Mathew Williams looks at the top ten most influential transfers ahead of the 2025 National Rugby League season.
10. Carter Gordon
Technically transferred last season but as he didn’t make an appearance last year, he has managed to sneak his way onto this list. While there is plenty of mystery around Gordon and his NRL career and the position he will play, there is little doubt the former Wallabies flyhalf has the necessary skills to translate into a successful NRL career.
Gordon has spent time at both centre and five-eighth in QLD Cup and has a big enough frame that would allow him to play in the forwards in a pinch, providing some all-important utility value that could see him earn a spot on the bench when he returns from his preseason back injury. A big physical specimen with speed and strength that will also provide good service with the boot, the sky is the limit for the 24-year-old rugby convert.
9. Isaiah Papali’i
Embed from Getty ImagesAt his best, Papali’i is barnstorming runner with a Dally M second rower of the year under his belt and after a lean couple of seasons at the Tigers, the 26-year-old will be keen to rediscover his old form as he laces up for Penrith for the first time. The addition of a second rower of his quality to a side that has already achieved an incredible four premierships in a row is a real concern for anyone expecting the downfall of the reigning champs.
Regardless of if he links up with Cleary or partners the new owner of Luai’s six jersey, Papali’i is a frightening prospect anywhere on the field. A very strong defender and ball carrier, Papali’i will provide a very good bodyguard for his half especially if Ivan Cleary decides to go with a more attacking option in fellow new recruit Blaize Talagi in the six jersey.
8. Isaiah Iongi
It’s a hard task to take over from “King Gutho”, but that’s exactly what Iongi has been tasked with as he arrives at the Eels. The former Panther only has one NRL appearance prior to his move but has been very impressive over the past few years in NSW Cup and looks ready to make his mark on the NRL.
Eels’ fans will be hoping that the young fullback can provide some x-factor with his speed and agility and add another weapon in the arsenal for incoming coach Jason Ryles to lean on and take some pressure off of Moses and Brown to create attacking opportunities. Plenty of good judges of talent have a lot to say about Iongi so keep an eye on the 21-year-old in his first full season in first grade.
7. Ben Hunt
Ben Hunt returns to Red Hill after seven seasons at the Dragons and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the Broncos as they look to return to the finals after a disappointing showing last season. Hunt’s arrival adds some valuable experience and game management that should ensure the Broncos are in the fight more often.
The addition of a player of Hunt’s calibre is bound to improve most sides and Hunt’s versatility and rep experience both in the halves and at hooker will go a long way to strengthening a Broncos spine that already fields some incredible firepower. When Ezra Mam returns later in the season, this Broncos side looks even more dangerous with Hunt scheming out of hooker.
6. Zac Lomax
Embed from Getty ImagesZac Lomax makes the move to the Eels following a career year for the centre turned winger which saw him make his debut for both the NSW Blues and the Kangaroos. He now forms part of a vastly different backline for the Parramatta outfit that will be looking for a big bounce back after battling it out with the Tigers in last years “Spoonbowl”.
At only 25 years of age, Lomax is coming into his prime and provides an incredible aerial target for Mitch Moses while also being no stranger to finding his way to the tryline with his strong carries. Whether he lines up on the wing or at his preferred position of centre, Lomax is primed and ready to continue his meteoric rise from last season.
5. Stefano Utoikamanu
The former Tiger has taken the journey down to Melbourne to link up with master coach Craig Bellamy and an already formidable Storm outfit. It’s no secret to the rugby league community that the former Tiger has all the talent in the world and with Bellamy’s track record for developing journeyman forwards into stars, the prospect of one of the best young front rowers in the league leading the line in Melbourne is a mouthwatering prospect.
The 24-year-old already has an appearance for the NSW Blues as well as Samoa under his belt and will be tipped to return to the Origin arena under the guidance of Bellamy. His sixth season in the NRL shapes up as a breakout year for the young star.
4. Terrell May
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Roosters don’t let many players leave they aren’t willing to lose but letting Terrell May head to Tiger Town may be one they regret in the coming years. The 25-year-old is primed for a big year and has plenty of motivation to prove the doubters wrong after splitting with the Roosters, saying the Tricolours believed that he had “reached his potential”.
May has intentions of hitting the ground running at the Tigers, making it clear that he is looking to be the “alpha” in their forward pack and setting his sights on being a top five prop in the game and an Origin berth for the NSW Blues.
3. James Fisher-Harris
The New Zealand side is crying out for a leader following the retirement of Shaun Johnson and Tohu Harris and the departure of Addin Fonua-Blake and they certainly have their man in James Fisher-Harris. The four-time premiership winner makes the homecoming journey across the ditch and forms a formidable front row rotation with Mitch Barnett that will ensure that opposition forward packs will be battered and bruised when they board the return flight home.
JFH is already the Kiwis captain and shapes up as the likely choice as the Warriors captain and his presence both on and off the field will prove invaluable as they look to develop their crop of talented juniors. While they aren’t looking like premiership contenders this year, the signing of JFH will at least ensure the fans have something to cheer for week in and week out.
2. Addin Fonua-Blake
Addin Fonua-Blake is one of the most damaging front rowers in the game and his addition puts the rest of the competition on notice that Cronulla means business this season. Many believe that AFB could be the final piece that puts Cronulla over the top and turns them into a serious premiership threat.
Having a front row combination as good at scoring tries as Tom Hazelton and AFB will keep middle defences honest and open up more chances out wide for the likes of Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall to take full advantage. Add into that AFB’s ability to find an offload or quick play the ball and an already dangerous Sharks outfit becomes a terrifying prospect.
1. Jerome Luai
Embed from Getty ImagesJerome Luai begins the second phase of his NRL career as he goes from the penthouse out in Penrith to the cellar-dwelling Wests Tigers. Luai has the toughest task in the NRL in turning around the Tigers but if anyone has the confidence and self-belief to do so, it’s the controversial superstar.
Luai has been a more than handy fill in at halfback when needed at the Panthers and the full-time switch to the seven jersey to play alongside rising star Lachlan Galvin is the biggest undertaking of his career and the pressure will be on from the get go. An entire clubs’ fortunes rests squarely on his shoulders and how he fares will determine if fans will forever see him as Cleary’s sidekick or if he etches his name in history as the saviour of the Tigers.
