Daly Cherry-Evans was the highest profile transfer of the off season by many lengths – but I can’t find a place for him in my 10 best buys for 2026.
DCE was only average for the Sea Eagles in 2025, and the oldest player in the NRL will have even more miles under the hood next season.
Ironically, I’ve rated the man who will replace him at Manly after so many years as the best buy of the year.
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1. Jamal Fogarty (Raiders to Sea Eagles): The cunning halfback was instrumental in Canberra’s charge to the minor premiership last season and his kicking game and attacking instincts should propel Manly back into finals footy.
Jamal Fogarty will be a Sea Eagle next year. Getty
2. Leo Thompson (Bulldogs to Knights): The big guy was a disappointment at the Knights this year – but he had plenty of mates. He’ll thrive in a better team at Belmore and add size and grunt to the Bulldogs up front.
3. Dylan Brown (Eels to Knights): Another player who was below par in 2025 but should thrive with a change in colours. The Knights’ attack has been pedestrian in recent seasons and Brown showed what he is capable of doing in the recent Pacific Championships.
4. Jack de Belin (Dragons to Eels): An experienced forward and natural leader, I believe the Dragons will realise mid-season they made a mistake in letting him go. Should be a great asset to the young Eels forwards.
5. Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos to Dolphins): A player who desperately needed a change of scenery – has looked disinterested for the Broncos the past couple of seasons but has the ability to win matches and the new colours will do him the world of good.
6. Lachlan Ilias (Dragons to Titans): Never got a look in after getting the Dragons off to a winning start early this year and has given himself a real challenge by trying to lift the lowly Titans. Will be interesting to see if he can get the job done.
Lachlan Ilias will look reiginite his career with the Titans. Getty
7. Kobe Hetherington (Broncos to Sea Eagles): Underrated performer was a key figure in the Broncos’ title charge and will be a senior forward at his new club. His work ethic should rub off on the Manly pack.
8. Jack Hetherington* (Knights to Storm): A gamble for sure – the fiery prop has penalties and mistakes in his game but is also a force to be reckoned with – and if anyone can get the best out of him, it’s Craig Bellamy.
9. Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs to Cowboys): A man with a point to prove after being dumped by the Bulldogs and I believe he offers more out of dummy-half than the man he is replacing at the Cowboys – Blues Origin hooker Reece Robson. Time will tell.
10. Daniel Atkinson (Sharks to Dragons): The Dragons halves have really struggled for attacking strike and Atkinson should fix that quick smart. Elusive and capable of making a break, he could turn their woes around.
* signing not yet confirmed