A Hospital Cup off-season is best described as chaotic, with plenty of player movement at most clubs the norm. 

With the 2025 season underway, Rugby News decided to analyse the best recruits for the year to come. 

David Fusitu’a – Brothers: 

Former NRL winger David Fusitu’a has made the cross-code switch to rugby, and arrives from Leeds Rhinos, where he played four seasons in the English Super League. 

Fusitu’a played more than 100 games for the New Zealand Warriors, amassing 61 tries, and was the NRL’s top try scorer in 2018. 

Fusitu’a hasn’t played rugby since he was a kid, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts.

Kobe Walters – Bond Uni: 

Sometimes in sport, it’s not the biggest name who makes the impact, but someone fresh, and hungry to prove themselves in a new arena. Kobe Walters could be that player for Bondi Uni. 

The big man, who comes in at over six foot, has moved over across the ditch from Auckland for the season. 

Bond coach Mick Heenan waxed lyrical about Walters during the preseason, and he’s expected to have a stellar year.  

Andrew Ready – Easts: 

Ready wrapped up his 12-season professional rugby career last year and while he returned to Easts in the middle of last season, he’s counted as a new recruit for 2025. 

The hooker, who made his name at Queensland Reds and Western Force, is expected to have a big year at the club.

James Martens – GPS:

Young halfback James Martens comes to GPS from Wests and with an excellent running game, he’s already been hallmarked by some as a future Super Rugby player. 

Martens will be up for selection for the Australian under 20’s and might not play the full season, but he’s one to keep an eye on. 

Moses Armstrong-Ravula – Norths:

Of all the recruits on this list, Armstrong-Ravula is probably the most unknown, but the hooker has represented the Fiji under 20s, which shows he has talent. 

He joins from New Zealand’s Manawatū Turbos. It will be interesting to see how he goes at Norths this year. 

Keenan Timu – Souths:

Back-row Keenan Timu is back in Queensland playing rugby following a spell in France. 

Timu had a lot of promise as a junior and as the brother of former Reds player Caleb Timu, there’s high hopes for the No.8. 

Paea Talakai – Sunnybank 

Another cross-code recruit, Talakai stands at six feet six, weights about 120kg, and is ready to dominate for Sunnybank. 

The big man could deliver the ball carries that Sunnybank will need to be successful this year. 

Pama Fou – UQ 

Utility back Pama Fou joins UQ following a stint in Italy. With plenty of Super Rugby and Sevens experience, it shouldn’t take long for Fou to find his feet. 

If Fou can find the sort of form which saw him selected for Aussie Sevens team 27 times, UQ will be a threat. 

Denzel Samoa – Wests:

With a name like Denzel Samoa, there should be little surprise that the youngster, who joins from rugby league, has been pinpointed as a future superstar by coach Elwee Prinsloo.

He plays as a winger.