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Now here’s a fun side to contemplate while you’re preparing your Christmas shopping list, my pick of a side made up the best of the signings for 2025. Time will tell if they’re a success at their new clubs.
1. Clint Gutherson (Dragons from the Eels)
Parramatta’s loss will no doubt be the Dragons’ gain, and if nothing else, “King Gutho” will significantly increase the Dragons’ level of arm waving and referee nagging.
2. Sunia Turuva (Tigers from the Panthers)
The last fast winger to transition from being a Panther to a Tiger was Charlie Staines. Anyone remember him? Let’s hope Sunia has better luck.
3. Zac Lomax (Eels from the Dragons)
Take a copy of this because it’s likely to be the last time you’ll see Lomax named in the centres unless Eels’ new coach Jason Ryles has rocks in his head. Everyone from Shane Flanagan, Michael Maguire to Mal Meninga knows that Lomax is an exceptional winger but a very average centre.
4. Valentine Holmes (Dragons from the Cowboys)
The last time Holmes and Shane Flanagan got together they each finished with a premiership ring. Dare to dream Dragons fans, dare to dream.
5. Josh Addo-Carr (Eels from the Bulldogs)
I wonder if the speedy winger will ever work out how that career-changing substance got into his blood stream? It’s certainly got me beat.
6. Jarome Luai (Tigers from the Panthers)
No pressure, Jarome, just enjoy yourself – after all, your contract will allow you to jump ship if the Tigers don’t climb off the bottom of the ladder by the end of 2026.
7. Lewis Dodd (Rabbitohs from St Helens)
Who? Don’t worry, I’ve never heard of him either, but with Ben Hunt way too old to play 80 minutes these days, and competition for the No.7 jersey limited to the likes of Tanah Boyd, Chad Townsend and Lachlan Ilias, who else could I pick?
8. James Fisher-Harris (Warriors from the Panthers)
If nothing else, for the first time in a long time, the Kiwi Test captain will be living in Kiwiland. Oh yes, and the middle of the Warriors’ ruck won’t be a place for beginners.
(Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
9. Ben Hunt (Broncos from the Dragons)
Unless Ezra Mam gets serious jail time for his infamous traffic offences, Ben Hunt may become an expensive depth signing for the Broncos. Fingers and toes crossed, Ben.
10. Addin Fonua-Blake (Sharks from the Warriors)
If it was the Sharks intention to add some mongrel to their side by signing AFB – job done!
11. Isaiah Papali’i (Penrith from the Tigers)
The big weapon was one of the best in the game during his stint with the Eels in 2021-22, and now after a couple of years resting up at the Tigers, he’s just the man to step into the shoes of James Fisher-Harris for the Panthers.
12. Sitili Tupouniua (Bulldogs from the Roosters)
Most clubs would be happy to have just one power running edge forward in Viliame Kikau, but adding Tupouniua to the mix looks a little greedy to me.
13. Terrell May (Tigers from the Roosters)
It’s a big mystery why May was unceremoniously punted by the Roosters just weeks after having his contract extended. No doubt both May and the Roosters know why, but no one’s telling.
Terrell May of the Roosters celebrates with teammates. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
14. Erin Clark (Warriors from the Titans)
After seemingly wasting five years trying to win anything on the Gold Coast it’s good to see Clark return home to Auckland to see out his career.
15. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki (Dolphins from the Cowboys)
The big Tongan is not just a devastating ball runner and exciting prospect but also my hot tip for inclusion in the 2025 Premier’s Spelling Bee.
16. Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Warriors from the Titans)
RCG made the mistake of being voted the Eels’ player of the year in 2024 which saw him promptly ejected from the club. Don’t worry Reg, you’re playing on the Gold Coast now, time to put your feet up and enjoy the early retirement with the rest of the Titans squad.
17. Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm from the Tigers)
Big Stefano has been a promising player for the last five years now, half-heartedly wandering around the paddock for the Eels and the Tigers. There might be a big wake up call coming, and I hope he’s prepared for life under Craig Bellamy.
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