The NRL transfer system is under heavy scrutiny after several mid-season moves this year helped teams bolster their premiership chances.
The controversial system allows players to switch clubs up until August 1 – just a month out from finals – and its flaws have ignited calls for a trade window.
In 2022, Matt Lodge left his second club in as many seasons before playing an integral role in the Roosters’ run to the finals.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
FOX LEAGUE PODCAST: Rugby League World Cup Preview Special
Players at the Bulldogs and Wests Tigers made highly-publicised moves in the wake of coaches Trent Robinson and Michael Maguire getting the sack.
The Broncos and Warriors also let players leave after they’d signed with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins for the 2023 season.
Here foxsports.com.au looks at the biggest player transfers during the 2022 season.
MATT LODGE
Lodge left his second club in as many seasons this year and it was the Roosters who pounced on his messy mid-year exit at the Warriors.
Lodge left the Broncos halfway through last year to join the Warriors, but he only lasted 14 games before he had a blow up with owner Mark Robinson.
The 27-year-old received a full $700,000 payout from Robinson after the pair failed to reconcile their differences following a disagreement in May.
The Roosters signed Lodge in July and he made his Tricolours debut in Round 18, helping the club as they went on an eight-game winning run.
It prompted some pundits to call for his selection in Australia’s World Cup squad, but coach Mal Meninga went in another direction.
Lodge is currently without a contract for 2023 but the Roosters are expected to re-sign the star prop.
LUCIANO LEILUA
Leilua requested a release from Wests Tigers the same day he signed a three-year deal worth $2.2 million with the Cowboys last November.
The contract was set to start in 2023 but Leilua was agitated at Concord after the Tigers turfed his brother Joey.
The request was denied but after the club sacked coach Michael Maguire in June, they released Leilua to North Queensland.
“I was disappointed when they let go of Madge but me being close to Madge, they wanted to flick me,” Leilua said.
The 26-year-old played 11 games for Cowboys, including their home preliminary final against the Eels, and he’s contracted until the end of 2025.
Earlier this month, Leilua was charged with domestic violence offences and was stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy.
The policy prohibits players from taking the field until their court matters are finalised. Leilua will fight the charges at a hearing set for May 18.
Manly set to announce Seibold as coach | 00:38
MORE NRL NEWS
‘SO SORRY’: Broncos star leads tributes after tragic death as Bennett link revealed
2023 SCHEDULE: Adelaide set for $90m Origin showcase as Maroons defend title
TRAGEDY: Kangaroos rocked as missing league player found dead in Spanish nightclub
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH: Best NRL players without a deal for 2023
‘WHAT WE DO NOW IS A JOKE’: Bennett backs calls for trade windows to end farce
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
BRENT NADEN
Naden played just eight games at the Bulldogs this season before he was granted a release in the wake of the club sacking coach Trent Barrett.
Naden had signed a two-year deal that was supposed to see him at Canterbury until the end of 2023.
But he joined the Wests Tigers after Round 10 this year and just days later played against the Dogs in a 36-22 win.
Naden played 10 games for the Tigers and scored two tries and is now contracted until the end of 2025.
The 26-year-old also made his Indigenous All Stars debut at the start of the year.
KODI NIKORIMA
Nikorima made the second mid-season move of his NRL career after switching from the Warriors to the Rabbitohs ahead of Round 10 this year.
Nikorima impressed as a utility in his 15 games for the Bunnies, mainly playing off the bench but he also started three games at fullback when Latrell Mitchell was sidelined.
The 28-year–old added versatility for rookie coach Jason Demetriou, with his ability to cover every spine position.
Nikorima made his NRL debut under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos in 2015 and played in their losing grand final side that season.
He joined the Warriors halfway through 2019 before his stint at the Rabbitohs and will rejoin Bennett at the Dolphins next season on a two-year deal.
Nikorima has played 15 Tests for New Zealand but missed selection in their World Cup squad.
Tonga v Kumuls: Full Match Highlights | 02:59
MORE NRL NEWS
WC WRAP: Souths gun stars on debut as Cook Islands hold off brave Wales in thriller
‘F*** ME C***’: Lebanon launch appeal after Doueihi found guilty in marathon hearing
KANGAROOS: Mal confirms mass changes as six NRL stars earn Test debut
HOOPS: Dragons’ Griffin call backfired. Now a youngster is rubbing salt in the wound
TRANSFER WHISPERS: Five clubs circle Knights star; Italy gun’s NRL audition
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
JAMAYNE ISAAKO
Isaako played fullback for the Broncos in their season opener but just three rounds later he was in rival colours after switching to the Titans.
It proved a tough season for the 26-year-old who played just 11 games for the Gold Coast – losing nine of them.
But he did score the winning try in the Titans’ golden-point victory over the Dragons in Round 10 which ended a five-game losing run.
Isaako penned a three-year deal with the Dolphins last December and was initially linked with a move to the Eels, but wanted to stay in Queensland.
The speedster has played five Tests for New Zealand and one for Samoa, but missed selection for this year’s World Cup.
DANIEL SULUKA-FIFITA
It’s not often you see players switching between the Roosters and Rabbitohs so it’s no surprise Suluka-Fifita was released soon after he signed a three-year deal with the Bunnies.
Suluka-Fifita made his Souths debut in their round 17 win against the Knights and played five games for the club this season.
The 23-year-old made his debut at the Roosters in 2020 and has 25 NRL games to his name. Suluka-Fifita is contracted until the end of 2023.
