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You’re reading this article right now because you love rugby league, and no doubt one of the reasons you love the great game is because of its players.
Guys like Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Greg Inglis are some of the main reasons we tune in each week (or for some of us, even show up to the ground!). It can’t be put into words how heavily players influence the game, and that is why the off-season is at times more important to some teams than the actual season.
And the last off-season really shows how important it is for clubs to spend their money right. Let’s have a look at what have proved to be the best buys of the previous off-season:
10. Brenton Lawrence, Sea Eagles
While he hasn’t been one of the big-name buys like many of the others on this list, Brenton Lawrence has been a very modest and effective purchase for the Sea Eagles last off-season.
Coming over from the Gold Coast Titans, Lawrence has put up some impressive form for Manly this year, and is considered by many to be the fastest front-rower in the league.
The fact that there was any noise at all over who he would be eligible for, Queensland or New South Wales, proves that this talented prop has a big future ahead of him.
9. Ben Te’o, Rabbitohs
While the Rabbitohs would probably have liked a bit more out of big Ben, Te’o has still managed fine form in what for him has been a tumultuous year.
Te’o managed all three Origin games, which is as much as can be expected from the young Queenslander. Rabbitohs fans can expect many years of hard work and service from Te’o in a huge Rabbitohs forward pack for years to come.
8. James Segeyaro, Panthers
The Cowboys will be kicking themselves for selling Segeyaro, as he has improved dramatically this season for the Panthers.
Despite coming off the bench all season, he currently sits on six tries, the second-most at the Panthers.
7. Michael Gordon, Sharks
While he hit a form slump before his last hit-out against Penrith, Michael Gordon’s presence in the Shire has been firmly felt.
He leads the Sharkies in tries, is second in run meters (most by a back), and is third in hit-ups (also the most by a back).
Gordon will be 30 at the start of next season, so he will most likely not be a long-term fullback prospect, but at least until the end of his three-year deal in 2015.
6. Luke Lewis, Sharks
One spot higher than Gordon is his Sharks counterpart Luke Lewis. Lewis is similar to Gordon in that he won’t be around forever, but can add to a strong Sharks nucleus that could challenge for the premiership in a year or two.
Lewis has continued his star form from past years, selected for both Australia and New South Wales.
5. Michael Jennings, Roosters
While Lewis and Gordon will be at the Sharks for a five-or-so-year stint, Jennings is one-third of the magnificent buys the Roosters were able to make for season 2013.
Jennings has been a revelation at Bondi, going from NSW cup in 2012 to Dally-M centre of the year prospect in 2013.
At only 25 years old, Jennings will be around for the long haul, and could, at the end of his career, be a multiple premiership winner
4. Josh Dugan, Dragons
Long and pointless story short, Josh Dugan wound up at the Dragons and is impressing. Impressing so much that despite his “off-field issues,” Laurie Daley chose him at fullback for Game 2 and 3 for New South Wales, where he essentially cemented his spot for next year.
All in all, Dugan is the first step in the right direction of a rebuild down south.
3. Albert Kelly, Titans
Similar to Josh Dugan, after a number of off-field discretions, Albert Kelly has finally found a home this year with the Gold Coast Titans. Thought ‘too young and inexperienced’ by many pundits at the start of the year, Kelly and Aiden Sezer have proven a lethal combination in the halves for the coast.
One day, maybe these two will even pair each other in the sky blue jersey.
2. Sonny Bill Williams, Roosters
Let’s be honest: no-one really thought this guy would lose a step back in league, did they?
Not even Bulldogs fans. Not even the childish Gus Gould, who would tell anyone who was listening how tame union is compared to league.
Everyone knew this guy was going to be a star. And he was.
1. James Maloney, Roosters
How good has this guy been?
Good enough to take the Roosters to the next level. Good enough to be the Roosters five-eighth for their next grand final runs. Good enough to be the best chooks half since Freddy.
Definitely good enough to be the best buy of the year.
Good enough to take Sydney all the way in 2013? Let’s find out.
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