SEVEN BEST NRL BUYS AHEAD OF 2017
KEVIN PROCTOR (Gold Coast)
The Titans have all the ingredients for success, but haven't had a winning season since 2010. Key to changing that culture will be the recruitment of Proctor from Melbourne. Aside from playing an 80-minute role on the right edge, the new co-captain has vowed to bring off-field direction from the Storm.
ROBBIE FARAH (South Sydney)
When Souths won the premiership in 2014, Issac Luke played a key role out of dummy-half that season, and it's that kind of football the Rabbitohs will want out of Farah. Cameron McInnes and Damien Cook had a tough 2016 but Farah can provide the creativity they desire after escaping his dramas at the Wests Tigers.
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BLAKE GREEN (Manly)
Green will aiming to buck the trend of Melbourne exports who fail to live up to their hype after leaving the stars at the Storm. At the Sea Eagles, he has a crucial role to play in their turnaround. Green's success may not be measured just by how many tries or line breaks he sets up (13 and 15 last year), but the way he allows Daly Cherry-Evans to play while acting as his foil.
KIERAN FORAN (Warriors)
Could be the man to finally deliver success across the Tasman if he is able to find his best form. A premiership-winner, he will form part of a spine that has the potential to be one of the best in the NRL era if they stay fit. Crucially, Shaun Johnson has played his best football for New Zealand with Foran alongside him, and he'll now hope that translates to the NRL.
JAMES TAMOU (Penrith)
Has made his name as one of the best front-rowers in the competition and now gives an exuberant Penrith pack some extra punch. Has averaged above 120 metres a game for the past five years and is now handed the task of driving the Panthers to a title. Will also be crucial in the development of young props Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Leilani Latu.
LUKE KEARY (Sydney Roosters)
The Roosters struggled in the halves last season, using seven playmaking combinations as they battled to find a regular partner for Mitchell Pearce even after his suspension. In Luke Keary they hope they have found their answer. Having moved on from last year's dramas at Souths, Keary could stabilise the ship if he returns to his 2014 premiership-winning form.
JAMAL IDRIS (Wests Tigers)
Long regarded as one of the most promising players in the league, Jamal Idris has returned a revitalised player to the Wests Tigers in 2017. Was considered good enough to play for NSW and Australia in 2010 and 2011 respectively before he struggled with personal issues at Penrith. Could be lethal in combining with the Tigers' exciting young halves combination.
