NRL burning issues: Biggest questions for every team ahead of the 2024 season
Whether it’s the hardest selection battles, veterans facing off against father time, or just plain old coaches under pressure, each NRL team has some burning issues ahead of the 2024 season.
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Can Brisbane overcome the heartache of their last-minute grand final defeat? Who will Shane Flanagan lure to the Dragons? Does Des Hasler make a difference on the Gold Coast? And lastly, does the salary cap crunch finally bring the Panthers down this year?
With less than a month to go until the first pre-season game kicks off, our NRL experts examine the burning issues at all 17 NRL clubs ahead of the season.
BRONCOS
The scars
How will Brisbane’s gutting grand final loss affect the club? It’s the great unknown. The Broncos surrendered a 24-8 lead in the final 20 minutes of the decider to lose 26-24 to the Panthers. The defeat could either galvanise and spur on the Broncos for redemption, or leave them a shattered mess. Only time will tell.
The cap
The Broncos lost three top performers in Herbie Farnworth, Tom Flegler and Keenan Palasia this year and there may be more to come. With improving players comes salary cap problems and the Broncos face a tough juggling task to keep this team together for a title tilt. Keeping the likes of Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh, Selwyn Cobbo, Kotoni Staggs, Adam Reynolds, Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan won’t be easy.
The skipper
How many more years of top flight football does Adam Reynolds have left in him? Reynolds produced an excellent 2023 campaign to guide the Broncos to the grand final. But he will be bitterly disappointed with his performance in the decider and there are now questions over how much longer Reynolds can be an elite halfback. Time is running out for him to deliver the Broncos a title.
– Travis Meyn
RABBITOHS
Halfback role
Jason Demetriou has backed in Lachlan Ilias long-term and has publicly declared his support for the no.7 so much so that he declared Ilias would be the best halfback the club has had in a long-time. Ilias has had a mixed bag in his two seasons but has shown enough promise that he can be the club’s long-term halfback.
Getting them going
At full strength South Sydney have arguably the most potent backline in the NRL. The task will be getting them all to deliver on their potential. Jack Wighton needs to ensure he isn’t lost from matches playing at centre while South Sydney have to find a way to get Tyrone Munroe the ball. He is a try-scoring freak.
Tatola’s rise
At times during 2023 the South Sydney forwards were manhandled by their opposition. Consistent injuries to Tevita Tatola didn’t help. But Tatola was on the verge of becoming one of the game’s best props at the end of 2022. He will carry the load for South Sydney in the middle of the field.
– Michael Carayannis
DRAGONS
Hunt saga
How will this finally play out? Ben Hunt has begrudgingly given his commitment to the club for 2024 but 2025 remains up in the air. Expect rival clubs to make another late season pitch for him.
Spine busters
Hunt is the only certain starter in the Dragons spine. Can Kyle Flanagan hold down another halves position? Tyrell Sloan had a mixed 2023 campaign and spent a large chunk of the pre-season sidelined. Jacob Liddle is serviceable but not a top tier hooker.
Can they attract stars?
This isn’t a crack at Shane Flanagan but instead the roster he has inherited. It is extremely likely they won’t feature in the top eight again this year without some late additions to the squad. Can Flanagan – who was a major draw card during his time at the Sharks – replicate that formula and land some much needed, high profile signings?
– Michael Carayannis
TITANS
The spine
The Titans have the forward pack to take them deep in the premiership race, but question marks remain over their spine.
Hasler has some big decisions to make on what his playmaking set-up looks like.
Will he pick Jayden Campbell, AJ Brimson or Keano Kini at fullback?
Is Tanah Boyd or Tom Weaver the long-term answer at halfback? What happens at five-eighth if Kieran Foran, who is likely entering his last season, is not available?
Can Sam Verrills stay on the field?
There’s no point having a gun forward pack if the spine can’t get the job done.
Defence
The Titans’ defence was shocking under former coach Justin Holbrook and that’s what ultimately cost him his job.
While they have had little trouble scoring points, the Titans crumbled under any sort of defensive pressure.
Hasler’s first job is to turn the Titans into a more resilient team without the ball and improve their defensive structures.
Contracts
The Titans have developed an obsession with long-term contracts and time will tell if that’s the right strategy.
They have 13 players signed until 2026 while captain Tino Fa’asuamaleaui recently secured a 10-year contract extension. The same type of deal hasn’t worked for the Cowboys when it comes to a Dally M Medal winner in Jason Taumalolo.
The Titans have gone heavy on their forward pack, spending close to $3 million a season on David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika and Fa’asuamaleaui, leaving little to bolster the all-important halves.
– Travis Meyn
STORM
How do they make the most of three fullbacks?
The Storm are blessed with three quality fullbacks in Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nick Meaney and Sua Faalogo. Papenhuyzen is expected to be fit for the start of the season and will automatically take back the No.1 jersey.
His reliable deputy, Meaney, is expected to move to the centres but the biggest question will be over their use of Faalogo, who is likely to play off the bench in a utility role.
The Storm have had success in the past with the use of their No.14 role. Harry Grant and Brandon Smith have both occupied that position previously, and Faalogo would give Melbourne serious excitement against tiring opposition.
Can they strengthen the middle of the field?
The Storm’s forward pack is bursting with quality, but they were caught out in the middle of the field when the whips were cracking at the end of last season.
The challenge will be finding a way to strengthen that department so they can compete with the big guns come finals time.
Captain Christian Welch has relinquished his position with the Rugby League Players Association to concentrate on re-establishing the Storm’s pack as a dominant power.
Who is their next coach?
The Storm have had just three coaches in their 25-year history. Craig Bellamy is on a rolling deal and, while it is dangerous to guess what he will do, his future will have significant ramifications for the club moving forward. No-one is more synonymous with the game in Victoria than Bellamy.
– Brent Read
BULLDOGS
Crucial halves decision
Canterbury need to make a call on whether Matt Burton is a five-eighth or centre. The club’s 2024 recruitment drive has provided them with a string of halves options that can allow the pressure to be taken off Burton by moving him to the centres, even if it’s just for the short term.
Toby Sexton, Drew Hutchison, Blake Taaffe, Kurt Mann and Jaemon Salmon could all play a simple role in the halves that is focused on getting quality ball to strike weapons Burton, Crichton, Kikau, Preston and Kiraz.
The weak link on paper
The Bulldogs were getting well short of value for money for Luke Thompson and Tevita Pangai Jr, so their exit from a squad balance perspective is a win.
Josh Curran gives the Dogs a ball-playing option at lock. They are still short one more major signing in the pack that offers intimidation and leadership.
Reed Mahoney must also have a vastly improved season than his debut year.
The fullback puzzle
Hayze Perham fulfilled his potential for the Bulldogs, but the addition of Blake Taaffe, Stephen Crichton or Connor Tracey is an immediate upswing in providing Canterbury with a new point of attack in 2024.
– David Riccio
WARRIORS
The Addin Auction
How the Warriors manage the exit of Addin Fonua-Blake. The release request in November from the outstanding front-rower was a major shock to the Warriors. After confirmation that he’ll be joining the Sharks in 2025, can the Warriors get the best out of him in 2024? And how do they replace one of the top three front-rowers in the competition?
To retire or play on?
Can Shaun Johnson continue the stunning form of 2023? Another year older, the 33-year-old enjoyed the best year of his career last season. But when it mattered most, his body let him down with a dodgy calf injury cruelling his finals series.
RTS comeback
The return of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be one of the most discussed footy agendas among fans. He returns to the NRL for the first time since 2021. He will be 30 years old. Can the former Dally M medallist play at the pace which saw him held in the highest of regard before he switched to rugby union?
-David Riccio
SEA EAGLES
Can they keep Tom Turbo fit?
It’s pretty simple really. When Tom Trbojevic is on the field, Manly can beat anyone. He is that good. The key is keeping him there after a succession of injuries in recent seasons that devastated him and decimated Manly.
Can Josh Schuster realise his potential?
Schuster is one of the game’s great enigmas. His talent is without question. The only issue is whether he has the dedication to realise his potential. If Anthony Seibold can unlock Schuster, anything is possible.
How many dances has Daly got left?
Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans has been one of the club’s greatest players and at the age of 34, he shows few signs of slowing down. He was outstanding again in 2023 but the clock is ticking and he no doubt craves another premiership before his career comes to an end.
– Brent Read
RAIDERS
Do they have the spine to compete with the top teams?
Put the likely spine of Zac Woolford/Danny Levi, Jamal Fogarty, Kaeo Weekes and Xavier Savage/Seb Kris up against the top clubs and it puts in perspective the challenge they face maintaining a place in the top eight.
Can the Raiders cover the loss of a player as important as Wighton?
Even though Wighton was below his best in 2023, he leaves huge boots to fill and it would be unfair to place all the pressure on new recruit Kaeo Weekes. That’s where Jamal Fogarty has to own this team. Not only on a week-to-week basis, but especially in the big games after the No.7 was heavily criticised for not delivering in the extra-time finals loss to the Knights.
Will the Raiders land Eels hot shot Ethan Sanders?
The change to NRL guidelines that now prevents rookie players coming off contract from entering into negotiations until round six of the new season has delayed a potential shootout for the services of young Parramatta playmaker Ethan Sanders. He is stuck behind Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown, but is a player with tremendous potential who the Raiders are expected to go hard for when he is free to negotiate.
– Paul Crawley
EELS
Can Brad Arthur finally be the coach to end the Eels’ premiership drought?
The difference between the very good coaches and the great ones is determined by premierships. That’s why Jack Gibson will always be remembered as Parramatta’s greatest coach, even though Brian Smith and now Arthur have coached the Eels for a much longer period.
The point here is that this will be Arthur’s 11th season in charge, which now puts him ahead of Smith as the longest serving Parramatta coach. So it’s no wonder some fans are growing more restless as the seasons roll on.
Although there is also no denying in that time Arthur has been tremendous for the club. Not only building a top class NRL roster, but the talent coming through the pathways system should really set the Eels up for years to come.
Why excuses won’t wash in 2024
The fact the Eels are one of the few teams capable of beating the Panthers (which they did twice in 2023) tells you exactly why they should go into the new season as a genuine premiership threat. There is no question this is a squad capable of bouncing back after missing the top eight to finish top four in 2024. As long as they don’t sabotage themselves like they did this past season on the back of a stack of self-inflicted suspensions that could have been easily avoided (think Ryan Matterson, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Dylan Brown and Maika Sivo).
Battle of the No 9s
The Eels’ most intriguing positional battle will be who ultimately ends up owning the No.9 jumper. Joey Lussick is a wholehearted player, while former halve Brendan Hands adjusted to his new position tremendously well when taking over from Josh Hodgson. But the wildcard in this will be young gun Ryley Smith who potentially could be the pick of the three if the extremely gifted 20-year-old (who is also a gun cricketer) proves he is physically ready for the challenge.
– Paul Crawley
TIGERS
Uncertain pack talk
David Klemmer, who has three years remaining on his contract, was shopped to other clubs without his knowledge. That’s not how you treat a veteran, State of Origin-calibre prop.
Former Parramatta back-rower Isaiah Papali’i has pledged his next 12 months to the Tigers but there’s speculation he may not see out the final year of his deal as the Tigers juggle salary cap space.
There’s been murmurs about a potential return to the New Zealand Warriors, or even back to the Eels, where he still maintains close friendships with a number of players.
Regardless, at a time when the Tigers need stability and consistency, player uncertainty won’t help.
This makes the appointment of interim CEO Shane Richardson even more vital, as he will no doubt identify and look to iron out these issues.
Stefano’s bizarre top-eight loyalty clause
The embattled Wests Tigers have a cloud hanging over them for the next 12 months due to a rare clause in State of Origin prop Stefano Utoikamanu’s contract.
Officially under contract until the end of 2025, the 23-year-old will be free to leave after next season if the two-time reigning wooden spooners fail to make the finals.
Despite Utoikamanu expressing a desire to see out his contract, it’s almost unfathomable that the Tigers would create this added pressure on themselves to get results.
Elite props are rare on the open market, as seen by Cronulla winning the scramble to sign Warriors big man Addin Fonua-Blake for 2025, so rivals could be lined up to throw serious money at Utoikamanu if the Tigers endure another disappointing season.
The halves equation
With Jarome Luai expected to link up with the Wests Tigers on a five-year, $6 million deal from 2025, it raises questions about the club’s current halves group.
At 32, veteran Aidan Sezer won’t be there long term, but he has a mutual contract option for 2025. Recruits Jayden Sullivan, 22, and Latu Fainu, 18, are both locked in until 2027, while star local junior Lachlan Galvin, 18, has a deal until the end of 2026.
There’s talk about transitioning Galvin and his 190cm frame, into the back row, which would still leave Sullivan and Fainu fighting it out to be Luai’s long-term halves partner. One of them will start next season alongside Sezer, leaving rookie coach Benji Marshall the task of resolving who’s the preferred starter, while keeping all parties happy with their roles.
– Fatima Kdouh
KNIGHTS
Can the Knights maintain the magic?
The back end of last season was a tonic for long-suffering Knights fans, but they want more of the same in 2024.
A 10-game winning streak masked a poor start to the season, and they’ll need to find a way to get some consistency.
They’ll need a good start and then to maintain it to show fans their 10-game winning streak wasn’t just a fluke.
Coming-of-age Kalyn
One of the biggest reasons for the Knights’ boom at the end of the year was Dally M Medallist Kalyn Ponga, who was in the form of his career. The star fullback chose to forgo Queensland Origin commitments to concentrate on improving the Knights, and it worked. Will he make the same choice again in 2024? And more importantly, will he need to?
Halves puzzle
Phoenix Crossland had a huge 2023 season when he stepped in to play dummy half in the absence of injured hooker Jayden Brailey, but now he will more than likely fill a No.14 role off the bench to make the most of his utility value.
In the halves, Tyson Gamble and Jackson Hastings also surprised with their successful partnership, and with Jack Cogger added to the mix from Penrith — where he slotted in superbly in the grand final to help spark the Panthers’ comeback — someone has to miss out.
– Pamela Whaley
SHARKS
The halves conundrum
Star halfback Nicho Hynes had a mixed season but it’s up to the club to get the right support around him to help him succeed.
Braydon Trindall spent time next to him at five-eighth in 2023, and is one of few options now Matt Moylan has left. But Trindall is yet to stamp himself as a first-choice selection.
The Sharks need the best out of Hynes, but how they go about getting it will be the big puzzle.
Source of improvement is a mystery
In his first year in charge Craig Fitzgibbon had the Sharks finishing second but then bounced out of the finals in straight sets. This year they limped into the finals and were bundled out week one. Aside from the week-to-week consistency they need to climb the ladder, their execution in big games needs an overhaul.
Two many cooks
Dale Finucane and Cameron McInnes are very similar players – durable workhorses who play big minutes. Neither are ideal for a bench position, but there’s only one No. 13 jersey.
They alternated throughout 2023 but it didn’t entirely work for either player, or the team.
McInnes could play dummy half if Blayke Brailey wasn’t far and away the best option behind the ruck, and it seems a waste to have a player of Finucane’s salary on the bench.
The issue needs sorting for the balance of the salary cap and the team.
– Pamela Whaley
ROOSTERS
Can Sam Walker own the halfback spot?
Walker is clearly the club’s premier No.7 but was shocked to find himself dumped to NSW Cup early last season as the Roosters preferred Drew Hutchison and Joey Manu to partner Luke Keary.
Walker fought back to secure the halfback jumper for the club’s late-season surge. While he’s still only 21 and has just 56 NRL games to his name, Walker is entering his fourth season of first grade and needs to solidify his place as the Roosters’ long-term halves solution
James Tedesco v Father Time
Tedesco endured ongoing criticism — at all levels — over his form in 2023. Many claim the condemnation was excessive. While doubtful, the question remains over whether Tedesco’s confidence took a hit? It was the first time in Tedesco’s wonderful career where he copped sustained flak.
He will be 31 when the Roosters’ season kicks off in Las Vegas in March and, with two years remaining on his contract, continuing to perform at the elite level he has throughout his career will continue to be examined.
The rugby elephant in the room
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is, undoubtedly, all class on and off the field, but the circus surrounding his departure to rugby union at the end of next season could have an impact. Players often drift knowing they are leaving the club, and code, the following season.
Given the criticism the 20-year-old copped for deciding to defect, there will be added motivation to silence them.
Add to that revelations Joseph Manu is considering a short-term rugby stint at the end of next season, in a massive payday that would allow him to return to the Roosters midway through 2025, and there is some uncertainty around the Bondi club.
– Dean Ritchie
DOLPHINS
Will the Dolphins suffer second-year syndrome?
Wayne Bennett’s troops defied the critics with a creditable first season in the NRL, but now the gloss has worn off the shiny new franchise and no-one will underestimate them in 2024.
The Dolphins did remarkably well to win nine games in their rookie campaign, but the pressure is on not to go backwards after a promising entry to the NRL.
Will the dynamic duo deliver?
Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth came of age at the Broncos last season, but it will be fascinating to see if they can get better at a club unlikely to challenge for a grand final spot next season.
The Dolphins are banking on the muscle of Flegler and class of Farnworth to turn them into a genuine finals contender. They are the big off-season buys and it’s vital they stay fit and on the park.
Has the super coach run out of magic tricks?
For almost 50 years, Wayne Bennett has been a coaching titan, but Father Time catches up with even the champions. The seven-time premiership winner stunned the league with the Dolphins’ performances last season, but the jury is out on whether he can deliver a finals campaign in his Redcliffe swan song.
The Dolphins need some Bennett magic dust to orchestrate a top-eight fairytale.
– Peter Badel
COWBOYS
Is Chad Townsend on his last legs?
The 2016 Cronulla premiership-winner has been an outstanding purchase at halfback, but Father Time waits for no man and it’s creeping up on Townsend.
The co-captain turns 33 in the New Year and goes into 2024 off-contract in what shapes as his swan song season in the NRL.
The Cowboys not only need Townsend to stay fit, but they also need his form to avoid going south.
It’s time for the real Jason Taumalolo to stand up
For two of the past three seasons, the Cowboys champion has been ravaged by injury and with each mediocre season, the whispers about whether his record 10-year, $10 million deal was a poor investment will become a roar.
Taumalolo had stints on the bench last season and the Tongan torpedo will be primed to prove he is still one of the code’s premier No.13s.
Do the Cowboys ‘pack’ a punch up front?
North Queensland’s forward unit has some question marks. Jordan McLean is 32 next season, young gun Jeremiah Nanai had an injury-plagued 2023 and Luciano Leilua has yet to deliver on his potential after arriving from the Wests Tigers.
Super sub Jake Granville turns 35 and is close to retirement.
For the Cowboys to truly challenge for the premiership, they must muscle up as a unit and help Queensland Origin ironman Reuben Cotter.
– Peter Badel
PANTHERS
Replacing the premiership heroes
Good thing is they’ve had plenty of practice. After losing Matt Burton and Kurt Capewell from their 2021 team, and then Apisai Koroisau and Viliame Kikau from their 2022 side, Penrith are now without Stephen Crichton and Spencer Leniu from their 2023 outfit. Both were key cogs in their quest for the threepeat, can the club unearth more talent to stay ahead of the chasing title pack? And now the impending departure of Jarome Luai suggests the dynasty is closer to ending than extending.
Salary cap crunch
While Jarome Luai’s future has dominated headlines, the playing futures of exciting young backline stars Sunia Turuva and Taylan May are a concern.
The Panthers insist they are keen to retain both players, who will both be chasing hefty contract upgrades. Rookie of the year Turuva had a sensational debut season, catching the attention of rival clubs, while May has revealed his desire to one day play alongside his brothers — Roosters prop Terrell and Catalans outside back Taylan.
Roster sustainability
Rival clubs are not just targeting Penrith’s stars, with Jack Cogger, Jaeman Salmon and Tom Jenkins joining players like of J’Maine Hopgood, Isaiya Katoa and Sean O’Sullivan to be prised away, robbing the Panthers of depth.
Five-eighth Jack Cole, back-rower Liam Henry and outside back Jesse McLean, who made his NRL debut in the final round of 2023, headline the next crop of youngsters.
– Fatima Kdouh
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