 2025
Position: Fullback/five-eighth
The 21-year-old only showed a glimpse of his capabilities at Manly and given the opportunity he could help spark something special at the Raiders. With the loss of Jack Wighton at five-eighth there’s a big gap in strike power in the halves, and they’re lacking a steady fullback option, too. Weekes has the athleticism and skill to fill either spot.
HERBIE FARNWORTH
New club: Dolphins
Signed until: 2026
Position: Centre
This is without a doubt one of the biggest signings for 2024. The young English centre has been one of the brightest young stars in the game for the past few years and his season with the Broncos in 2023 was a big reason for their grand final finish. He joins the Dolphins just as he’s reaching his potential as an NRL star and the club will reap all the benefits for the next few years.
THOMAS FLEGLER
New club: Dolphins
Signed until: 2027
Position: Prop/lock
The Queensland and Australia prop has been an emerging forward at Brisbane for a few years now but stepping out of the shadow of some of his star teammates could do him the world of good at the Dolphins. At 24 he’s coming into the peak of his powers, and this move ensures he’ll be a big dog in the pack and it could take him and the Dolphins to a new level.
LUKE BROOKS
New club: Sea Eagles
Signed until: 2027
Position: Halfback
After 11 seasons of first-grade with the Tigers, Brooks has finally made a change that could be just as beneficial for him as for the Sea Eagles. At 28, the halfback has never played finals despite some genuinely good individual seasons. With Daly Cherry-Evans next to him at Manly, all the responsibility won’t be on him and it could be enough to allow Brooks to play freely as well as give the team some stability in the spine.
ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK
New club: Warriors
Signed until: 2026
Position: Fullback/centre
He was the Warriors skipper, fullback and one of the biggest stars in the NRL until he defected to rugby union at the end of 2021. His rugby league comeback as part of the club’s revival under coach Andrew Webster adds more legitimacy to the squad heading into 2024 after their fairytale top four finish this year. His experience and attacking flair in the centres will give them another point of difference.
KAI PEARCE-PAUL
New club: Knights
Signed until: 2025
Position: Second row
The 22-year-old forward is one of two Englishman who have landed at the Knights for 2024, but what makes him a top recruit is how brilliantly he will slip into the starting side. The exit of Lachlan Fitzgibbon to the Super League opens up a spot on the left edge where Kalyn Ponga like to hang, and Pearce-Paul lands at the perfect time to fill it as an international forward fresh off a premiership with Wigan.
JACK WIGHTON
New club: Rabbitohs
Signed until: 2027
Position: Centre/fullback/five-eighth
Last season was deeply disappointing for the Rabbitohs, so on face value alone Wighton gives fans something to be excited about. He’s a shiny new toy that brings plenty of hope for the season ahead. The former Australian and NSW star is a genuinely good recruit though too, and will add another x-factor with toughness to a backline that can be the best in the game on their day.
SPENCER LENIU
New club: Roosters
Signed until: 2025
Position: Prop
Leniu’s role as a bench forward at Penrith has been an underrated but crucial part of the clubs’ three-peat premiership success over the past few years. The 23-year-old prop comes to the Roosters ready to take on more responsibility as a starting player and will add competition for Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Terrell May and Lindsay Collins.
Originally published as NRL 2024: The 13 key NRL signings for the 2024 season and how they will benefit your club
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