Back in November if you blinked you would miss the latest signing in the NRL. But now as we creep closer to the 2020 season the squads are just about settled.

Some clubs have recruited heavily for 2020 like the Panthers who have snatched up three regular first graders, while other clubs like the Titans and Storm haven’t acquired any big names.

Here, foxsports.com.au rates the ins, outs and re-signings of every club in the NRL – so far.

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Round 19

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Ins: Brodie Croft (Storm), Jordan Kahu (Cowboys), Jesse Arthurs (Titans), Ilikena Vudogo, Keenan Palasia, Jamil Hopoate, Xavier Coates (all upgraded from development contracts).

Outs: Troy Dargan (Rabbitohs), Matt Gillett, Shaun Fensom, Sam Tagataese (retired), George Fai, Patrick Mago, James Segeyaro (unsigned), Gehamat Shibasaki (Knights).

Rating: B-: The Broncos haven’t got huge depth in the halves so nifty halfback Brodie Croft is a good pick up but is he of the calibre needed to steer the ship in 2020? Locking down the likes of Alex Glenn, Kotoni Staggs and Corey Oates as well as young guns Thomas Flegler and Jake Turpin sits the Broncos in a comfortable position heading into the 2020 season and beyond.

New recruit Brodie Croft in action during Brisbane Broncos training. Source: AAP

CANBERRA RAIDERS

Ins: Curtis Scott (Storm), George Williams (Wigan Warriors), Tom Starling, Harley Smith-Shields (upgraded from development contracts)

Outs: Jordan Rapana (Japanese rugby union), Ata Hingano (Mackay Cutters), Brad Abbey, Royce Hunt, Reuben Porter (unsigned), Aidan Sezer (Huddersfield), Joey Leilua (Tigers)

Rating: A-: Prior to Curtis Scott’s Australia Day incident, the Raiders’ recruitment for 2020 was very impressive. But given a possible suspension for Scott then add the loss of Joey Leilua to the Wests Tigers on top of that and their recruitment doesn’t look as dangerous anymore. Losing Jordan Rapana will hurt, however English half George Williams is a big addition and will take the Raiders’ attack to the next level. The club has also locked down their future by re-signing 2019 Clive Churchill medallist Jack Wighton until the end of 2024.

Curtis Scott was a huge pick up by the Raiders but after an off-field incident he’s expected to cop a suspension. Source: Instagram

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN BULLDOGS

Ins: Joe Stimson (Storm), Dean Britt (Rabbitohs), Sione Katoa (Panthers), Isaiah Tass (upgraded from development list), Jake Averillo (upgraded from lower grades)

Outs: Connelly Lemuele (Cowboys), Michael Lichaa, Danny Fualalo, John Olive, Nu Brown, Kaiyne-Lee Kalache (all unsigned)

Rating: B+: For a team that hasn’t got a huge amount of cash to spend, the Bulldogs have recruited smartly picking up three solid players. The biggest win for the club – and the reason their rating is on the higher end – is re-signing captain Josh Jackson until the end of 2023 and reliable fullback Dallin Watene-Zelezniak until the end of 2022. Other key members of the team have also been locked in including Lachie Lewis, Reimis Smith and Renouf To’omaga. Not that it will affect their 2020 season, but the Bulldogs also get a special mention for signing gun English forward Luke Thompson on a three-year deal starting in 2021.

The Bulldogs re-signed club captain and fan favourite Josh Jackson on a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of 2023. Source: AAP

CRONULLA SHARKS

Ins: Connor Tracey (Rabbitohs), Jesse Ramien (Knights), Cameron King (Featherstone)

Outs: Jayden Brailey (Knights), Sosaia Feki (Castleford), Kyle Flanagan (Roosters), (retired), Kurt Capewell (Panthers), Aaron Gray (unsigned), Matt Prior (Leeds)

Rating: C-: The Sharks don’t have much cash to play with heading into the 2020 season due to a salary cap penalty. Their biggest buy is centre Jesse Ramien who returns after one season with the Knights, but the outside backs is one area they didn’t need to beef-up – and recent reports are suggesting their most consistent player in centre Josh Morris wants out because of this signing. The re-signing of young forwards Jack Williams and Braden Hamlin-Uele is a boost for the club to make up for Paul Gallen’s retirement and losing Matt Prior to the Super League. Re-signing workhorse half Chad Townsend until the end of 2023 is another win for the club. It’s a tough call giving them a C- considering the club is set to unleash its young guns in 2020 but so much experience has been lost already and Ramien’s signing could see another heap of experience leave the time as well.

Jesse Ramien returns to the Sharks after spending one season with the Knights. Source: News Corp Australia

GOLD COAST TITANS

Ins: Jonus Pearson (Dragons), Darius Farmer (upgraded from development contract), Greg Leleisiuao (Eels), Erin Clark (Warriors), Beau Fermor (Knights)

Outs: Michael Gordon, Will Matthews (retired), Jesse Arthars (Broncos), Ryley Jacks (Storm), Brenko Lee (Storm), Jack Stockwell (unsigned), Leilani Latu (Warrington)

Rating: F: The Titans needed to sign a marquee player, but instead they’ve signed a host of youngsters. The new signings have 22 NRL games between them and 21 of those games belong to Jonus Pearson. Letting go of Ryley Jacks and Brenko Lee to the Storm is an interesting decision. Jacks in particular is a strong and reliable back up half option for the club that could have continued to keep the pressure on Ash Taylor and Tyrone Roberts in 2020. The loss of Jesse Arthars could be the Titans’ most costly mistake. The 21-year-old is a talented utility back and is shining so bright during the Broncos’ pre-season that he’s challenging Darius Boyd for the No. 1 jersey. Securing Storm rookie Tino Fa’asuamaleaui from 2021 is a great get by the club … but would be even better if they could get him for this season.

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MANLY SEA EAGLES

Ins: Danny Levi (Knights), Luke Metcalf (upgraded from development contract), Brayden Musgrove (Knights)

Outs: Kane Elgey, Trent Hodkinson (retired), Apisai Koroisau (Panthers), Lloyd Perrett (unsigned)

Rating: B: Losing two experienced halves would hurt any other club but the halves is one position Manly are stacked in. Upgrading young half Luke Metcalf just adds to that depth. Danny Levi was a good pick up by coach Des Hasler to fill the hooking role that would have been Manase Fainu’s if he wasn’t currently stood down. The biggest recruitment win is re-signing the heart and soul of the club, Jake and Tom Trbojevic on five-year deals which bumps Manly up to a B-.

Tom Trbojevic and Jake Trbojevic (L-R) are announced to re-sign with the Manly Sea Eagles for a further 6 years during a Manly Warringah Sea Eagles media conference. Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE STORM

Ins: Brenko Lee (Titans), Ryley Jacks (Titans), Aaron Pene, Darryn Schonig, Nicho Hynes, Isaac Lumelume (upgraded)

Outs: Will Chambers (Japanese rugby), Solomone Kata (Super Rugby), Joe Stimson (Bulldogs), Billy Walters (Wests Tigers), Curtis Scott (Raiders), Brodie Croft (Broncos)

Rating: C-: When you look at a squad that has the likes of Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster and Dale Finucane among others you can understand why the Storm haven’t needed to do much recruiting for 2020. But because this is purely rating the recruitment for 2020 it would be inconsistent not to give them a low score. Losing both starting centres in Will Chambers and Curtis Scott is bound to cause a dent in Melbourne’s attack. There’s over 250 NRL games experience between the pair and the club hasn’t recruited a seasoned centre in their absence. Re-signing Kenny Bromwich and Tui Kamikamica on the back of a huge 2019 for both of them is a smart move by the club but not landing an experienced outside back is a questionable decision, especially when rumours continue to circulate that winger Josh Addo-Carr will leave this year – earlier than the planned release date.

Ryley Jacks returns to where his NRL career started after a one-year stint with the Titans. Source: AAP

NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS

Ins: Jayden Brailey (Sharks), Bradman Best, Star To’a, Jirah Momoisea (upgraded from development contracts), Enari Tuala (Cowboys), Gehamat Shibasaki (Broncos)

Outs: Shaun Kenny-Dowall (Hull KR), James Gavet (Huddersfield), Jamie Buhrer (unsigned), Zac Woolford (Newtown Jets), Jesse Ramien (Sharks), Slade Griffin, Nathan Ross (retired), Danny Levi (Sea Eagles)

Rating: B-: The Knights have struggled in the hooking position in the past. Slade Griffin wasn’t able to recover from his 2018 ACL injury and Danny Levi failed to make the No. 9 jersey permanently his. For that reason, the signing of Jayden Brailey is a huge win for the club. Brailey is a proven hooker with 70 NRL games already under his belt at just 23-years old. The biggest loss for the Knights is Jesse Ramien, however he didn’t reach his full potential with the club so they’re probably better off investing in an up and comer like Bradman Best or new signing Gehamat Shibasaki. Locking in the club’s 2019 player of the year Mitch Barnett until the end of 2023 is a good move by the club.

Knights new signing Jayden Brailey will make the No. 9 jersey his own. Source: AAP

NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS

Ins: Adam Pompey, Eliesa Katoa (upgraded from development contract), Wayde Egan (Panthers)

Outs: Blayke Ayshford (retired), Issac Luke (Dragons), Tevita Satae (Hull FC), Ligi Sao (Hull FC)

Rating: F: On paper Issac Luke is a huge loss for the Warriors but in reality they’re probably better off without him. There’s no denying Luke’s ability when he’s in form but last season he wasn’t reaching that consistent brilliance we’re so used to seeing. Moving Luke on opened up the opportunity to sign former Panthers hooker Wayde Egan who is handy to have on the books given how unlucky Kane Lawton is with injuries. Other than the movement at hooker, the Warriors haven’t achieved much in recruitment. Clubs who had a successful 2019 could get away with light recruitment but the Warriors finished 13th and needed to lure across a world class forward to lead the pack.

NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS

Ins: Reece Robson (Dragons), Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers), Connelly Lemuelu (Bulldogs), Reuben Cotter, Thomas Gilbert, Daniel Russell (upgraded from development contracts), Valentine Holmes (NFL)

Outs: Matt Scott, Scott Bolton (retired), Jordan Kahu (Broncos), Enari Tuala (Knights), Te Maire Martin (retired), Javid Bowen, Gideon Gela-Mosby, Kurt Baptiste, Carlin Anderson, (all unsigned)

Rating: A: The Cowboys have made some really impressive recruitment decisions for 2020. The biggest win for the club is snatching up Valentine Holmes. The 24-year-old was one of the brightest talents in the NRL before trying his luck in the NFL. All eyes will be on him come Round 1 and as the ultimate competitor, Holmes will put on his best performance. Former Dragons hooker Reece Robson has been destined to make his mark on the NRL for a couple of years now but has been stuck behind Cameron McInnes. He’ll get his chance at the Cowboys and his addition might even push the club’s long time Jake Granville up another gear. Boom centre Esan Marsters is another good get by the Cowboys. He had a breakout year in 2018 but didn’t quite hit the same heights last season. As a constant improver, Marsters should fly high at a new club.

All eyes will be on Valentine Holmes in Round 1 when he plays his first NRL game since trying his luck in the NFL. Source: News Corp Australia

PARRAMATTA EELS

Ins: Ryan Matterson (Tigers), Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Panthers), Haze Dunster, Ethan Parry (upgraded from development contracts)

Outs: Tim Mannah, Matt McIlwrick (retired), Manu Ma’u (Hull FC), Tepai Moeroa (Super Rugby), Greg Leleisiuao (Titans), Josh Hoffman (unsigned)

Rating: A: The Eels lost some power in the forward pack and that’s exactly what they recruited. Ryan Matterson is a huge pick up for the club. The 25-year-old was brilliant for the Wests Tigers last season and was on the cusp of making his State of Origin debut. He requested a release from the Tigers for personal reasons so now that he’s settled at the Eels it’s scary to think how good he’ll be. Reagan Campbell-Gillard is in a similar position. He had a career-defining season in 2018 but wasn’t enjoying rugby league last season. The Eels have secured him on a five-year deal and providing he gets back to the form that got him a State of Origin selection then he’ll be a huge asset to the Eels.

The signing of Ryan Matterson make the Eels one of the best recruiters for the 2020 season. Source: News Corp Australia

PENRITH PANTHERS

Ins: Apisai Koroisau (Sea Eagles), Dean Blore, Shawn Blore, Stephen Crichton, Braydon McGrady (upgraded from development contracts), Kurt Capewell (Sharks), Zane Tetevano (Roosters)

Outs: Reagan Campbell-Gillard (Eels), Sione Katoa (Bulldogs), Tim Grant, Sam McKendry (retired), Wayde Egan (Warriors), Tyrell Fuimaono (Dragons), Hame Sele, Frank Winterstein, Paea Pua, Nick Lui-Toso (unsigned)

Rating: A: Although the Panthers’ hooking stocks have taken a hit with the departure of Sione Katoa and Wayde Egan, they’ve welcomed back Api Koroisau who coach Ivan Cleary has said will add another dimension to the team’s attack and take some of the load off halfback Nathan Cleary. Powerhouse forward Zane Tetevano will fill the gap that Reagan Campbell-Gillard has left, while workhorse back-rower Kurt Capewell played some of his best footy last season with the Sharks and should go from strength to strength at the Panthers. All three are solid regular first-graders and the promotion of young talent make Penrith one of the best recruiters for 2020.

Penrith Panthers’ New recruits Apisai Koroisau, Kurt Capewell and Zane Tetevano. Source: News Corp Australia

SOUTH-SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Ins: Latrell Mitchell (Roosters), Bryson Goodwin (Warrington), Troy Dargan (Broncos), Steven Marsters (Dragons), Joshua Cook, Dean Hawkins, Keaon Kolomatangi, Ky Rodwell (upgraded from development contracts)

Outs: John Sutton, Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess (retired), George Burgess (Wigan), Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers), Dean Britt (Bulldogs), Connor Tracey (Sharks), Kyle Turner, Billy Brittain, Jacob Gagan, Mawene Hiroti (unsigned)

Rating: B: Without the signing of Latrell Mitchell the Rabbitohs’ recruitment for 2020 could have been considered lacklustre. Considering the Wests Tigers tabled a mammoth offer to Mitchell, the Bunnies did well to lure him to Redfern and have been scored accordingly. But the marquee signing came at a cost. Promising utility Adam Doueihi – who was on track to claim the No. 1 jersey – lost his place in the squad and had no choice but to leave to chase a better opportunity. South Sydney’s forwards have taken a substantial hit with the retirement of John Sutton and Sam Burgess, as well as the departure of George Burgess. That’s 667 NRL game experience gone. To avoid losing any more big men the club has extended Liam Knight’s contract until the end of 2023 and he’ll play an important role in guiding the young forwards promoted into the top squad.

The Rabbitohs beat a monster deal from the Wests Tigers to secure superstar Latrell Mitchell. Source: News Corp Australia

ST GEORGE-ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Ins: Tyrell Fuimaono (Panthers), Issac Luke (Warriors), Eddie Blacker, Jackson Ford, Jason Saab (upgraded from development contracts), Brayden Wiliame (Catalans)

Outs: Jonus Pearson (Titans), Jeremy Latimore (retired), Gareth Widdop (Warrington), Reece Robson (Cowboys), Steven Marsters (Rabbitohs), Mitchell Allgood, Jai Field, Lachlan Maranta, Patrick Kaufusi, Darren Nicholls, Lachlan Timm (unsigned)

Rating: C: After recording the worst finish in the joint-venture’s history, the Dragons needed to make changes. They’ve lost one of the biggest assets in the team in Gareth Widdop as well as workhorse Jeremy Latimore. The club has also lost one of the brightest hooking talents, Reece Robson to the Cowboys but they understandably had to let him go given Cameron McInnes has total ownership of the No. 9 jersey and is an 80 minute player. McInnes’ role in the squad also calls into question the signing of seasoned hooker Issac Luke. Would the Dragons’ be better off developing a young hooker rather than acquiring a 32-year-old player nearing the end of his career as a back-up option? Maybe. We all know that Zac Lomax is a gun player but he hasn’t had the opportunity to really shine in the one position. This year he’ll get first crack at fullback and the Dragons have shown immense faith in him by extending his contract until the end of 2025. It’s also worth noting that back up halves Darren Nicholls and Jai Field haven’t been re-signed, losing a lot of depth in a key position.

Issac Luke replaces the hooking depth at the Dragons but how much NRL time will he see? Source: News Corp Australia

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Ins: Kyle Flanagan (Sharks)

Outs: Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs), Cooper Cronk (retired), Zane Tetevano (Panthers), Bernard Lewis (unsigned)

Rating: C: The roosters have opted to not replace champion halfback Cooper Cronk with another seasoned playmaker and instead develop a player that can grow with the team. Given Kyle Flanagan’s potential, he was an excellent pick up for the club. Then there’s the gaping hole that superstar centre Latrell Mitchell has left. Trent Robinson was prepared to back young gun Billy Smith but since his ACL injury the Roosters’ recruitment for 2020 now looks a bit scary. If they can secure Josh Morris – who is battling the Sharks for a release – the recruiting all of a sudden bumps up a couple of grades, but at this having lost three NRL mainstays and only acquiring a nine-game rookie the Roosters’ recruitment has to be graded poorly. What bumps the club’s rating up is the re-signing of key members of the team Joseph Manu, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Siosiua Taukeiaho.

Kyle Flanagan trains with retired playmaker Cooper Cronk. Source: Supplied

WESTS TIGERS

Ins: Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs), Billy Walters (Storm), Luciano Leilua (Dragons), Joey Leilua (Raiders)

Outs: Robbie Farah, Robbie Rochow, Ben Matulino (all retired), Mahe Fonua (Hull FC), Esan Marsters (Cowboys), Ryan Matterson (Eels)

Rating: B+: The Wests Tigers have made a late bolt to be one of the better off clubs in the recruitment world for 2020. Picking up Adam Doueihi and Joey Leilua will pay dividends especially after losing Esan Marsters. Ryan Matterson’s release is devastating for the club after he reached career-best form in 2019 but they’ve recruited accordingly with Luciano Leilua. Robbie Farah’s retirement has created headaches for coach Michael Maguire given replacement Jacob Liddle is recovering from an ACL injury. There plans for a swap-deal to take place with the Storm where the Tigers’ Paul Momirovski would head down to Melbourne for the 2020 season while their up and coming hooker Harry Grant would slot in for the Tigers. There were reports of roadblocks arising that’s stopped any progress on this deal happening but if Maguire can get his paws on Grant for the season they club would get a solid A.