The unheralded and underrated recruits who could turn the 2025 NRL season

As the National Rugby League (NRL) pre-season progresses, high-profile new signings undoubtedly take center stage, capturing the attention of fans and fueling anticipation for the new season. However, each year, some players join with relatively little fanfare, only to make a significant impact once the season begins. Canterbury's Tom Amone is one such player, poised to prove himself in the upcoming season.

Some long-time fans might recall Amone's previous NRL experience, where he made 17 appearances off the bench for South Sydney and the Wests Tigers between 2019 and 2021. But even if you don't, Amone himself admits there wasn't much to remember from that period. "I was just happy to be there at the time. We had guys like Sam Burgess and John Sutton, and I was like a fanboy, I idolized them because I grew up watching them, so I was just happy to be around them," Amone said. "I wasn't doing the right things off the field. I wasn't preparing myself properly for games, I was a bit overweight, and my body and mind weren't in the best place."

After his NRL opportunities dwindled, Amone signed with the Leigh club, then struggling in the second tier of English rugby league. From that point on, everything changed. Leigh returned to the Super League undefeated, and Amone began playing the best football of his career. He returned to the NRL as one of the best forwards in England, not only being named in the 2023 Team of the Year, but also helping Leigh win their first Challenge Cup in over half a century. "Everyone there felt like it was their last chance. We wanted to win something together before everyone left, and for a promoted team to go to the semi-finals twice in a row, that's incredible. Usually, promoted teams have to fight to stay in the league," Amone said. "We were so connected with each other, we all believed in what we were doing. Those were the best three years of my life, going there helped me grow as a player and a person, and I will always be grateful to Leigh."

Under the guidance of coach Adrian Lam, Amone's progress at the Leigh Leopards has been described as "phenomenal". He averaged 32 tackles and 135 meters per game, and his addition is a welcome boost to a Canterbury forward rotation that is in need of added strength. Returning to the NRL has always been Amone's goal, and now 13 kilograms lighter than he was at the Wests Tigers, he is determined to make the most of this opportunity. "I want to make sure it's third time lucky, I don't want to leave anything behind, I want to give it my all," Amone said. "Getting into the 17 each week, that's the best way I can make a name for myself. I did that in England, but this is a higher level." He added: "Stephen Crichton and Viliame Kikau, the way they train, the way they go about things, that's why they are the best. Seeing how hard they work, if I want to play NRL every week, I need to do the same. I know it's going to be a challenge, I'm still learning the system, it's hard, but once I get that, it will be smooth sailing, and then it's up to me."

Here are four other underrated signings:
**Hohepa Puru — Cronulla Sharks**
Puru made two appearances for Canberra in 2023, but despite captaining Canberra's NSW Cup team and being named in the competition's Team of the Year, he failed to break into the first team last season. The 22-year-old, who will join Cronulla in 2025, with his twin brother Niwhai already at the club, seems like a perfect fit. Puru is a skillful attacking player, who appears well-suited to the Sharks' open, flowing style, and should push for a spot in the forward rotation.
**Kai O'Donnell — North Queensland Cowboys**
Like Amone, O'Donnell has had limited NRL experience, making four appearances for Canberra in 2020 before joining Leigh, where he produced some excellent football during the Leopards' incredible rise. "He's a beast, he gives 110% in everything he does," Amone said of his former teammate. "He's so good in those effort areas that the fans don't see, so when you play alongside him, you love it. He's someone I want to be like." A sharp attacking back-rower who scored four tries in a game against Hull last year, O'Donnell was a standout in the Super League and was even rumored to be in contention for an England call-up before returning to Australia with North Queensland. While he is best suited to the edge, he can also play in the middle, making him a valuable weapon for Cowboys coach Todd Payten, particularly following the season-ending injury to Heilum Luki.
**Kulikefu Finefuiaki — Dolphins**
Finefuiaki is perhaps a little too good to be on this list — he has already made 37 appearances for North Queensland since debuting in 2023 — but the young back-rower could well be a contender for "signing of the year" based on his performances for the Dolphins. The 21-year-old is powerful, athletic, and has great footwork, and he is an excellent addition to a Dolphins team that is in need of some fresh blood in the forward pack. Finefuiaki performed well as a bench player for the Cowboys and looks ready to take the next step as a regular NRL starter.
**Jamie Humphreys — South Sydney Rabbitohs**
The 22-year-old Humphreys made his NRL debut for Manly last season, scoring a try against Newcastle, before joining South Sydney in the hope of securing a regular starting spot. With the Rabbitohs looking for a new halfback and hooker, Humphreys should get opportunities in both positions. Englishman Lewis Dodd is expected to get first crack at a starting role, but don't be surprised to see Humphreys, a talented player who has shone in the junior grades and was excellent in reserve grade last season, get an opportunity if injuries or poor form strike.