This was published 5 years ago
NRL recruits in new jerseys for season 2021: Stars step out in final trial matches
Tim Elbra
Bunty Afoa of the Warriors is tackled by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita of the Titans during ta trial in Lismore. Queensland State of Origin stars Fa'asuamaleaui and Fifita switched clubs from the Storm and Broncos respectively. Their combined contract value, across the next three seasons, is reportedly $5.5 million; with Fifita signing for $3.5m and Fa'asuamaleaui $2m. "He was great wasn't he? He's been training so well for us - he trains the way he plays so he's been terrific," Titans coach Justin Holbrook said of Fa'asuamaleaui after the trial. "I was also really happy with Dave - he's going great, too."
Patrick Herbert of the Titans gestures during a trial against the Warriors in Lismore. The centre-wing switched clubs from the Warriors to the Gold Coast.
Attribution: Getty
David Mead of the Broncos during a trial against the Cowboys at Moreton Daily Stadium. The flying winger, who made his name at the Titans, was a handy depth pick-up for the Broncos from Super League's Catalans Dragons.
Attribution: Getty
Kevin Walters speaks after a Broncos vs Cowboys trial at Moreton Daily Stadium in Brisbane. Walters left the Queensland State of Origin coaching role to take up his first NRL head coach role at the Broncos, the club he helped to five premierships as an elite playmaker.
Attribution: Getty
Kyle Flanagan of the Bulldogs lines up a goal during a trial against the Sharks at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. The playmaker switched to Canterbury this season after being surprisingly dumped by the Sydney Roosters just one season into his contract.
Attribution: Getty
Nick Cotric of the Bulldogs is tackled during a trial against the Sharks at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. The NSW State of Origin winger, who can also play centre, switched from the Raiders for this season.
Attribution: Getty
Jack Hetherington of the Bulldogs is tackled during a trial against the Sharks at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium. The fiery prop switched clubs from the Panthers for this season, having played on loan at the Warriors last year.
Attribution: Getty
Ben Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles breaks away to score a try during a trial against Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval. A product who's risen from the junior system, as opposed to a recruit, the centre/back-rower - brother to Test stars Tom and Jake Trbojevic - is in Manly's 30-man NRL squad and may debut this season.
Attribution: Getty
Addin Fonua-Blake of the Warriors is tackled during a trial against the Titans in Lismore. The New Zealand Test prop joined the Warriors after forcing a controversial release from Manly.
Attribution: Getty
Todd Payten of the Cowboys speaks after a trial against the Broncos. Payten was caretaker coach of the Warriors last season, then switched to North Queensland to take his first NRL head coaching role.
Attribution: Getty
