NRL: Strong recruitment puts Warriors up with the best

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Photo / Getty Images.

The recruitment of dynamic fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and creative hooker Issac Luke has seen the Warriors climb high into critics' premiership calculations for next season.

In comparing the quality of the 16 NRL clubs' off-season purchases, the Sydney Morning Herald ranks the Warriors second behind only Manly, with the acquisition of the two Kiwis internationals and a handful of other astute purchases giving them the depth and thrust to become genuine title contenders.

The pair will add much-needed class and experience to the Warriors, while the addition of former Cronulla Sharks veteran halfback Jeff Robson and the return of ball-playing magician Ali Lauitiiti, gives Andrew McFadden's squad a more rounded look going into 2016.

"The Warriors have added genuine star power in key positions," observed the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Fullback Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and hooker Issac Luke have joined halfback Shaun Johnson to complete arguably the best spine in the competition.

"The reliable Jeff Robson could become the perfect foil for Johnson while few know what sort of impact Ali Lauitiiti will have in his return."

Furthermore, the Warriors midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of former Sharks and Wests Tigers centre Blake Ayshford, and Ligi Sao returns from Manly to join the back-row rotation. Former Roosters Under 20s fullback Henare Wells and ex-Melbourne Storm utility Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad will also add to the competition for spots.

Despite the Warriors big signings, Manly's high-quality recruitment sees the Sea Eagles claim No1 spot on the list, after snaring gun centre Dylan Walker, Kiwis enforcer Martin Taupau, Queensland State of Origin hard-nut Nate Myles, and former Panthers and Warriors utility Lewis Brown.

The Sea Eagles will also benefit from the addition dummy-half Apisai Koroisau from the Panthers, while forgotten ex-Tigers utility Tim Moltzen is hoping to resurrect his career on the Northern Beaches.

"The Sea Eagles have returned to their silvertail days by poaching quality and quantity heading into season 2016," noted the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Their forward pack has been given some much-needed muscle and size with the additions of Nate Myles, Lewis Brown and Martin Taupau, while Apisai Koroisau and Matt Parcell will battle it out at hooker. Their biggest test will be if the dynamic Dylan Walker is able to partner Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves."

The complete rundown of teams saw reigning premiers the North Queensland Cowboys come in last at 16th, after coach Paul Green added just two players to his squad - former Gold Coast pair Jahrome Hughes (fullback) and the versatile Shaun Hudson.

Losing grand finalists Brisbane were next, with ex-Canterbury prop Herman Ese'ese the only new recruit with NRL experience, and exciting outside back Carlin Anderson arriving from the Queensland Cup.

Melbourne Storm came in 14th, having signed first graders Cheyse Blair, Mark Nicholls, Matthew White and Jeremy Hawkins and Curtis Scott and Scott Drinkwater.

Wests Tigers claimed 13th spot with ex-Manly hooker Matt Ballin their biggest signing, ahead of the 12th-placed Bulldogs, who secured Will Hopoate and former Warriors under 20s fullback Brad Abbey.

The Newcastle Knights were judged 11th, with goalkicking NSW Origin halfback Trent Hodkinson their biggest signing, while the Roosters sit in 10th spot with English winger Joe Burgess and the versatile ex-Bronco Jayden Nikorima coming on board.

The Titans are ninth, with representative forwards David Schillington and Chris McQueen adding some starch to the pack, alongside former Warriors No9 Nathan Friend.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs claimed eighth spot, on the back of the return of 2014 grand final hero Sam Burgess, while the seventh-placed Canberra Raiders have a contender for the buy of the year in ex-Titans flyer Aidan Sezer.

The sixth-placed Sharks have attracted to former Warriors five-eighths in James Maloney and Chad Townsend, while former Kiwis test prop Russell Packer is tipped to lead the way for the fifth-ranked St George-Illawarra Dragons pack.

NSW Origin forward Trent Merrin and Kiwis utility Peta Hiku are the big arrivals at the fourth-ranked Penrith Panthers, while the third-placed Parramatta Eels are hoping to cash in on the signing of Kiwis co-captain and former Manly playmaker Kieran Foran.