The 15 biggest recruitment flops in NRL history

Some NRL signings come with great expectations but can turn into expensive mistakes.

Big names have struggled with injuries, poor form and the pressure of expectations.

Here are 15 of the most disappointing signings in NRL history.

15. Anthony Watmough – Sea Eagles to Eels (2015)

Parramatta hoped the experienced Origin forward would strengthen their pack. Instead, serious injuries ended his career after just 17 appearances for the Eels.

14. Aaron Woods – Tigers to Bulldogs (2018)

The Bulldogs signed the Australian prop on a lucrative four-year deal. However, Woods lasted just 14 games at Canterbury before joining Cronulla midway through his first season.

13. Ash Taylor – Titans to Warriors (2022)

Taylor joined the Warriors hoping to revive his career after leaving the Titans. Unfortunately, ongoing hip problems forced him to retire at just 27. He managed only one NRL appearance for the club.

12. Darius Boyd – Knights to Broncos (2015)

Boyd returned to Brisbane with Wayne Bennett in 2015. While he helped the Broncos reach that year’s grand final and enjoyed several strong seasons, his form declined towards the end of his career.

11. Valentine Holmes – NFL to Cowboys (2020)

North Queensland signed Holmes on a six-year deal reportedly worth $5.8 million. The former Sharks star initially struggled to justify his huge salary, particularly at fullback. However, he later became a regular Queensland representative, making his inclusion controversial.

10. Russell Packer – Dragons to Tigers (2018)

The Tigers signed Packer to add experience and toughness to their forward pack. He initially became a co-captain, but injuries and inconsistent performances eventually saw him fall out of favour.

9. Sam Tomkins – Wigan to Warriors (2014)

The English superstar arrived in New Zealand with enormous expectations. Although he showed his attacking ability, injuries disrupted his second season and he returned to Wigan after just two years.

8. Jack Bird – Sharks to Broncos (2018)

Brisbane secured the premiership-winning utility on a big-money deal. However, serious injuries repeatedly interrupted his career at the Broncos. He left after three frustrating seasons without reaching the heights expected of him.

7. Dave Taylor – Rabbitohs to Titans (2013)

The powerful Queensland forward arrived on the Gold Coast with a reputation as one of the NRL’s most damaging players. Despite producing some brilliant moments, Taylor struggled to deliver consistent performances.

6. Kieran Foran – Sea Eagles to Eels (2016)

Parramatta signed Foran as their marquee playmaker and handed him the captaincy. However, injuries and personal difficulties contributed to his departure after just nine games. It was a disappointing outcome for both player and club.

5. Jarryd Hayne – NFL to Titans (2016)

Hayne’s return to rugby league created enormous excitement. The Titans secured the former Dally M Medal winner on a lucrative deal, but his time on the Gold Coast was disappointing. He played 23 games before returning to Parramatta.

4. Josh Reynolds – Bulldogs to Tigers (2018)

The Tigers reportedly spent around $3 million over four years to sign Reynolds. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from establishing himself. He played just 22 games across three seasons before leaving.

3. Chris Sandow – Rabbitohs to Eels (2012)

Parramatta hoped Sandow would become the playmaker to turn their fortunes around. While he produced occasional moments of brilliance, his performances were inconsistent. He left midway through the 2015 season.

2. Tony Williams – Sea Eagles to Bulldogs (2013)

Williams was one of the NRL’s most feared forwards during his time at Manly. However, his move to Canterbury failed to produce the same results. Despite playing regularly, he struggled to consistently reproduce his damaging best.

1. Adam Blair – Storm to Tigers (2012)

Blair arrived at Wests Tigers as a premiership-winning international forward and one of the club’s biggest signings.

However, he struggled to reproduce the form that made him such an important player at Melbourne. After three disappointing seasons, Blair moved to Brisbane.