Find out who the top 10 NRL Best Buys of 2023 are! Get the latest news and analysis on which teams will be getting the best value for their money this season.
Viliame Kikau
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Penrith Panthers
To: Canterbury Bulldogs
Whilst the signing of Kikau was announced a far while back, the excitement in the lead up to his debut in a new look Bulldogs side has been growing by the day. With multiple grand final appearances under his belt and closing in on the 125 NRL game mark, Kikau brings much need experience to a young squad in season 2023.
Reed Mahoney
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Parramatta Eels
To: Canterbury Bulldogs
Another huge get for the Dogs, Reed Mahoney slots in to fill the hole left in the number nine jersey with the departure of Jeremy Marshall-King to the Dolphins. Having been a large part of the relatively successful year the Eels put together in 2022, Mahoney brings energy and pace to the Canterbury squad that is beginning to take shape.
Brandon Smith
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Melbourne Storm
To: Sydney Roosters
With Sam Verrills departure to the Gold Coast Titans, Brandon Smith walks into the Roosters as first choice hooker with a point to prove. Having previously split his time in the role with Harry Grant back at the Storm, Smith now gets the chance to make the position his own, and coming out of a Craig Bellamy coached Melbourne system should bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to a Roosters team that struggled with injuries in 2022.
Jackson Hastings
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Wests Tigers
To: Newcastle Knights
Newcastle have finally signed an established halfback in the form of Jackson Hastings. Heading to the Hunter with experience in the Super League and with the Wests Tigers, Hastings brings a wealth of expertise and leadership ability, a much-needed quality for a Newcastle side that has often struggled with finding on field direction. Pairing with superstar Kalyn Ponga in the halves, Hastings could make or break Newcastle’s 2023 season.
Api Koroisau
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Penrith Panthers
To: Wests Tigers
If any team needed a veteran player with speed and skill, it was the Tigers, and they’ve found their man in premiership winning hooker Api Koroisau. Coming off the back of a grand final victory, Koroisau brings experience with big games and much needed ball playing skills and pace to a squad that often seemed out of their depth last year.
Isaiah Papali’i
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Parramatta Eels
To: Wests Tigers
Another one for the Tigers, rampaging back-rower Isaiah Papali’i joins the club on a three-year deal. Despite controversy surrounding the signing last season in which Papali’i apparently considered back flipping on the agreement, he has since talked of his dedication to Wests and their upcoming season. Papali’i will provide the Tigers with much needed battering power and a thirst for success.
Reece Walsh
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: New Zealand Warriors
To: Brisbane Broncos
Reece Walsh returns as a prodigal son to the club he spent his formative years with, in season 2023. After a two-year stint at the Warriors, Walsh comes back to the Broncos on a three year deal with first grade experience under his belt, and even earnt a State of Origin call up in 2022, although did not play due to injury. Whilst coach Kevin Walters has made is clear that Walsh is not guaranteed the fullback position y default, this competition should push Walsh to new heights in the upcoming season.
Jesse and Kenny Bromwich
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Melbourne Storm
To: Dolphins
Securing brothers with 10 years’ worth of knowledge and success from the Melbourne Storm for a brand new first grade team makes the Bromwich brothers a combined buy of the season. With over 500 games of NRL experience between them, Jesse and Kenny will foster an environment of professionalism and be able to mentor youngsters through the NRL process. Whilst both brothers are pushing close to retirement age, having them as a stabilising force for at least a season or two will do a world of good for the new franchise.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: North Queensland Cowboys
To: Dolphins
On the opposite end of the line from the Bromwich brothers above, young gun Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow joins the Dolphins with his eye on the number one jersey and brings both speed and excitement to the team. The 21-year-old is already a State of Origin player and is the sort of player you can build a squad around for the foreseeable future.
Lachlan Miller
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom: Cronulla Sharks
To: Newcastle Knights
Fast, energetic and with everything to prove, Lachlan Miller may be able to solve Newcastle’s woes. Coming in as first choice fullback, after sitting behind Will Kennedy at Cronulla last year, Miller’s addition to the Knights allows Kalyn Ponga to slot into the five-eighth position and create a new look spine.
