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Michael Chammas
January 30, 2023 — 5.00am
There have been plenty of big-name players making big-money moves over the summer. It’s the ones that don’t cost a lot that can have the biggest impact on a club. Michael Chammas runs his eye over the top 10 value signings of 2023.
1. J’maine Hopgood (Eels)
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
Joined the Parramatta Eels from the Penrith Panthers over the summer on a two-year deal. Hopgood has played nine NRL games over two seasons for Penrith but struggled for regular minutes behind a star-studded forward pack.
J’maine Hopgood during a trial match between the Panthers and the Eels back in 2021.
J’maine Hopgood during a trial match between the Panthers and the Eels back in 2021.Gettynone
Eels coach Brad Arthur is known for turning fringe first-graders into quality NRL players, and there’s plenty of optimism around Hopgood. With Ryan Matterson serving a suspension in the opening weeks of the competition, Hopgood is firming as the starting lock.
2. Luke Garner (Panthers)
Estimated salary: $275,000
Age: 27
Took less than what was on the table at the Wests Tigers to join the back-to-back premiers. Garner showed plenty of potential during his five seasons at the Tigers. He fell in and out of favour with former coach Michael Maguire and struggled for consistency.
Luke Garner needed one phone call from Ivan Cleary to be sold the Panthers dream.
Luke Garner needed one phone call from Ivan Cleary to be sold the Panthers dream.Getty Imagesnone
The Panthers identified Garner as their priority target in their search for a replacement for Viliame Kikau, who decided to join the Bulldogs on a long-term deal. For under $300,000 the Panthers are hoping to transform his career like they did with Kurt Capewell.
3. Eliesa Katoa (Storm)
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 23
There were big raps on Eliesa Katoa when he first burst onto the scene with the Warriors in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but the Melbourne Storm know how to get the best out of a player.
Eli Katoa in action for the Warriors.
Eli Katoa in action for the Warriors.Gettynone
He’s a powerful back-rower with plenty of skill. He will be challenging for a starting edge position alongside Tariq Sims following the departures of Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich.
4. Hayze Perham (Bulldogs)
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
As reported by the Herald last week, Hayze Perham is set to be given first crack at Canterbury’s No.1 jersey ahead of Jake Averillo. It’s the first big move from new coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is renowned for his defensive focus.
Hayze Perham at training with the Bulldogs.
Hayze Perham at training with the Bulldogs.Bulldogs Medianone
Perham’s communication skills from the back are one of his strengths, as are his fitness levels. He joined the club in the pre-season after two years with Parramatta. He made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2019 but has only managed to play 16 first-grade games.
5. Sam Verrills (Titans)
Estimated salary: $400,000
Age: 24
The Titans have lacked creativity from dummy half in recent seasons. The purchase of Verrills from the Roosters will help in that area.
Sam Verrills is on his way to the Titans.
Sam Verrills is on his way to the Titans.Gettynone
Verrills moved on from the Roosters after the club signed Brandon Smith. He’ll be part of a new-look Titans spine which also includes Kieran Foran.
6. Jacob Liddle (Dragons)
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 26
The Wests Tigers are paying about $50,000 of his salary, leaving the Dragons to pick up close to $200,000 of his contract this year.
Jacob Liddle runs the ball for the Tigers.
Jacob Liddle runs the ball for the Tigers.Gettynone
He will inject some much-needed spark and speed to what was a stale attack in 2022. The retirement of Andrew McCullough will see Liddle start the season in the No.9 jersey.
7. David Klemmer (Tigers)
Estimated price: $400,000
Age: 29
The Knights are still paying half of Klemmer’s $800,000 salary for this season. At $400,000 for 2023, the Tigers have picked up Klemmer for a steal. Especially considering the Tigers were meant to be paying Zane Musgrove (released to the Dragons) in excess of $500,000 for the next two years.
David Klemmer joined the Tigers over the summer.
David Klemmer joined the Tigers over the summer.Dominic Lorrimernone
Klemmer picked up Newcastle’s players’ player award last year, averaging 155 metres per game. That was well ahead of Musgrove’s 89 metres per game on a 25 per cent higher salary than Klemmer’s 2023 contract.
8. Greg Marzhew (Knights)
Estimated salary: $240,000
Age: 25
Greg Marzhew was contracted to the Titans for 2023 but was released to the Newcastle Knights as part of a swap deal for hooker Chris Randall.
Greg Marzhew tries to break free from Melbourne’s Cameron Munster during his time at the Titans.
Greg Marzhew tries to break free from Melbourne’s Cameron Munster during his time at the Titans.Gettynone
With Kalyn Ponga set to make the switch from fullback to the halves, the winger could become the beneficiary of his trademark cut-out pass.
9. Jack Murchie (Eels)
Estimated salary: $125,000
Age: 25
Two years ago, Brad Arthur picked up Isaiah Papali’i on a next-to-nothing deal from the Warriors and turned him into a star.
Jack Murchie during his time at the Warriors.
Jack Murchie during his time at the Warriors.Gettynone
He’ll be hoping the same thing will happen with former Warrior Jack Murchie, who is fighting for the starting back-row spot vacated by Papali’i’s departure to the Tigers.
10. Ben Condon (Sea Eagles)
Estimated salary: $120,000
Age: 22
Didn’t play a game for the Cowboys in 2022 despite impressing in his 11 appearances the year before. Condon was brought to the club by recruitment manager Scott Fulton.
Anthony Seibold has been impressed with his no-nonsense approach and is in line to feature in Manly’s 17 in round one as a middle forward.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
January 30, 2023 — 5.00am
There have been plenty of big-name players making big-money moves over the summer. It’s the ones that don’t cost a lot that can have the biggest impact on a club. Michael Chammas runs his eye over the top 10 value signings of 2023.
1. J’maine Hopgood (Eels)
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
Joined the Parramatta Eels from the Penrith Panthers over the summer on a two-year deal. Hopgood has played nine NRL games over two seasons for Penrith but struggled for regular minutes behind a star-studded forward pack.
J’maine Hopgood during a trial match between the Panthers and the Eels back in 2021.
J’maine Hopgood during a trial match between the Panthers and the Eels back in 2021.Gettynone
Eels coach Brad Arthur is known for turning fringe first-graders into quality NRL players, and there’s plenty of optimism around Hopgood. With Ryan Matterson serving a suspension in the opening weeks of the competition, Hopgood is firming as the starting lock.
2. Luke Garner (Panthers)
Estimated salary: $275,000
Age: 27
Took less than what was on the table at the Wests Tigers to join the back-to-back premiers. Garner showed plenty of potential during his five seasons at the Tigers. He fell in and out of favour with former coach Michael Maguire and struggled for consistency.
Luke Garner needed one phone call from Ivan Cleary to be sold the Panthers dream.
Luke Garner needed one phone call from Ivan Cleary to be sold the Panthers dream.Getty Imagesnone
The Panthers identified Garner as their priority target in their search for a replacement for Viliame Kikau, who decided to join the Bulldogs on a long-term deal. For under $300,000 the Panthers are hoping to transform his career like they did with Kurt Capewell.
3. Eliesa Katoa (Storm)
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 23
There were big raps on Eliesa Katoa when he first burst onto the scene with the Warriors in 2020. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but the Melbourne Storm know how to get the best out of a player.
Eli Katoa in action for the Warriors.
Eli Katoa in action for the Warriors.Gettynone
He’s a powerful back-rower with plenty of skill. He will be challenging for a starting edge position alongside Tariq Sims following the departures of Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich.
4. Hayze Perham (Bulldogs)
Estimated salary: $150,000
Age: 23
As reported by the Herald last week, Hayze Perham is set to be given first crack at Canterbury’s No.1 jersey ahead of Jake Averillo. It’s the first big move from new coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is renowned for his defensive focus.
Hayze Perham at training with the Bulldogs.
Hayze Perham at training with the Bulldogs.Bulldogs Medianone
Perham’s communication skills from the back are one of his strengths, as are his fitness levels. He joined the club in the pre-season after two years with Parramatta. He made his NRL debut for the Warriors in 2019 but has only managed to play 16 first-grade games.
5. Sam Verrills (Titans)
Estimated salary: $400,000
Age: 24
The Titans have lacked creativity from dummy half in recent seasons. The purchase of Verrills from the Roosters will help in that area.
Sam Verrills is on his way to the Titans.
Sam Verrills is on his way to the Titans.Gettynone
Verrills moved on from the Roosters after the club signed Brandon Smith. He’ll be part of a new-look Titans spine which also includes Kieran Foran.
6. Jacob Liddle (Dragons)
Estimated salary: $200,000
Age: 26
The Wests Tigers are paying about $50,000 of his salary, leaving the Dragons to pick up close to $200,000 of his contract this year.
Jacob Liddle runs the ball for the Tigers.
Jacob Liddle runs the ball for the Tigers.Gettynone
He will inject some much-needed spark and speed to what was a stale attack in 2022. The retirement of Andrew McCullough will see Liddle start the season in the No.9 jersey.
7. David Klemmer (Tigers)
Estimated price: $400,000
Age: 29
The Knights are still paying half of Klemmer’s $800,000 salary for this season. At $400,000 for 2023, the Tigers have picked up Klemmer for a steal. Especially considering the Tigers were meant to be paying Zane Musgrove (released to the Dragons) in excess of $500,000 for the next two years.
David Klemmer joined the Tigers over the summer.
David Klemmer joined the Tigers over the summer.Dominic Lorrimernone
Klemmer picked up Newcastle’s players’ player award last year, averaging 155 metres per game. That was well ahead of Musgrove’s 89 metres per game on a 25 per cent higher salary than Klemmer’s 2023 contract.
8. Greg Marzhew (Knights)
Estimated salary: $240,000
Age: 25
Greg Marzhew was contracted to the Titans for 2023 but was released to the Newcastle Knights as part of a swap deal for hooker Chris Randall.
Greg Marzhew tries to break free from Melbourne’s Cameron Munster during his time at the Titans.
Greg Marzhew tries to break free from Melbourne’s Cameron Munster during his time at the Titans.Gettynone
With Kalyn Ponga set to make the switch from fullback to the halves, the winger could become the beneficiary of his trademark cut-out pass.
9. Jack Murchie (Eels)
Estimated salary: $125,000
Age: 25
Two years ago, Brad Arthur picked up Isaiah Papali’i on a next-to-nothing deal from the Warriors and turned him into a star.
Jack Murchie during his time at the Warriors.
Jack Murchie during his time at the Warriors.Gettynone
He’ll be hoping the same thing will happen with former Warrior Jack Murchie, who is fighting for the starting back-row spot vacated by Papali’i’s departure to the Tigers.
10. Ben Condon (Sea Eagles)
Estimated salary: $120,000
Age: 22
Didn’t play a game for the Cowboys in 2022 despite impressing in his 11 appearances the year before. Condon was brought to the club by recruitment manager Scott Fulton.
Anthony Seibold has been impressed with his no-nonsense approach and is in line to feature in Manly’s 17 in round one as a middle forward.
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