NRL 2024 pre-season power rankings: Burning issues, gains and losses, it’s a big season for …
Off-field scandals, player movement and injuries – every club has faced different challenges over the pre-season. We rank how each club navigated the pre-season and who is in a strong position heading into round 1.
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Every club has faced different challenges over the pre-season, from off-field scandals to player movements and injuries.
The 2024 NRL Pre-Season Power Rankings are not a predicted ladder, but rather an examination of how your club has fared over the summer, which can make or break their chances in 2024.
We first ranked all 17 clubs in late October on how each team was placed for the gruelling summer ahead. Now, less than two weeks out from Round 1, we have adjusted our rankings to show who is in the best shape ahead of the season kick off on March 3 in Las Vegas.
17. RABBITOHS (Previous ranking 14)
The Rabbitohs had put the Sam Burgess saga behind them and were sailing along smoothly until injury struck, first with star centre Campbell Graham (sternum), who has been ruled out for six months and then with five-eighth Cody Walker (calf), putting him in race against the clock to be fit for Round 1. Matters were made worse when young winger Tyrone Munro (broken collarbone) was rubbed out for eight weeks. Sean Keppie joined from Manly early in the pre-season.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Jason Demetriou’s outside back stocks are stretched to the limits. They have been forced to turn to Izaac Thompson or Jacob Gagai, who they got a special clearance for to allow him to play in Las Vegas.
It’s a big season for: Lachlan Ilias. The arrival of Jack Wighton will put pressure on Ilias to fire immediately in 2024. Only marked improvement as the side’s main general will silence Ilias’ detractors and keep his job safe in 2024.
16. WESTS TIGERS (16)
Shane Richardson’s arrival as interim CEO was meant to hit the reset button for the Tigers but it hasn’t taken long for controversy to re-emerge at the joint venture after a governance overhaul at the club. Richardson’s role as part-owner of Rich Digital with his son Brent, an accredited NRL player agent, raised conflict of interest concerns. On the plus side for the Tigers, the club celebrated the signing of Jarome Luai for 2025 before snaring centre Justin Olam from Melbourne.
Burning issue ahead of Round 2 (Tigers have the bye in Round 1): Is Jayden Sullivan the answer in the halves? Aidan Sezer has the job at No. 7 but big money signing Latu Fainu is the one putting the most pressure on Sullivan as is boom rookie Lachlan Galvin.
It’s a big season for: Isaiah Papali’i was underwhelming in his first season at the club and needs to rediscover his tackle busting, line breaking runs in 2024.
15. DRAGONS (17)
Shane Flanagan’s most important job is rebuilding this roster but the premiership-winning coach failed to land a marquee signing over the summer. Instead the summer was a story of scuttled deals and season-ending injuries. Viewed as Ben Hunt’s halves partner, Ronald Volkman failed a medical test and the club pulled the pin on the deal. New signing Corey Allan won’t see any game time after suffering an ACL in January. Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Luciano Leilua have been added to the pack but there is a question mark over whether the duo are the answer to the lack of go forward needed at the Dragons.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Flanagan had indicated all summer that Zac Lomax would get a crack at fullback. Instead he’s been trialled on the wing. If unlocking Lomax’s attacking prowess and impact is a priority, the 24-year-old should start the season at fullback.
It’s a big season for: Kyle Flanagan. Flanagan will partner Hunt in the halves. How well the two can combine, and quickly, will be crucial to the Red V’s flailing attack.
14. BULLDOGS (15)
Canterbury were the most active club in free agency during the summer but couldn’t manage any major moves to shore up their forward pack, which is an area of concern for its roster. There was also more bloodletting at board level after chairman John Khoury stepped down at the recent annual general meeting. After having neck surgery in December, Karl Oloapu could miss all of 2024. While Stephen Crichton has overcome a minor quad strain, young winger Jacob Kiraz (back) is in some doubt for Round 1.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Ciraldo’s best 17. Ciraldo has Blake Taaffe ahead of Stephen Crichton at fullback, which will come under scrutiny given Crichton’s price tag and No. 1 ambitions. Josh Curran has lost out to Jaeman Salmon at lock, while Kurt Mann is favoured as the utility over Connor Tracey.
It’s a big season for: Bronson Xerri has been out of the game for four years after a doping ban but looked right at home in the first trial. All signs point to the 24-year-old being selected in round one, setting up the once boom centre as the season’s biggest redemption stories.
13. SEA EAGLES (10)
The emergence of Ben Trbojevic in the trials will help Anthony Seibold offset the loss of the injury-prone Josh Schuster, who was ruled out of Vegas with a calf strain. Playmaker Luke Brooks has had the full pre-season to settle into his new home and looks primed for a big season. Tom Trbojevic picked up ballet lessons over the summer in a bid to stay injury free. It’s worked so far, with the star fullback getting through the pre-season without any injury woes. Toafofoa Sipley will miss three weeks for his ugly crusher tackle on Dominic Young. Matt Lodge is scheduled to return from an ACL between round six and eight. Nathan Brown’s addition adds depth to the pack.
Burning issue heading into Round 1: Will Schuster turn into a $800,000 per season headache for Manly? Schuster has been ruled out Round 1 in Las Vegas after picking a calf strain.
It’s a big season for: Luke Brooks. He needed the fresh start but pressure, at least in the form of expectation, has followed him to the northern beaches. Halves partner Daly Cherry-Evans’ should help unlock Brook’s natural running game.
12. BRONCOS (5)
The last thing Brisbane needed was footage of Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan getting into a drunken push and shove as others like Payne Haas and Reece Walsh joined in, albeit skylarking. It’s not a good look for the club or its culture. Reynolds (foot) and Haas (hamstring) also had injury scares during the pre-season, while Jordan Riki (shoulder) and Ezra Mam (groin) missed the first trial but are ready for Round 1. A Round 1 shoe-in Brendan Piakura is now in doubt with a knee injury but was cleared to travel to Las Vegas. Kurt Capewell was released to join the Warriors in December.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Piakura has the left edge spot sewn up before suffering a knee injury. Walters may be tempted to move Carrigan from the middle to the edge, paving the way for Kobe Hetherington to start at lock.
It’s a big season for: Haas and Xavier Willison. The loss of Thomas Flegler can’t be understated. Haas has never had a problem with consistency but doesn’t bring the same mongrel Flegler did for the Broncos. While Willison has the chance to step up.
11. ROOSTERS (8)
Star recruit Dominic Young has travelled to Las Vegas with the Roosters but is still expected to miss the opener against Brisbane due to a neck injury suffered against Manly last weekend. It’s Young’s second big setback since joining the club after he was hospitalised when a sinus infection spread to brain in October. There will be no greater motivation than wanting to send out stalwart Jared Waerea-Hargreaves as a winner in 2024, his last season in the NRL. With the likes of James Tedesco, Lindsay Collins, Terrell May, Joseph Manu, Victor Radley and Naufahu Whyte on international duty, Trent Robinson only had limited time fine tune his game plan over the summer.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Slow starts. Coach Robinson will want to shed the tag of being notorious slow starters in 2024 so they aren’t playing catch up again this season.
It’s a big year for: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. All eyes will be on the 20-year-old as he looks to go out a winner before joining the rugby union ranks on a monster deal. He’s sure to cop plenty of heat from rival fans for making the switch.
10. WARRIORS (1)
It was smooth sailing for the Warriors until Andrew Webster lost Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad on the eve of the season opener to a hamstring injury which looks set to rule him out for at least three games. Making matters worse, young forward Zyon Maiu’u copped a four-week ban for his high shot on Tigers’ Declan Casey. Halfback Shaun Johnson suffered a setback in January picking an ankle injury, while Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s comeback was marred by courtroom drama after he pleaded guilty to drink driving in October. Addin Fonua-Blake was granted permission to break his deal after 2024, and the club was embroiled in Ronald Volkman’s failed move to the Dragons. On the flip side, Kurt Capewell has joined the club from Brisbane.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Webster still has a log jam in the halves. Luke Metcalf did his chances no harm with a solid showing in week one of the trials, as did Te Maire Martin. First crack is likely to go to Metcalf as Shaun Johnson’s halves partner. Chanel Harris-Tavita is also in the mix.
It’s a big season for: Tuivasa-Sheck looked right at home in his first game back last weekend but he’ll be heavily relied upon to spark the Warriors. He’s still favoured at centre with Taine Tuaupiki to replace Nicoll-Klokstad.
9. TITANS (4)
‘Des-neyland’ officially opened in November but already two of its biggest attractions have stalled to a standstill with news David Fifita (pectoral) and Jayden Campbell (patella) will be out until at least April. Injury has been a theme for the Titans, with Beau Fermor (ACL), Sam Verrills (shoulder), Tanah Boyd (shoulder) and Phillip Sami (foot) all managing injuries over the summer.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Hasler moved AJ Brimson into the centres leaving Campbell and Keano Kini to battle for fullback. Boom teenager Kini now has a chance to shine in the opening rounds with Campbell out injured.
It’s a big season for: Tino Fa’asuamaleaui will lead one of best packs alongside Moeaki Fotuaika, Keenan Palasia, David Fifita and Beau Fermor. Given his $12 million price tag, Fa’asuamaleaui has no choice but to dominate in 2024.
8. SHARKS (11)
The Sharks had to manage a burgeoning casualty ward over the summer with Dale Finucane (Biceps), Toby Rudolf (Toe), Teig Wilton (Knee), Tom Hazelton (Abdomen), Kade Dykes (ACL) all having disrupted pre-season. Most have returned for the trials with the exception of Finucane and Braden Hamlin-Uele, who extended his time in the Shire until 2026. Braydon Trindall impressed over the summer and has won the five-eighth spot over Kade Dykes and Daniel Atkinson.
Burning summer issue ahead of Round 1: Defence. Craig Fitzgibbon made defence a focal point over the summer after leaking 21 points a game in 2023 (compared to 15 points in 2022). A second-string outfit conceded 44 points in the first trial but the work done over pre-season will be put to a proper test this weekend.
It’s a big season for: Coach Fitzgibbon. The Sharks have been bungled out of consecutive finals series without making a dent in September. After opting not to make an significant rosters changes, it’s on Fitzgibbon to be the difference between a side that makes up numbers in the finals and one that is a genuine title threat.
7. COWBOYS (13)
Playmaker Tom Dearden shunned rivals to stay in Townsville until the end of season 2029, and was named as a co-captain alongside Ruben Cotter. Back rower Luciano Leilua has now joined the Dragons after an unhappy stint in Townsville. The off-season started with a scandal, after Valentine Holmes was sanctioned for posting a photo of himself with what appeared to be a bag of white powder. But Holmes has served his one game ban and has worked hard to make amends since.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Given the talent at his disposal, the pressure is Todd Payten to get the Cowboys humming like he did in 2022. The coach conceded their pre-season into 2023 was not up to standard.
It’s a big season for: With Dearden extended, eyes now turn to the rising back rowers Heilum Luki and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki. Both are on the radar of rival clubs and aren’t just playing for a pay day in Townsville but potentially elsewhere.
6. RAIDERS (12)
Ricky Stuart’s coaching chops were put to the test over the summer as Canberra face the possibility of being undone by an inexperienced spine. The likes of Chevy Stewart, Ethan Strange, Xavier Savage and Kaeo Weekes spent the pre-season jostling for the fullback and five-eighth spots. Seb Kris will miss Round 1 with suspension, while Corey Horsburgh is unavailable until round four. Backrower Corey Harawira-Naera has been cleared to return after suffering a seizure on the field but a return date is yet to be determined.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Canberra’s spine. Stewart, Savage and even Jordan Rapana are all in the running to wear the No. 1 jumper, while Ethan Strange is an option to replace Jack Wighton in the halves but Stuart’s first indication is that role will go to Kaeo Weekes.
It’s a big season for: Horsburgh will miss the opening rounds but there is talk he’ll be named to start at prop on his return with Englishman Morgan Smithies favoured at No. 13. It’s a crucial move for Horsburgh given the fact stalwart big man Josh Papali’i is slowing down and Stuart is preparing for life after the experienced prop.
5. PANTHERS (3)
First it was the constant speculation about Jarome Luai’s future and a rumoured rift with coach Ivan Cleary, and then came Mitch Kenny’s social media post on boxing day, leaving the hooker facing a sanction for a photo captioned “couple of Boxing Day lines have got me in trouble.” Luai, who eventually signed with the Tigers for 2025, used the summer to overcome a shoulder injury, but the five-eighth has been ruled out for the World Club Challenge. Jack Cole is expected to edge out Daine Laurie and Brad Schneider as Luai’s replacement against Wigan.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Keeping a slew of youngsters, including Sunia Turuva, Taylan May and Mitch Kenny, all whom are unsigned beyond 2024.
It’s a big season for: Paul Alamoti. The teen prodigy failed to reach the lofty heights expected of him early on at Canterbury but he’s now part of a champion system, where he can reach his potential.
4. STORM (9)
It’s been a relatively quiet pre-season for the Storm, but the club should have made some noise in the free market with a signing to shore up its forward pack – which was steamrolled in last year’s preliminary final against Penrith. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch and Tui Kamikamica need to step up in 2024. Shawn Blore joined from the Tigers on player swap for Olam mid-January. Ryan Papenhuyzen has overcome a badly broken leg to be ready for the season proper.
Burning issues ahead of Round 1: Blore failed to reach his potential at Concord but is poised to join the list of players who made the move to Melbourne and reignited their careers, just like Eli Katoa did in 2023.
It’s a big season for: Dean Ieremia missed 2023 with an ACL injury and is unsigned. But with uncertainty over Reimis Smiths’ future at the club, the door has opened for Ieremia to lock down a spot at centre.
3. EELS (7)
Eels boss Jim Sarantinos went on the defensive, slamming reports Wayne Bennett is in the frame for a coaching director role, while supporting coach Brad Arthur who is under pressure to deliver a title. Arthur lost one of his best young prospects in Richard Penisini to an ACL injury but the rising centre wasn’t in the frame for Round 1 selection. Captain Clint Gutherson (knee) and Junior Paulo (toe) had odd-season surgery but finished the pre-season in full fitness ready for round one. Parramatta’s next gen, including Sam Tuivaiti, Charlie Guymer and Blaize Talagi all completed their first full NRL pre-season.
Burning issue heading into Round 1: The Eels have a number holes in their roster, namely at hooker. Arthur has options in Joey Lussick and Brendan Hands, neither are of the same calibre of Reed Mahoney. Arthur wants an X-factor but the club is no closer to signing one, or unearthing that player in house. Named for another trial, Talagi is shaping as that option.
It’s a big season for: The Eels will be looking for Dylan Brown to repay the faith the club showed in by locking the Kiwis star in until the end of 2031. Brown’s running and kicking games improved in 2023 and need to do so again if the Eels are to be in the finals equation.
2. DOLPHINS (2)
The additions of Thomas Flegler, Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo has the club in great shape this pre-season as they look to make some more noise in the competition after claiming some big scalps in its first season in the NRL. Tom Gilbert (shoulder), Jeremy Marshall-King (shoulder) and Ray Stone (foot) all spent time on modified training programs but are fit for the trials. Incoming head coach Kristian Woolf took more of a hands-on role, taking the lead in the first trial against the Dolphins with Wayne Bennett taking the back seat.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Averillo was a shoe-in for a centre spot during the pre-season but now looks to have been beaten to the role by Tesi Niu with Jack Bostock outside him on the left edge. Averillo wasn’t content with a utility role at Canterbury but looks destined to have a similar job at Redcliffe.
It’s a big season for: Flegler now has the chance to be the forward pack leader at the Dolphins. He also adds an injection of much needed youth and energy into an experienced but ageing pack that includes Jesse and Kenny Bromwich, Felise Kaufusi and Jarrod Wallace.
1. KNIGHTS (6)
The Knights doubled down on securing coach Adam O’Brien by also fending off the Wests Tigers to extend star centre Bradman Best on a three-year deal worth $700,000 per season. Forward Jacob Saifiti has also been locked in until the end of 2027. The only real injury concern from the summer was Jayden Brailey, who picked up a hamstring injury. Star fullback Kalyn Ponga ruled himself out of the All Stars to focus on the season opener. Centre Krystian Mapapalangi, who was knocked out in the first trial, won’t play against Melbourne this week but should be available for the season opener.
Burning issue ahead of Round 1: Three don’t fit into two and O’Brien must make a call on whether Jack Cogger is a week in week out half for the Knights or added to the roster as a depth signing for Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings.
It’s a big season for: Hooker Jayden Brailey. Brailey has suffered a setback as he returns from an ACL injury after picking up a hamstring issue, which is set to rule him out of round one. Brailey’s talent is undeniable but the more game time he misses the more likely he’ll be forced to play second fiddle to Phoenix Crossland, who did a commendable job at hooker as Brailey’s replacement and earned the right to be picked at no.9.
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