With the transfer deadline approaching, activity in the recruitment market has intensified in the last few weeks.
Greg Burke’s arrival at Widnes earlier today was the latest activity ahead of the July 22nd deadline, with clubs looking to reinforce their squad ahead of the Super 8s split as they aim to achieve their respective targets.
Any deal is considered a risk in sport, but which club has done the best piece of business in the last month? We’ve picked six candidates, and it’s up to you to decide the winner. Cast your vote at the bottom of the article.
1. Rangi Chase (Castleford Tigers)
Looking from the outside, this deal must be considered the riskiest of the six. Chase has had a difficult career since leaving the Tigers to joins Salford in 2014, eventually joining Leigh at the beginning of this season but then leaving the club prematurely after failing to rediscover his love for the game.
On the flip side, Daryl Powell is considered one of the masters of man management, and if anyone can get the best out of the maverick halfback, it is the Tigers head coach.
There’s no doubting Chase’s ability, and if Powell can get the former Man of Steel firing, Castleford have a very special player on their hands.
Tom Symonds (Huddersfield Giants)
The Australian landed at the Giants midway through June and made an instant impact as he helped his new club defeat Salford on his debut.
He didn’t have the same impact in their Challenge Cup defeat to Wakefield, but he impressed during Huddersfield’s fantastic victory over Hull FC last week, scoring his first try for the club.
Symonds looks reliable and intelligent on the field, which could prove vital for the Giants.
James Segeyaro (Leeds Rhinos)
While people rightly point out the departures of Jamie Peacock, Kevin Sinfield and Kylie Leuluai as a key reason for Leeds’ results this year, many fail to appreciate the impact of losing Paul Aiton.
The hooker, who is now at Catalans, was terrific for the Rhinos last year, and Leeds have not had the same impact since due to Beau Falloon’s injury-hit year.
However, Segeyaro more than fills that void, and his energy around the ruck will give the Rhinos another dimension and ease the pressure on Rob Burrow and Danny McGuire.
Frank-Paul Nu’uausala (Wigan Warriors)
The man dubbed ‘The Wrecking Ball’ hasn’t played for the Warriors yet, but with a nickname like that, you can understand why Wigan fans are so excited about his arrival.
Nu’uausala comes with a fantastic reputation and will inject entertainment and physicality to an already formidable Wigan pack.
It could prove to be an inspired signing.
Jamie Soward (London Broncos)
Perhaps the most bizarre signing on the list is Soward’s move to London.
Soward, a frequent player for NRL side Penrith this year, suddenly announced he was leaving on joining former club London for the rest of the year.
There’s no doubting that a player of his calibre is a massive coup for any Championship side, and with London now mathematically secure of a spot in the Qualifiers, he could be the man to fire them to an unexpected promotion.
Dane Chisholm (Bradford)
The Bulls have long been in search of a halfback, and although many have unsuccessfully attempted to fill the void, they might finally have found their man.
Chisholm was impressive for Hull KR last year and proved himself to be of Super League quality in his time there.
It might be too late for Chisholm to salvage Bradford’s season this year, but his impact could be huge in 2017.
