The Knights are in desperate need of playmaking reinforcements to avoid another disappointing campaign.
Melbourne powerbrokers will be looking to replace their outgoing experienced forwards, while the Eels also have issues in their pack.
Meanwhile, the Dragons need to fix the club’s culture – and fast – if they want to play finals football in 2023.
Here, foxsports.com.au breaks down what every club needs this off-season!
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Suspect shoulder charge robs PNG of try | 01:14
PANTHERS
What do they need: To fill the void left by Kikau
Viliame Kikau’s departure leaves a big hole in the Panthers lethal left edge. While Penrith have signed Tigers backrower Luke Garner to fill the void, Kikau’s influence on the side goes beyond filling a role. The 27-year-old bowling ball is an imposing focal point in attack and can shift momentum with damaging tackles. Kikau consistently delivers big plays and can create tries with impressive ball handling skills, recording 10 try assists and nine tries in a premiership-winning 2022 campaign. The Fijian played 123 games for the mountain men and has been a consistent figure for Ivan Cleary since making his debut in 2017. In 2023, the Panthers desperately need Garner to stand up and produce the big plays Kikau was known for. Broncos backrower Zac Hosking has also reportedly signed with the reigning premiers and will compete with Garner for the left-edge spot. Penrith also have the best junior nursery in the competition and young guns Preston Riki and Mavrik Geyer could also be in the equation. Throw in the experienced Chris Smith and cult-hero Scott Sorensen, and Ivan Cleary has a major headache on his hands. The Panthers also have a number of big-name players off contract and will be desperate to retain Liam Martin, Brian To’o, Stephen Crichton, Scott Sorensen and Spencer Leniu.
SHARKS
What do they need: To re-sign a number of big names.
Cronulla shocked the NRL world by finishing in second place after the regular season. Marquee recruit Nicho Hynes capped off a stellar year by winning the Dally M Medal and was flanked by a number of guns in the Sharks backline. While Cronulla were beaten by the Cowboys in the second week of finals, rookie coach Craig Fitzgibbon can take many positives away. However, he has a big task on his hands to keep his team together. Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa all come off-contract at the end of 2023 and were integral figures in the Sharks backline. Talakai enjoyed a career-best season and was awarded with a Blues call-up. Ramien was consistently damaging at right centre, while Sione Katoa was on track to be the club’s leading tryscorer before he required surgery on a torn pectoral muscle. Talakai will likely field big-money offers from rival clubs, with his price increasing due to his utility value. Ramien and Katoa will both be seeking improved contracts, but may have to settle for less according to News Corp. Sharks officials reportedly informed off-contract players they may have to accept a lower figure than their rivals can offer due to salary cap constraints. Another key figure in the Sharks backline, Ronaldo Mulitalo, has already signed a two-year extension and is desperate for his teammates to follow suit. “We’re not naive to the fact that the market is there, but for us, money can’t buy memories,” Mulitalo said to foxsports.com.au. “We know that it’s going to be hard for the club to keep everyone… we’re trying to make sure everyone gets a piece of the pie.
“Whatever those boys decide, it’s totally up to them, but speaking on my own behalf, I see something special here, (so) I’d rather take $20,000-$30,000 less to play in a successful team.”
COWBOYS
What do they need: To keep their young core together
The Cowboys were the surprise package of the NRL season and Todd Payten was able to mastermind a preliminary finals appearance with a squad many tipped to win the wooden spoon. Jeremiah Nanai, Murray Taulagi and Heilum Luki made up a group of impressive youngsters steered around the park by Chad Townsend and Tom Dearden. While Luki and Taulagi have signed long-term deals, the future of Jeremiah Nanai remains up in the air. The 19-year-old, who made his Test debut against Fiji at the World Cup only days ago, was named Dally M Rookie of the Year after scoring 17 tries to sit equal third on the try-scoring leaderboard. The backrower was an integral figure in the Maroons’ series victory and had the foresight to sign a one-year extension prior to the 2022 season, prolonging the feeding frenzy – until now. Come November 1, rivals can table lucrative offers to the young gun who signalled his intentions to remain in Townsville long-term. The Cowboys have started negotiations for a new deal but have conceded they will be unable to match the multimillion-dollar deals that rivals will table Nanai.
Absolute CHAOS as Tonga score absurd try | 01:07
EELS
What do they need: To replenish their forward pack.
Many pundits believe the Eels’ premiership window firmly shut once they walked off the field in a disappointing grand final loss to the Panthers. Marata Niukore (Warriors), Isaiah Papali’i (Wests Tigers), Oregon Kaufusi (Sharks), Reed Mahoney (Bulldogs), Ray Stone (Dolphins), Tom Opacic (Hull KR) and Hayze Perham (released) have departed the Eels. Five of those players were regulars in Brad Arthur’s starting 17 and the Parramatta coach will now be searching for replacements. The Eels have already signed Josh Hodgson to play hooker while Panthers young gun J’maine Hopgood is a promising middle forward and will also arrive in 2023. Warriors backrower Jack Murchie will also make the move south alongside Jirah Momoisea from the Knights. While these players are solid inclusions, Papali’i is one of the competition’s best backrowers and Niukore is a damaging ballrunner Arthur relied on to play multiple positions. The front row partnership of Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Junior Paulo will remain an ominous force, while Shaun Lane will take-up one edge spot. Ryan Matterson will likely line-up in the backrow or at lock, leaving one spot for either Murchie or Hopgood to claim.
STORM
What do they need: A forward pack
The heart of the Storm’s success over the last decade has been ripped out with the departure of four key forwards in 2023 and replacing them could make or break their 2023 title aspirations. Jesse Bromwhich has been the cornerstone of the Storm pack for over a decade and he and brother Kenny will be massive losses after switching to the Dolphins. Felise Kaufusi is an Origin regular for Queensland and his consistency of performance on both sides of the ball will be tough to replicate. However, Brandon Smith’s energy and versatility could prove the hardest for Craig Bellamy to replace, despite his colourful off-field history. Smith’s ability to cover No.9, back row and even prop made him a coach’s dream. Smith also took the pressure off Harry Grant having to play 80 minutes every week and their one-two punch out of dummy-half made the Storm a nightmare to defend around the ruck. Tariq Sims is a handy pick-up with a point to prove and Eliesa Katoa is an excellent prospect who will shine under Bellamy, but they still don’t automatically fill the massive holes left by the departure of the big four. The Storm need young players like Tui Kamikamica and Trent Loiero to take their games to greater heights and Nelson Asofa-Solomona needs to mature as a player to help breach the massive void in their forward pack. Christian Welch also needs to put his recent poor run with injury behind him to be the leader of the Storm pack. Time will tell if Bellamy can replace the irreplaceable, but if he doesn’t then the Storm won’t be contending for the title next season no matter how strong their backline is.
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ROOSTERS
What do they need: Fullback egos to be left at the door
It is a healthy dilemma to have three players on your books capable of being NRL standout fullbacks, but there can only be one wearing the No.1 jersey. Despite being open to moving positions at the back end of his career James Tedesco is the captain of the side and still arguably the best fullback in the world, so why would the Roosters consider moving him? Joey Manu has proven that he is capable of being a regular fullback at NRL level and his class in the position for New Zealand shows his potential as a regular NRL No.1. But he is also the best centre in the game and can also cover five-eighth if injuries strike with Luke Keary and Sam Walker in the halves. Manu can also come in at fullback to give Tedesco a rest during the taxing Origin period as he has done in the past, while he can be used in a roving role to get his hands on the ball more. Suaalii and his misguided management need to pump the brakes on his bid to play fullback at club level. Still just 19, Suaalii is still learning his trade in the NRL and his success in 2022 can be put down to a simplified role on the wing, which allows him to grow as a player and gain confidence on the end of a brilliant Roosters backline. The next step for Suaalii might be to test himself in the centres after another off-season to get his body right for the rigours of consistent NRL footy on the edge. In his one game for the Roosters at the back last season and based on what he has dished up for Samoa, Suaalii still has a lot to learn about the fullback role and while he could be a great one in the future he is a fair way off Tedesco and Manu at this stage. Tedesco is the man for the No.1 jersey at present and Suaalii and Manu will have to bide their time and be content with the centre roles for now. Getting both Manu and Suaalii more involved is vital for the Roosters to contend for the title, but they won’t get better as a team by moving the world’s best fullback from his position.
RABBITOHS
What do they need: A better kicking game
Granted Lachlan Ilias was in his rookie season in 2022 and given his lack of experience he was very solid and serviceable in his first full NRL campaign. However, it is impossible to deny the hole that Adam Reynolds left when he was allowed to leave to join the Broncos. South Sydney based their whole game around his brilliant kicking game and he made the other players around him better. Without him Cody Walker’s form was nowhere near what he produced the season before and he had to take on more of a kicking role, which doesn’t suit his style. Damien Cook is not a noted kicker, but he might have to take up some slack in that area in 2023 out of dummy-half. Ilias’ kicking game needs a lot of work. Too often he lobs up kicks that are neither an attacking bomb nor a chip kick and it gives his chasers no chance to contest the ball. Souths may need to lock at using Latrell Mitchell as their attacking bomb specialist and Walker and Cook as their kickers for field position and territory. Ilias actually has a strong short kicking game and should use it more, while he works on his bombs and long-range kicks. If ilias can improve and Mitchell, Walker and Cook can share the load, Souths can produce a decent kicking game by committee. But if they dish up what they did last year, they won’t challenge the likes of Penrith and Melbourne at the business end of the season and it could be a case of yet another preliminary final with no title for a sixth straight season.
RAIDERS
What do they need: A clean bill of health
Ricky Stuart couldn’t take a trick last off-season and was without a host of injured stares in the first half of 2022. No sooner had his halfback recruit Jamal Fogarty gone down with a knee injury in their final trial game, hooker Josh Hodgson’s season was over. Hodgson went down just six minutes into the Raiders’ season opener with an ACL injury, then the following month it was Elliott Whitehead. The Englishman missed several games after suffering a sickening facial injury at training that required emergency plastic surgery. Jarrod Croker played just one NRL game all season, while promising young gun Harley Smith-Shields also went down in the pre-season with an ACL injury. No side used more halves combinations but despite it all, Stuart somehow guided Canberra to the finals. But just to finish as they started, Adam Elliott was unable to play in the semi-final against the Eels due to a serious pelvis injury.
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BRONCOS
What do they need: To time their run better.
Brisbane’s rise and fall is one of the stories of the season. They exceeded expectations when they cracked the top four, but then were shamed for crashing and burning so hard that they missed out on finals. There’s a big lesson for coach Kevin Walters to take out of 2022 — the talent is there to compete for the title, they just need to hit their stride at the right time. A lot of punters put the Broncos’ collapse down to Pat Carrigan’s four-game ban and while that certainly played a role, some argued that the team just simply ran out of steam. That was evident when young gun winger Selwyn Cobbo sat himself out of a crucial game late in the season due to fatigue. Managing load — both game time and at training — throughout the year could be key to playing finals next season. The Storm are renowned for tapering off training load during the season to keep gas in the tank for when it matters most. It didn’t work for them this year, but their track record suggests it’s a blueprint worth looking at.
DRAGONS
What do they need: An improved culture.
There were some contentious selection calls made last season by coach Anthony Griffin that some fans will be hoping change but the Dragons may as well put a line through 2023 if they don’t sort out whatever it is internally that’s turned the culture rotten. The CEO tried to play down the story of only three players turning up to the end of season awards night, but chairman Craig Young put the onus on the players — not the media. He told News Corp that the mass snub was “disappointing to say the least” and “there’s no excuse.” He also conceded that “the culture needs working on, for sure.” Club legend Matt Cooper slammed his former club’s culture over the matter, saying “the club has no loyalty and honour anymore. That all stopped when Wayne Bennett left.” So, is that what could be missing? Loyalty and honour. It’s up to Griffin to restore that — or whatever it is that’s missing — before next season kicks off.
SEA EAGLES
What do they need: To lock in the new coaching staff.
You’d have to be living under a rock to miss the dramas that have unfolded at Manly this year. From the rainbow jersey saga to Des Hasler’s sacking, 2022 has been an absolute write-off. Although some will say Hasler’s axing was the wrong call, the Sea Eagles now have the opportunity to wipe the slate clean. Club owner Scott Penn said they have a premiership-winning roster and he’s right. The loss of Kieran Foran will hurt but if Josh Schuster can get fit and live up to expectations at five-eighth Manly will be a threat — especially with Tom Trbojevic back on the field. But there’s no point in having a strong squad if the football department is a mess. There’s been several exits following Hasler’s sacking including long-time head of high performance Don Singe and assistant coaches Michael Monaghan and Chad Randall. The club is closing in on Anthony Seibold as head coach and are said to be interested in Shane Flanagan as an assistant. The official appointments need to be made given pre-season kick’s off in less than a month, but both Seibold and Flanagan are in the UK with the former not expected back until later in November. This type of uncertainty needs to be settled before the players arrive for day one of pre-season to ensure the new systems under Seibold are put in place and the right tone is set for 2023.
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BULLDOGS
What do they need: A halfback.
It’s easier said than done though given there’s no top-tier No.7s actually available, but if there’s an opportunity to land one of the guys that become free agents from November 1 — and then see if there’s a way to get them over early — the Bulldogs need to do it. The bones are there for a successful side and with Reed Mahoney and Viliame Kikau’s arrivals, the Dogs are expected to be in the mix for finals for the first time since 2016. Kyle Flanagan didn’t look out of place last season, but he’s just not at the stage of his career where he can steer the club to a premiership. Mitchell Moses is in the November 1 group but it’ll take a lot of cash to get his signature — and it’s highly unlikely the Eels would let him walk early anyway. Jackson Hastings is another very capable half that comes off contract in 2023 but would demand a lot less money and would be easier to get to the club immediately. The Tigers won’t seem to budge on releasing Luke Brooks so he will play halfback next season, which means Hastings will be pushed out of position again to lock. The 26-year-old has the type of confidence and competitiveness that could be a match made in heaven with the Bulldogs.
TITANS
What do they need: To unlock David Fifita.
When David Fifita is firing, the Titans are a dangerous attacking side that can pile on points. Justin Holbrook will be desperate to unlock his $1.2 million-dollar man after a disappointing campaign by his own lofty standards in 2022. Pundits have called for the Titans to offload their marquee backrower, however as it stands, Fifita isn’t going anywhere. Last season, Holbrook took a gamble, playing Fifita off the bench three times and at centre once. Neither option worked. In 2022, the 22-year-old didn’t get the ball in strong positions and was often flat-footed. In 2023, Holbrook and the Gold Coast coaching staff have a plan to get the best out of Fifita — Kieran Foran. Foran, who has 262 games of NRL experience, will be tasked with forging a formidable partnership with Fifita, hoping to unlock his damaging ball-running ability.
KNIGHTS
What do they need: A winning half.
The Knights had their fair share of injury woes in 2022, but their halves issues arguably destabilised them more. The club has been desperately searching for a halfback ever since Mitchell Pearce was granted an early release to play in the Super League and so far have come up with nothing. Luke Brooks has been linked to the Knights for almost a year but the Tigers haven’t given in yet. Adam Clune played 18 games at halfback, but wasn’t dominant enough. The issues extend to five-eighth too. Jake Clifford enjoyed a red-hot start to 2022 at No.6 only to find himself in reserve grade mid-year and now reportedly on the outer. Phoenix Crossland and Tex Hoy had opportunities in the halves too but neither were totally convincing. Then there’s Anthony Milford, who had a few good moments, but it doesn’t matter anyway because he’s off to the Dolphins. It’s a big area of concern for O’Brien and one that he doesn’t have an answer for yet. The club has recruited Tyson Gamble and while his tenacity is a quality the Knights could do with, he isn’t a proven winner in the halves either. But just like the Bulldogs, it goes back to there being no available top tier halfbacks at the moment.
Manly set to announce Seibold as coach | 00:38
WARRIORS
What do they need: To ease the pressure off Johnson
Warriors playmaker Shaun Johnson was one of the most heavily criticised players in the NRL last season. Johnson is a fan favourite in New Zealand, and upon return to the Warriors after a stint at the Sharks he was expected to spearhead the attacking line. The 32-year-old playmaker is renowned for his dazzling ball-running and creativity. However, Johnson struggled to produce alongside Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima early in the season. The veteran performs his best when playing eyes-up football. But when Johnson shouldered the burden of halfback organisation, he was unable to run and use his trademark step. New Zealand powerbrokers desperately need to pair Johnson with a playmaker who can assist with organisation. The whole Warriors squad were exhausted after being stuck in a makeshift Redcliffe base throughout the Covid period and when returning to Aucklan they improved. Johnson clearly benefited from being with his family, and with a normal pre-season under his belt — we could see him back to his best next season.
TIGERS
What do they need: Direction
For the majority of the 2022 season, the Tigers looked rudderless in attack and flimsy in defence. Brett Kimmorley’s side lacked direction before and after Michael Maguire’s sacking which saw the merger club win their first ever wooden spoon. The Tigers are crying out for someone to steer them around the park — and one recruit could be the man to signal a big change in Leichhardt. Apisai Koroisau was a crucial figure for the Panthers and his influence will be sorely missed. For the Tigers, they will be hoping the 29-year-old can unlock a talented squad of young players including Daine Laurie, Asu Kepaoa, Starford To’a, Fonua Pole and Stefano Utoikamanu. Tim Sheens, alongside Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah, also has a huge decision to make regarding his halves. While Luke Brooks has once again been linked with a move to the Knights, he will currently compete with Adam Doueihi and Jackson Hastings for the No.6 and 7 jerseys.
