We’re just about two thirds of the way through the 2024 regular season, and there have been plenty of players who have shined in new colours.
Stephen Crichton has helped lead a culture shake-up at the Bulldogs, and that has been evidenced by the club’s on-field turnaround this season while the Roosters have struck gold with two of their new additions.
The jury’s still out on several players at new clubs and certain recruitment decisions, but it’s not too early to come to the conclusion that there have been some swings and misses as well.
Read on for foxsports.com.au recruitment report card!
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BRONCOS
2024 recruits: Fletcher Baker (Roosters), Josiah Karapani (Souths), Jaiyden Hunt (Dragons), Jack Gosiewski (Cowboys)
Analysis: It has been a difficult season for Kevin Walters and the Broncos with the new signings failing to cover for some big-name departures. Brisbane lost several key personnel in the off season, including Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Kurt Capewell, and those losses have been felt hard with the proud club remarkably sitting outside of the eight heading into Round 18. Fletcher Baker was meant to add some starch to this forward pack and many envisaged he’d form a 1-2 punch with Payne Haas, but the former Rooster has fallen down the pecking order. Jack Gosiewski played just a handful of matches for the Broncos after a mid-season switch from the Cowboys, but has been ruled out for the year with a broken arm. Josiah Karapani has been a find however. The outside back has been strong in limited action. He debuted for the Broncos in Magic Round and has played in just four first grade matches this season, averaging 111 metres and five tackle busts per game. He’s proved to be good depth cover as the Broncos have battled with injuries and players on Origin duty.
Grade: D+
RAIDERS
2024 recruits: Simi Sasagi (Knights), Kaeo Weekes (Sea Eagles), Morgan Smithies (Wigan Warriors), Zac Hosking (Panthers)
Analysis: Mixed bag from Canberra’s recruits this season. Englishman Morgan Smithies has been a solid performer in the middle of the field for Canberra. He doesn’t add much in attack in terms of being a try-scoring threat or game-breaker, but he’s a sure tackler who gets his 100m a game. The versatile Kaeo Weekes was a low risk purchase from the Sea Eagles. He has a stack of ability and his signing could turn out to be a recruiting masterstroke. Starting the season in NSW Cup, he was promoted to the first grade side after halfback Jamal Fogarty got injured. Weekes was up and down in the No. 7 jersey but showed steady improvement. He has since been moved to fullback by Ricky Stuart to help a sputtering attack, and he was impressive against the Storm last week, producing a highlight-reel full field try. He’s lightning fast and elusive and more plays like that will see him earn the No. 1 jersey for the rest of the year. Back rower Zac Hosking was on track for a stellar season and among the recruit of the year candidates after the first month of the season. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury means he’ll miss the majority of 2024.
Grade: C+
BULLDOGS
2024 recruits: Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Josh Curran (Warriors), Bronson Xerri (drug ban), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Blake Taaffe (Rabbitohs), Jaeman Salmon (Panthers), Drew Hutchison (Roosters), Kurt Mann (Knights), Jake Turpin (Roosters), Poasa Faamausili (Dolphins), Zane Tetevano (Leeds), Daniel Suluka-Fifita (Rabbitohs)
Analysis: No one ambushed the off season quite like the Bulldogs. The addition of several ‘utilities’ has paid dividends, which has the Doggies in the fight for the eight for the first time since 2016. General manager of football Phil Gould copped plenty of criticism during the offseason, preseason and even early in the 2024 season for the club’s recruitment strategy, but so far, nearly all the moves the Bulldogs made (and there were many) have reaped rewards. Much of their recent success can be attributed to the signing of captain Stephen Crichton who has had an enormous impact. At the start of the season there was a lot of chatter surrounding Crichton playing fullback, however Ciraldo stuck to his guns and played him at his preferred position of centre, which has strengthened the Bulldogs edge defence significantly. But it is what Crichton brings off the field which has impressed the Bulldogs the most. He’s united the team into a close-knit group and has brought a level of professionalism as well as a winning culture that the club have been lacking over recent years. The utility signings of Connor Tracey, Blake Taaffe, Jaemon Salmon, Drew Hutchinson, Kurt Mann and Jake Turpin have also helped the Dogs turn a corner. Having players that can play in multiple positions has been extremely important to this side as it puts pressure on the players to perform. This is evidenced by the play of Tracey at fullback, who has shone in the role since replacing Taaffe in Round 6. The Bulldogs’ forward pack copped plenty of heat last year and heading into the 2024 season. The signing of Josh Curran from the Warriors has helped improve that group immensely. Curran has brought plenty of toughness to the Bulldogs engine room with strong carries through the middle and relentless defence, which can all be attributed to the intensity that he plays at.
Grade: A
SHARKS
2024 recruits: Billy Burns (Dragons), Michael Gabrael (Bulldogs)
Analysis: There wasn’t much turnover in the off-season for the Sharks, who only added two players in Billy Burns and Michael Gabrael. The latter is a rising star who scored a try for New South Wales in the under 19s State of Origin. He isn’t expected to feature this season but the future looks bright. Burns has only played 57 minutes of first grade across two games off the bench. It’s hard to be overly harsh as they didn’t necessarily recruit poorly, it’s just they didn’t really add any key parts for this season. Cronulla have already made a splash for 2025 with star prop Addin Fonua-Blake to join the Sharks.
Grade: C
DOLPHINS
2024 recruits: Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Thomas Flegler (Broncos), Jake Averillo (Bulldogs), Oryn Keeley (Knights), Tevita Pangai Junior (retired/QLD Cup).
Analysis: On paper, the Dolphins looked to have one of the strongest off-season hauls entering 2024. Herbie Farnworth has immediately improved this team as expected, without yet reaching the heights of last season’s Dally M Centre of the Year campaign. That isn’t totally surprising though considering the gap in talent between the Broncos and Dolphins. Farnworth and Jake Averillo have strengthened the Dolphins’ outside back stocks, with both players fixtures in the starting side in 2024. Tom Flegler was enjoying a strong season and on track for another Maroons jersey before he suffered a shoulder injury and some nerve damage. Worryingly, coach Wayne Bennett says Flegler’s career is in jeopardy. The promising Oryn Keeley has only appeared in two NRL games, but he looks to have a future. All eyes will be on how Tevita Pangai Junior performs for the rest of the season. The polarising forward is writing a rugby league redemption story after ‘retiring’ last season and walking out on a rich deal with the Bulldogs. Bennett rates Pangai Junior highly and is hoping he can help the talented, yet inconsistent 28-year-old. The early returns have been solid at best. In two games off the bench with the Dolphins, Pangai Junior is averaging 69 metres, 14 tackles and two offloads.
Grade: B+
Rugby star to join Chooks mid-season! | 01:16
TITANS
2024 recruits: Keenan Palasia (Broncos), Harley Smith Shields (Raiders)
Analysis: Former Bronco Keenan Palasia has been a little underwhelming in his first season on the Gold Coast. Palasia enjoyed a breakout year in 2023, which included a terrific outing in last year’s grand final. It was anticipated he’d lock down a starting role in the Titans forward pack, but due to injuries and inconsistent play, he’s featured in just seven games, only starting in two of those. The Titans will be hoping he can build off a strong outing against the Warriors in Round 16 (103m, 23 tackles, one try), which his best game of the season. Harley Smith-Shields was playing good footy before sustaining a pec injury in Round 10. Including his club debut in Round 5, he played five games in the centres. He’s slated to return from injury in the next couple of weeks but it remains to be seen if he can force his way back into the side as the Titans outside backs have been performing well of late.
Grade: C+
SEA EAGLES
2024 recruits: Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers), Tommy Talau (Wests Tigers), Jaxson Paulo (Roosters), Corey Waddell (Bulldogs), Nathan Brown (Roosters), Aitasi James (Wests Tigers), Jake Simpkin (Wests Tigers – mid season), Aaron Schoupp (Titans – mid season)
Analysis: The Sea Eagles attacked the off season pretty hard acquiring numerous players. None more important than their five-eighth Luke Brooks, who in the six weeks or so of the competition, looked to be one of the best signings in the comp. Being paired in the halves with the experienced Daley Cherry-Evans unlocked the running game of Brooks, however, in recent weeks his inability to take control of the team while Cherry-Evans has been on Origin duties may have fans concerned for the future when DCE hangs the boots up. The addition of Tommy Talau and Jaxson Paulo have important for Manly’s outside back depth. Both have played key roles for the Sea Eagles, combining for 21 games in 2024. Especially Talau, who has crossed the try line 11 times, including four in one match against competition powerhouses Penrith. His form can be attributed to Manly transitioning him to a winger from a centre. The Sea Eagles also strengthened their forward pack by adding some experience in Corey Waddell and Nathan Brown. Brown had an impressive pre-season at Manly, which has been evident in his 11 games this year. The 31-year-old has no shortage of fire in his belly and the aggression he brings is just what the Sea Eagles need.
Grade: B
STORM
2024 recruits: Shawn Blore (Wests Tigers), Ativalu Lisati (Panthers)
Analysis: Edge forward Shawn Blore arrived at the Storm as part of a player swap with the Tigers, with Melbourne sending outside back Justin Olam. Blore has locked down a spot on Melbourne’s right edge and has been one of the club’s most consistent performers. There were question marks on the Storm’s forward pack throughout the off season, but they only felt the need to add one player. So far, the forwards and Blore have been terrific with Melbourne four points clear at the top of the table.
Grade: B-
KNIGHTS
2024 recruits: Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan), Will Pryce (Huddersfield), Jack Cogger (Panthers), Jed Cartwright (Souths), Tom Jenkins (Panthers)
Analysis:Kai Pearce-Paul has exceeded expectations in his first season in the NRL. The Englishman has appeared in 14 of 15 games for Newcastle, starting and playing 80 minutes as the left edge forward in all but two of those 14. The powerful 23-year-old is still on an upward spiral and could be a force to be reckoned with in the near future. We’re sure Knights powerbrokers are keen to soon start talks on an contract extension with the 23-year-old otherwise there’s no doubt rival clubs will attempt to make a play. His fellow countryman Will Pryce looks the goods as well, albeit with a much smaller sample size. He made his NRL debut against the Eels last weekend, scoring a try and proving to be a lively presence. There has been quite the halves carousel this season at Newcastle with Jackson Hastings, Tyson Gamble, Pryce and Jack Cogger all rotating through. Cogger, a former Panther who helped Penrith to a come from behind win in last year’s grand final, struggled to clamp down a first grade spot for the Knights, leading to Pryce’s inclusion. The 21-year-old son of former Super League star Leon Pryce will be given the chance to lock down the No. 6 jersey going forward. Winger Tom Jenkins was given every chance to take Dom Young’s spot on the flank, but he has been beaten out by Enari Tuala.
Grade: B
COWBOYS
2024 recruits: Viliami Vailea (Warriors), Thomas Mikaele (Warrington Wolves), Harrison Edwards (Bulldogs), Braidon Burns (Rabbitohs NSW Cup).
Analysis: All of North Queensland’s four recruits have contributed for the Cowboys this season. Viliami Vailea started 2024 for his new club in reserve grade, but was promoted when Zac Laybutt went down with an ACL injury. Vailea has proven to be a handy contributer on the right edge, averaging 134 metres per game, with the Cowboys winning five of eight when he’s been in the line up. A pair of mid-season aquisitions in Harrison Edwards and Braidon Burns have been solid stop gap options when injury issues arise or when the Cowboys are missing players to Origin duties. Burns has scored five tries in four games while Edwards, who was signed as a front rower, has filled in at hooker in Reece Robson’s absence, showing to be a sure defender. Tom Mikaele is a powerful ball runner who has been let off the leash in short spurts at times this season.
Grade: B
EELS
2024 recruits: Kelma Tuilagi (Sea Eagles), Morgan Harper (Sea Eagles)
Analysis: The Eels had a quiet off season, only landing two players, both from the Sea Eagles. Centre Morgan Harperhad quite the start to the season making an appearance in the first four games, scoring in two of them, but has only played in four games since due to the emergence of Blaize Talagi. Before his five-match suspension, back rower Kelma Tuilagi has become a staple in the blue and yellow, with his size and aggressive ball running proving a handful for the opposition at times.
Grade: C
New Eels coach announcement imminent | 06:42
PANTHERS
2024 recruits: Daine Laurie (Wests Tigers), Brad Schneider (Hull KR), Paul Alamoti (Bulldogs), Asu Kepaoa (Wests Tigers)
Analysis: Three recruits landed at the Panthers ahead of the 2024 season and one, Asu Kepaoa, arrived at the club mid-season. The former Tiger is a versatile player who can play on an edge and also in the outside backs. He’s yet to make an appearance for the first grade side, however the 24-year-old has played in the centres three times in NSW Cup. No one can doubt Kepaoa’s ability, and he’s a good depth signing for the reigning premiers. Daine Laurie, who returned to the club after three years at the Tigers, has been excellent filling in for Dylan Edwards at fullback and playing smaller roles off the bench. He was a bright spark in Penrith’s Round 17 loss to the Cowboys and has been playing so well he looks to have locked down a bench spot for the remainder of the season. Brad Schneider has also been solid, becoming the latest halfback to make a move to the Panthers in the hopes of reviving his career. He’s struggled for consistency when picked, but hasn’t been bad by and stretch and will likely be a solid back-up for the remainder of the year alongside rising star Jack Cole. The real recruitment win for Penrith this season has come in the form of Paul Alamoti. The 20-year-old joined the club after he was told he was surplus to requirements at the Bulldogs and has emerged as a genuine strike weapon for the Panthers. He’s filled the spot of stood down centre Taylan May to perfection, making it his own with his trademark tough carries and hole running. The big question mark on his game was his ability on the defensive end, but he’s shown major improvement on that side of the park under Ivan Cleary and could be a first grade regular for years to come.
Grade: B+
RABBITOHS
2024 recruits: Jack Wighton (Raiders), Sean Keppie (Sea Eagles).
Analysis: Despite a torried 2023 the South Sydney Rabbitohs weren’t active in the player market in the off seaosn. After all, they possessed a side littered with Origin stars who many expected to inspire a turnaround of fortunes this year. The one notable deal the Rabbitohs did make was bringing in modern Raiders great Jack Wighton. Viewed by many as big business, Wighton was seen as another elite attacking weapon in a team littered with them. Parking at centre on that lethal Bunnies left edge, 2024 was anticipated to be a season for the ages for Wighton. Fair to say things haven’t progressed as planned for him or the Rabbitohs. This isn’t to suggest Wighton has been poor or underwhelming, for the large part of the season he’s been one of South Sydney’s strongest peformers. But out in the centres he was wasted. Wighton’s recent shift to five-eighth has seen his hands get on the ball more often and coincided with a rich run of form for the Rabbitohs that has the potential to end with a finals berth. Only now, 17 rounds into the season, does it feel like South Sydney are getting what they paid for with Wighton. Their other recruit for 2024 Sean Keppie has done a solid if unremarkable job, averaging 85 running metres and 20 tackles per game. At his best Keppie can become a reliable first grade front rower who is capable of meeting the NRL’s physical demands. At worst, he will be a valuable squad member always capable of doing a job when called upon, much like former Rabbitoh Liam Knight.
Grade: C+
DRAGONS
2024 recruits: Kyle Flanagan (Bulldogs), Luciano Leilua (Cowboys), Hame Sele (Rabbitohs), Tom Eisenhuth (Storm), Corey Allan (Roosters), Jesse Marschke (Bears NSW Cup), Raymond Faitala-Mariner (Bulldogs), Christian Tuipulotu (Sea Eagles), Fa’amanu Brown (Hull FC).
Analysis: At the start of the season a lot of people had pencilled the Dragons in as wooden spooners. But after 17 rounds the Dragons currently sit 8th. This can be attributed to a couple handy signings that have proved valuable. None more important than Kyle Flanagan, who has revamped his career in the Red V, combining well with halfback Ben Hunt. Flanagan’s a strong defender and is a threat close to the line, as his five tries for the season exemplifies. The back row has also been significantly strengthened through the signings of Luciano Leilua and Raymond Faitala-Mariner. Both explosive second rowers bring some unpredictability to the Dragons side, which bolsters their attack dramatically. They are both also extremely physical and have no problem breaking tackles. Faitala-Mariner especially has proved a handful for opposing defences, with the 30-year-old playing career-best footy over the past couple of months. The addition of Hame Sele and Tom Eisenhuth have bolstered the forward pack as well with Sele making important metres up the middle while Eisenhuth has defended his backside off week in and week out. Finally, Christian Tuipulotu and Corey Allan were brought to the club to strengthen the depth of the back five. Tuipulotu has bought into what the Dragons want to do with strong carries out of his own end, averaging 138 metres per game. Unfortunately for Allan, he was ruled out for the season back in January after sustaining an ACL injury.
Grade: B+
ROOSTERS
2024 recruits: Dominic Young (Knights), Spencer Leniu (Panthers), Michael Jennings (return from ban)
Analysis: The Roosters recruited two impressive players ahead of their 2024 campaign, while also adding a returning veteran who has played a surprising amount of NRL games. Michael Jennings, 36, returned to rugby league after a three-year drugs ban and has played six games, proving to be a solid replacement option at centre under Trent Robinson. But the real fire power comes in the form of Dominic Young and Spencer Leniu. Leniu’s start to life at the Tricolours came with a whopping ban after he made a racist remark to Ezra Mam during the Las Vegas season opener. He showed remorse for his actions and has since been a solid performer for the Roosters, earning selection in Michael Maguire’s NSW Blues side and making a huge impact off the bench. Young, meanwhile, has been the club’s marquee recruit and the English flyer is one of the competition’s elite wingers. Fresh from scoring a ridiculous 25 tries in 25 games for Newcastle, Young hasn’t skipped a beat and has scored 12 tries in 12 games for his new club. The Tricolours have also unlocked his speed and ability to break the defensive line, and he’s proven to be a crucial member of this Roosters outfit who are surging towards a top four finish. Three solid signings overall for Robinson’s outfit.
Grade: A-
WARRIORS
2024 recruits: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (rugby union), Chanel Harris-Tavita (year off), Kurt Capewell (Broncos)
Analysis: Three players in for the Warriors ahead of the 2024 season, with Chanel Harris-Tavita returning to the club after a one-year stint away from the game. His return has been a success, proving to be a strong injection into the New Zealand outfit both off the bench and in the starting side in the absence of Luke Metcalf and Shaun Johnson. Andrew Webster also wanted to add experience to his forward pack and did so in the form of Kurt Capewell. The veteran back rower has won premierships in the past and has delivered in grand finals and in the Origin arena, so it was a no-brainer for the Warriors to add someone of his quality. Injuries have hampered his involvement so far this year, and he’s played 10 games in the back row and off the bench. Capewell has been a solid signing for New Zealand but hasn’t set the world on fire. Meanwhile, the return of New Zealand’s favourite rugby league son Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been a hit. After a stint in rugby union, the former Dally M winner has fitted back seamlessly into the Warriors backline at centre. The 31-year-old has scored three tries, but it’s been his efforts on the defensive end that have really shone bright on return. It was a huge coup for Webster to land a player of his quality, and he’s been a welcome addition to this side, providing cover in almost every position across the backline/
Grade: B-
TIGERS
2024 recruits: Latu Fainu (Sea Eagles), Samuela Fainu (Sea Eagles), Solomona Faataape (Brisbane Tigers), Justin Olam (Storm), Jayden Sullivan (Dragons), Aidan Sezer (Leeds Rhinos), Solomon Alaimalo (Super Rugby)
Analysis: In the Benji Marshall coaching era, the Wests Tigers gained both experience as well as a few young guns. Arguably the two most important additions to the 2024 squad have been Justin Olam and Aidan Sezer. Sezer’s excellent kicking game and ability to control a side has proven valuable for the Tigers. As for Olam, his try scoring prowess and the work he gets through as a result of tough carries from his own end has added a whole new dimension that the Tigers back five have lacked recently. The standout however, has been the addition of Samuela Fainu, who came from Manly with his brother Latu. Samuela has had quite the breakout year, cementing the left edge forward position. There have been some growing pains, but signs are bright for his future. Watch this space as he continues to build a deadly combination with young five-eighth Lachie Galvin on the left edge. The signing of Jayden Sullivan hasn’t worked out, with inconsistency being one of the biggest critiques of the 22-year-old. There have been glimpses of Sullivan’s game-breaking ability this season, but too often he fails to make an impact. There are reports that Sullivan, who was signed to a contract worth $550,000 a year, will be shown the door after just one season. If that’s the case, it will prove to be a horror recruitment bungle.
Grade: C+