South Sydney has a history of luring elite talent to Redfern under the stewardship of experienced administrators.
Shane Richardson has previously overseen headline signings such as Greg Inglis, Sam Burgess, Latrell Mitchell and Wayne Bennett during his time at the club.
The club's latest coup centers on the anticipated transfer of Payne Haas to Souths, a move widely touted as the NRL signing of the century.
The arrival of Haas has reverberated across the competition and altered perceptions about Souths' recruitment muscle.
Critics and supporters agree the acquisition could shift balance of power, influence forward packs and energize the fan base.
The deal has also sparked debate about long-term roster strategy, salary cap implications and the message it sends to rivals.
For a club accustomed to headline captures, the Haas announcement still manages to stand out as exceptional.
"It's a game-changer," said Richardson, a long-time former Souths chief executive and general manager of football.
As negotiations conclude and the signing becomes official, expectations will rise for immediate on-field impact and cultural integration.
Regardless of outcomes, the move will be studied as a defining moment in recent NRL transfer history.