Salford Red Devils have began overhauling their squad after signing a dozen new players and letting eight depart the AJ Bell Stadium.
After reaching the Super League Grand Final last year, it is hoped that these signings can provide the depth and squad balance required to push them over the line this season.
Boss Ian Watson has been a busy man with marquee new signings including Rhys Williams, Luke Yates and Elliot Kear all arriving from London Broncos.
Winger Williams is an experienced international performer with 26 caps for Wales and he will be hoping to provide leadership to a relatively inexperienced squad.
And the winger is thrilled to be reuniting with Watson, who was actually playing for Wales when Williams made his international debut.
He said: “I just want to work for good, hard-working people, and Watto is certainly that.
“He wants to win, he’s a good person and a good coach. It’s easy to work for someone who holds those attributes.”
Prop Sebastine Ikahihifo, who was in the 2017 Super League Dream team, joins Salford on loan from the Huddersfield Giants, with the hope that he can force his way back into contention for the Dream Team.
Two-time Super League Winner Dan Sarginson will also join the Red Devils for the 2020 season. The versatile player can play centre, full-back or winger.
2019’s Man of Steel Jackson Hastings has moved to Wigan Warriors, with former England half-back Kevin Brown being brought in to replace him.
Brown has made 343 career appearances, and has scored 139 tries.
Key players from last season Robert Lui, Derrell Olpherts and Josh Jones have also departed.
With the season opener against Toronto Wolfpack this Saturday, manager Watson is hoping for an instant impact from his signings.
“I’m ambitious and I want to win things,” Watson told the Salford Red Devils website.
“To do that, you’ve got to build foundations and have them in place.
“The club are showing that they want to go in that direction.”
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