Brisbane Broncos — Ben Hunt’s Return
After seven years, Ben Hunt will return to the Broncos in 2025. In signing Hunt, Michael Maguire has solved several of Brisbane’s problems in one fell swoop. The Broncos’ halves depth cost them last year as Adam Reynolds battled injury and could have done so again this year with Ezra Mam facing a lengthy suspension. In Hunt, they have a player who could fill either role with aplomb should one of the starters go down. Hunt also provides a veteran presence for a side that was sorely lacking it through 2024. Once all the Broncos are fit and firing, one would expect Hunt to share the hooking duties with Mozer and perhaps even slot in at lock late in games if Maguire wants to really ramp up the pace.
Canberra Raiders — Hooker Dilemma
Dummy half shapes as the final piece of the playmaking puzzle for Canberra with the Raiders locking in Kaeo Weekes at fullback and Jamal Fogarty and Ethan Strange in the halves following impressive seasons for all three in 2024. Hooker has been a problematic position for the club ever since Josh Hodgson’s departure. A new signing over the summer would not surprise.
Canterbury Bulldogs — Frontline Muscles
Canterbury broke a lengthy finals drought in 2024 on the back of a high-energy style that turned their lack of size in the middle of the field into a strength. They need to find a little more muscle up front to take the next step, with new faces like Sitili Tupouniua and Tom Amone potentially providing the support needed.
Cronulla Sharks — Pursuit of Greatness
Cronulla have always been a capable team under Craig Fitzgibbon’s coaching. Their reliability in the regular season is unquestionable, but their finals record shows they struggle when it matters most. With the arrival of Addin Fonua-Blake, the Sharks have a chance to be great in 2025 by focusing on their goal of winning a premiership every day.
Dolphins — Ending Late-Season Slumps
The competition’s youngest club have inched closer to a maiden finals berth but must find a way to end the late-season fade-outs that have plagued them in their first two seasons. With new faces and fresh legs, coach Kristian Woolf is determined to lead the Dolphins to their first top-eight finish.
Gold Coast Titans — AJ Brimson’s Dilemma
Gold Coast faces the challenge of fitting AJ Brimson into their best team amidst his injury concerns. With Keano Kini impressing at fullback and Jayden Campbell shining at five-eighth, coach Des Hasler must find the right spot for Brimson to maximize the team’s potential.
Manly Sea Eagles — Back Line Conundrum
Manly have six outside backs vying for five spots in the team, with Tom Trbojevic a lock at fullback. The challenge lies in finding the right combination of players to unleash the team’s greatest strength in the back line.
Melbourne Storm — Grand Final Hangover
The Storm must avoid a grand final hangover after coming up short against Penrith. With key players returning from injury and new signings adding size up front, Melbourne aims to focus on the future and maintain their status as a premiership contender.
Newcastle Knights — Halves Conundrum
Newcastle’s success in 2025 hinges on landing the perfect halves combination to unleash their star-studded back line. Finding the right players to complement their weapons is crucial for the Knights’ progress.
New Zealand Warriors — Shaun Johnson’s Void
With Shaun Johnson’s retirement, the Warriors must fill a massive hole in their halves. Luke Metcalf and Te Maire Martin are top contenders, but the club’s future success depends on landing the right combination to move forward.
North Queensland Cowboys — Halfback Race
North Queensland faces a changing of the guard with key departures, making the race at halfback crucial for their chances of improving on last year’s fifth-placed finish. Jake Clifford, Jaxon Purdue, and Tom Duffy are in contention to lead the team.
Parramatta Eels — Jason Ryles’ Vision
New coach Jason Ryles has a blank slate to impose his vision on the Eels, with marquee signings Zac Lomax and Josh Addo-Carr providing fresh talent. Ryles aims to lead Parramatta back to the finals with a new approach and roster.
Penrith Panthers — Jarome Luai’s Successor
Penrith looks to find replacements for departing stars like Jarome Luai to continue their dynasty. With a crowded field of contenders, the Panthers aim to regenerate and maintain their winning tradition.
South Sydney Rabbitohs — Lewis Dodd’s Challenge
In banking on Lewis Dodd at halfback, the Rabbitohs rely on the Englishman to lead them to finals success. Dodd’s performance will be crucial in shaping South Sydney’s season and determining their playoff hopes.
St George Illawarra Dragons — Lomax and Hunt’s Legacy
St George Illawarra faces the challenge of replacing the production of departing stars Zac Lomax and Ben Hunt. With new signings and a revamped side, the Dragons aim to move forward without their key playmakers.
Sydney Roosters — Youth Regeneration
The Roosters look to regenerate through youth after key departures, relying on rising talents like Robert Toia and the Va’a brothers to step up. Chad Townsend is the club’s sole experienced signing as they aim to build a new era of success.
Wests Tigers — Jarome Luai’s Leadership
The Tigers pin their hopes on Jarome Luai to lead the club out of their recent struggles. With a strong squad and Luai’s leadership, Wests aims to inject confidence and swagger back into their game for a successful season ahead.