NRL 2024: The players to build your dreams on this season

“Because the group is so young, it keeps us older boys on our toes, and we have to keep up the standard with them, otherwise we just get left behind.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Fletcher Baker

Things have not got off to an ideal start for Fletcher Baker in Brisbane, after the forward was forced to undergo groin surgery in a bid to be fit for the season launch in Las Vegas. The prop will be craving the chance to debut in Broncos colours against his former Roosters teammates, and the exodus up front from his new side’s grand final line-up – Thomas Flegler, Keenan Palasia and Kurt Capewell have left – could trigger his rise from promising fringe player to NRL regular.

“I was lucky enough to have a couple of clubs [chasing me]. I got a bit of interest, but it was the Roosters or Brisbane,” Baker said.

“I love the Roosters and it was sad to leave the nest, but I love the footy up here. It’s a young crew and it’s exciting.

“The Broncs weren’t going too well a couple of years ago, and respectfully that turned around massively. Just seeing how they train – they work so hard and it’s a tight crew.

“I want to have my best preseason here and make an impression. I want to be in that team wherever I fit I’ll fit.”

The game moves slower: Xavier Willison

Prop Corey Jensen may be fighting for his future among Brisbane’s pack, but he was adamant that Xavier Willison was set to make a strong case to remain among the NRL’s elite in 2024. While the 21-year-old had already made four appearances before last year, his seven games in 2023 signalled his potential as he began to grow into his hulking frame. He has been seen training regularly with the Brisbane’s full-strength team. Coming to terms with the added fitness demands has been a challenge (he was seen being sick in backfield at the end of a gruelling session on Tuesday) but Jensen backed him for a breakout year.

“I think he’s been outstanding. He’s a young bloke, and he’s got a lot of potential and a lot of upside,” Jensen said.

“He’s training really hard, and … he just wants to improve all the time. I think he’s going to be a real asset to the team and will play a lot of first grade.

“I think everyone at times there was finding it tough, it’s just getting back up to speed with playing the 13 on 13 again and getting through the grind of rugby league.

“He’s another one that probably doesn’t play as many minutes through the middle, or hasn’t in the NRL, so it’s getting him up to speed with things.

“He’s going to be a great player for the club.”

Bulldogs

Training the house down: Bronson Xerri

After returning to the NRL following a four-year drug ban, the 23-year-old is back in the Bulldogs squad. Coach Cameron Ciraldo said Xerri has been “a real surprise packet for us”.

“He probably found the conditioning side of things hard early on, being out of the game for quite a while, but once he got that conditioning base he’s just worked really hard and shown the talent level he’s got,” Ciraldo said. “We’re really excited about how he’s going.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Blake Taaffe

Stuck behind Latrell Mitchell at the Rabbitohs, the change of scenery is proving to be good for the young fullback.

“I think Blake Taaffe has come in and shown that he can be a really quality regular NRL player. He’s really come in and showed us what skills he’s got,” Ciraldo said.

“I just like his instincts. I love what he does to the game. In the reserve grade finals last year, you could tell he had a high football IQ. He was communicating with his teammates, working really hard on trying to break down the opposition, but also working really hard at the ball.”

Never looked fitter: Max King

The 26-year-old is no stranger to the game. Starting his career with the Gold Coast before a stint in Melbourne, King has been in Belmore for the past two seasons. Ciraldo said he has put in the hard yards these past two years, and was starting to become a leader in the team.

“Max King is a guy who has played a lot of footy over the last two years, sort of cemented himself as a really important part of our pack, and he’s taken up another level this year,” Ciraldo said.

“He’s just a workhorse that not a lot of people notice, but for us, the quality of his work has really increased this pre-season, and he’s starting to feel more comfortable around the group in a leadership role.”

Cowboys

Training the house down: Scott Drinkwater

Even after a season in which he announced himself as one of the NRL’s most lethal fullbacks, Cowboys coach Todd Payten has declared Scott Drinkwater was “head and shoulders above everyone else” at the club.

“The volume of his sessions and the speeds he’s playing at, and the speeds that he’s covering across the ground as well, has been really impressive,” Payten said.

“He’s really confident, he’s holding players around him accountable and taking a step in the right direction with his leadership in the group.”

Never looked fitter: Heilum Luki

There is hope the luckless run of injuries for Heilum Luki is at an end as the boom back-rower plots a breakthrough campaign. Already a highly touted prospect, the 22-year-old has been kept to just 38 games since his 2021 but is reportedly being courted by rival clubs as he comes off contract at season’s end. But Payten said he was looming as a starting option in the back row, and had the versatility to play through the middle, while the athleticism and attitude he had shown in the pre-season to get back to full fitness had stood out.

“Across the group, Heilum Luki is looking really fit. He’s got some continuity with his training,” Payten said.

“He’s been a little unlucky in the last couple of seasons since he made his debut. He’s come off an ACL last year, broke his cheekbone, did a hamstring, so he didn’t get a lot of continuity in the season.

“But he went away with Samoa, got a lot of confidence out of that. He started a week or two later than the main group, but since then he hasn’t missed a session.

“He’s fit, mobile and quite scary.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Viliami Vailea

While the Cowboys have been relatively quiet on the recruitment front Payten has plenty of excitement when it comes to Viliami Vailea. Jake Clifford’s return to Townsville will no doubt put pressure on the halves, but, with Peta Hiku leaving North Queensland, they are searching for a centre options. Maroons winger Murray Taulagi and rookie Zac Laybutt are both serious contenders, but Payten believes the move from New Zealand will bring out the best in Vailea.

“He said it himself he needed to get out of Auckland, he had some distractions, and it’s always a challenge getting out of your comfort zone,” Payten said.

“He’s 21 years of age. It’s not his first time away from home, but he has no family ties in Townsville.

“He did struggle with the heat the first couple of weeks, but he’s got himself rock-hard fit and there’s no doubting his skill and his footy smarts.

“It’s just getting himself in the condition where he can do it for 80 minutes week after week.”

Dolphins

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Thomas Flegler

Thomas Flegler joined the Dolphins alongside fellow former Broncos star Herbie Farnworth, but the former perhaps has the most to gain from the move and holds the greatest importance for his new outfit. Coming from a club blessed with brilliance up front but lacking middle men who have withstood the NRL’s rigours of countless seasons, Flegler expressed his desire to develop leadership traits from the likes of Mark Nicholls and Bromwich brothers Jesse and Kenny.

“They’re great to learn off, and hopefully one day when their time comes to an end I can step into their role,” Flegler said. “It’s not easily done. Not every forward pack has that and the experiences they have, so that was probably the biggest thing that got me over the line.”

The game moves slower: Max Plath

Max Plath got a small taste of the NRL last year after signing from Wynnum Manly in the Queensland Cup and immediately being thrust into the Dolphins line-up. Capable of playing lock, second row, hooker and five-eighth, he has been backed by teammate Ray Stone to challenge for an extended stint as the club’s bench utility. However, the 22-year-old has also established himself as one of the side’s fittest. He won the 1.2km time trial in four minutes and 11 seconds, and secured a two-year contract extension in the process, and that could be his ticket into the starting team in the near future.

“He can play a number of positions as well, so he’s probably got his eye on a bench spot,” Stone said. “But he just works hard with everything he does. He takes training very seriously, so it’s good having those people. Because he is young, he pushes those older boys and he’s another person pushing for a spot.”

Never looked fitter: Euan Aitken

Euan Aitken’s future remains unclear. He is off contract at season’s end and facing stiff competition in both his positions of choice. Starting his career as a centre, he now faces stern tests from recruits Herbie Farnworth and Jake Averillo, while in the back row, veterans Felise Kaufusi and Kenny Bromwich, as well as the emergence of Connelly Lemuelu, will make his selection battle a challenge.

However, Stone believes Aitken’s fitness levels were among the best at the Dolphins, and he had given himself every chance of forcing his way into the team on the back of that.

“I think Euan Atiken, his fitness levels have gone up through the roof,” Stone said.

“But all the boys have come back fit. Herbie’s come here, he’s fit as, Tom Gilbert’s a nutcase, so he’s always fit as and running around like crazy.

“All the boys have come back in real good shape, so it’s hard to say any standouts when everyone’s really raised in standard too.”

Dragons

Training the house down: Zac Lomax

“Physically he’s strong in the gym, he wins everything out on the field, and his 1.2km was 4 minutes and 26 seconds, which is pretty good time for a bloke who is over 100kg,” coach Shane Flanagan said.

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Jayden S’ua

“I know Jayden has played for Queensland before, but he’s training really well. I’ve put my foot down hard with him, we’ve changed his body composition, he’s lost weight and put some muscle on,” Flanagan said.

“Coming off the back of shoulder surgery in the off-season, and a few injuries last season, he’s had a really good three months. Fingers crossed he can have a big year. He’s a gun player. He’s big, strong and powerful, and if we get the best out of him, and Moses Suli, we’ve got some strike.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Kyle Flanagan: The coach praised Ben Hunt for getting the best out of his playmaker son Kyle.

“Ben’s experience and the way he’s rubbed off on Kyle has been infectious,” Flanagan said.

Eels

Training the house down: Bryce Cartwright/Joe Ofahengaue/Reagan Campbell-Gillard

″⁣I could give you five or six names, but those three come to mind straight away,” coach Brad Arthur said. “‘Reg’ [Campbell-Gillard] has had the pre-season of his life, ‘Joffa’ [Ofahengaue] looks great, while ‘Carty’ is fitter than ever. He’s also added plenty of muscle.”

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: J’maine Hopgood

“I know he’s been 18th man for Queensland. I know if he keeps working on his consistency of being an 80-minute player, he won’t be far off. We’ve got a few guys who should be in the mix again for NSW with Junior Paulo, Reg, ‘Gutho’ [Clint Gutherson] and Mitch [Moses].”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Kelma Tuilagi/Morgan Harper

“Both Kelma and Morgan have done a good job. It’s about getting them to fit in to the way we want to play, but the trials will quickly help them out.”

Knights

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Phoenix Crossland and Jayden Brailey

While hooker and club captain Brailey recovered from two serious leg injuries, Crossland stepped into the Knights’ spine. It was a big jump for the 23-year-old, but he proved his worth during the Knight’s run to the finals. Coach Adam O’Brien said both players were made for the Origin arena.

“I think both our nines, Jayden Brailey and Phoenix Crossland, I know that might shock a few with Phoenix with his age, but I just think they’re made of the right stuff for Origin,” O’Brien said.

“Their skill sets suit Origin, they’re extremely tough, competitive guys in the middle that pack a punch well above their weight.”

Training the house down: Jacob and Daniel Saifiti

The twins are nudging close to a decade with Newcastle, but O’Brien said their work ethic has never been better.

“The two guys that I’ve been really, really happy with in particular are the two Saifiti boys. They’ve come back in and run really good times in their fitness testing. Their body composition has been excellent, I just feel like they’re at a real prime spot of their careers at the moment,” he said.

“They’re really professional, and they’re settled off-field … you can see that in the way they’ve approached the pre-season. I’m very excited for both those guys to have big seasons.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Jack Cogger and Will Pryce

One an English international, the other a 2023 premiership winner, these two Newcastle recruits are set to take the Knights’ game to another level.

“I feel like Jack Cogger and Will Pryce have fitted in seamlessly to how we want to play. They’ve added to our footy already, both of those guys,” O’Brien said.

“It’s been a pretty seamless transition for them. Jack’s obviously had the experience of playing in a grand final for Penrith last year … he’s also fitted into the style of how we want the Knights to play.”

Panthers

Training the house down: Jack Cole and Taylan May

Nathan Cleary has been impressed with several of the younger players, including potential long-term halves partner Jack Cole and the returning Taylan May.

“‘Coley’ has been really impressive, while I’m really looking forward to seeing how ‘Tiny’ goes,” Cleary said. “Daine Laurie is another guy having a good pre-season.”

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Izack Tago

“Izack is now in that sweet spot of his career,” Cleary said. “He went really well last year and then had a few injuries towards the end that hampered him. But he’s a total professional – he’s fast, strong and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to recovery.”

The game moves slower: Sunia Turuva

Cleary said Sunia Turuva had picked up where he left off and was primed for a big second season.

“We saw what he did last year, he doesn’t lack any confidence,” Cleary said. “The best kickers in the game were kicking to him all year; he was as safe as houses under the high ball, and we love him for it. He’ll go to another level.”

Rabbitohs

Training the house down: Junior Tatola

After an injury-interrupted season, the powerhouse front-rower has been a standout over the summer and impressed the coaching staff. Fellow Tongan Keaon Koloamatangi has also been impossible to ignore on paddock.

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Campbell Graham

He was in the mix for Origin before injury ruled him out of the first game and later the series. The strike centre continues to recover from a shoulder reconstruction and is working hard to be back for round one in Las Vegas. Many at the club expect him to finally achieve his Blues dream.

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Sean Keppie

Jack Wighton may be the big-name recruit, but Sean Keppie has taken to life as a Rabbitoh just as quickly. Now 25, the front-rower has found his voice and will be in the side come round one. It will be just a matter of whether he starts or comes off the bench.

Raiders

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Corey Horsburgh and Hudson Young

Both were Origin debutants in 2023, and Raiders coach Ricky Stuart believes it’s not the last we’ve seen of Young and Horsburgh on the big stage. Young got his call-up in the Blues first two matches before being dropped for game three, while Horsburgh had his debut in game three when Queensland had already won the series.

“Both those boys are Origin players. Hudson was dealt a difficult decision last year with Freddy, and I understand from a coaches point of view, you’ve got to make those decisions, but Hudson has so much more to offer Origin football, and I know Corey is going to have a long career in the Maroon jumper,” Stuart said.

“Both those boys have the attitude, and Origin is about attitude and that desire of wanting to win, and both those boys have that in abundance, and I know they’re both players who everybody wants to play with.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Kaeo Weekes

At just 21 years old, Weekes’ NRL career is only just getting started, but the former Sea Eagle needed a change of scenery to land a spot in a starting side. Stuck behind the likes of Daly-Cherry Evans, Tom Trbojevic, Jake Arthur and Luke Brooks, his desire to play in the spine has led him to an opportunity in the nation’s capital with a gaping whole in the halves after Jack Wighton left for South Sydney.

“I’ve got a big opportunity in front of me … a big spot that needs to be filled. I’m willing to work hard and do whatever it takes to put my best foot forward and hopefully see where that takes me,” Weekes said on arrival at Canberra.

“Somewhere in the spine, wherever that may be, I think that’s where I play my best footy, just getting my hands on the ball and just doing what I do best.”

The game moves slower: Josh Papalii

The heart and soul of the Raiders, 2023 took its toll on “Big Papa″⁣. A bicep injury sidelined him for the team’s run into the final, but the 31-year-old still managed to play 18 games for the club.

Papalii took a step back from representative football last year after playing 23 games for Queensland to focus on the Raiders.

“I’m feeling young again,” Papalii said ahead of the 2024 season.

“No rep duties and time away with family always helps … just ready to work hard and ready for a massive 2024 season.”

“A lot of young and enthusiastic players coming through, it makes me feel a little bit older. It helps when Jack and other players have gone, but now I’m one of the oldest in the team, and it makes me feel accountable for my actions now and responsible to hopefully perform in 2024.”

Roosters

Training the house down: James Tedesco

The Roosters, NSW and Australian skipper faced more criticism than ever before throughout 2023, and, despite a strong finish to his season, the doubters already have him in their sights again.

Now 31, Tedesco is into the “smarter and as hard” training phase (to butcher another cliche) of his career, turning to speed coach Roger Fabri before Christmas for a mechanical assessment of his running style. Fabri reckons Tedesco will now be able to sustain his top speed for longer and further.

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Spencer Leniu

Hardly breaking news this one; if anything it’s surprising Leniu hasn’t jagged a bench spot for the Blues already as the best impact forward in the game. He joins veteran warhorse Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at Bondi, though Leniu largely has the whole enforcer schtick down pat. It’s Lindsay Collins’ rise as one of the NRL’s premier props that the new Rooster should be studying.

The game has slowed down: Brandon Smith

Smith’s first six months at the Roosters were nothing to write home about, compounded by a thumb injury and a quiet word from the club about life in the Sydney fishbowl. His form leading into the finals was Smith back towards his best, sniping around the ruck and bringing Sam Walker into the game more and more.

“It was a big switch-up in lifestyle … I completely underestimated it,” he said. “I didn’t realise that every paper, every week, Roosters are in there and there’s big write-ups. The scrutiny was a lot bigger.”

Sea Eagles

Training the house down: Nathan Brown

The former NSW lock has spent the summer earning $1200 a week on a train-and-trial deal, but he impressed the right judges as the best-performed recruit on Manly’s pre-Christmas, 33-hour boot camp for new signings. The 30-year-old is now being considered for a bench spot for Manly’s season-opener in Las Vegas.

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Haumole Olakau’atu

The heavy-hitting back-rower has featured prominently in Blues discussions to start the past two seasons, only for his form to fall away as soon as an Origin call-up looms. The difference between his Dally M tackle of the year on Justin Olam and a turnstile effort against Cronulla’s Royce Hunt a month later is the difference between a NSW debut and watching from his loungeroom.

“He is at that part of his career now where he can play State of Origin,” coach Anthony Seibold said.

“If he plays State of Origin, it means he is playing consistent. That’s his narrow focus, being consistent at Manly.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Luke Brooks

Who else? One of the NRL’s most maligned players arrives at Brookvale for his 11th season in the top grade and long overdue for a finals outing. Leaving the lion’s share of playmaking duties to Daly Cherry-Evans could well bring the best out of Brooks. His 6.9 line engagements a game last year (sixth in the NRL) spoke to his undeniable running game.

Sharks

Never looked fitter: Braydon Trindall

With Matt Moylan’s move to the Super League, Trindall has the opportunity to lock down a spot in Cronulla’s halves alongside Nicho Hynes. The 24-year-old stepped into the five-eighth role for the Sharks run into the finals last year, and coach Craig Fitzgibbon said Trindall knows the jersey is there for the taking.

“Braydon walked back in looking ready to go from day one. He didn’t come back and build into his work, he came back and got straight into it,” Fitzgibbon said.

“He’s operating at a level higher and higher above what we’ve seen from him from the last couple of years … because of Matt leaving, he knows he’s got an opportunity, and he’s gone after it.”

Training the house down: Blayke Brailey

He’s Cronulla’s Mr Consistent, and the 25-year-old hooker had a standout year in 2023. A quiet achiever among the squad, Fitzgibbon said he can often fly under the radar because he’s so dependable. Brailey’s efforts were acknowledged with a development position in NSW camp for game one, and the club’s player of the year award. With more than 100 NRL matches under his belt now, Brailey has raised the bar in pre-season.

“He’s so consistent and gets his job done. You rely on him so much, but I’ve got to say, I’ve not seen Blayke push himself as hard,” Fitzgibbon said.

“He’s coming into those years where you find a consistency level, but he’s not comfortable with his level – he’s actually feeling like he’s got more to contribute and more to offer.”

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Nicho Hynes

For Fitzgibbon, it’s a no-brainer which of his players would look at home in an Origin jersey. The 27-year-old had a tough year in Origin, playing just 12 minutes off the bench before being axed by former NSW coach Brad Fittler.

“Obviously, it didn’t pan out the way he wanted it to, but nonetheless he should be proud. He made State of Origin and a Test debut in a calendar year; that’s an achievement for any player,” Fitzgibbon said.

“And the adversity he had to face in his footy career for the first time, coming out the back of that and finding some form at the back end of the year, I thought he handled himself with class in tough times. The way Nicho works is he’s never comfortable, he’s always on the search for more, and I think he’s going to do his best to get another crack and another opportunity to show that he can handle that level.”

Storm

Training the house down: Ryan Papenhuyzen

Welcome news for a player who has suffered more than most, Papenhuyzen is on track to play in round one after a sickening ankle fracture and dislocation last season. That came on the back of 13 months out of the game due to a shattered kneecap.

“Our high-performance team hasn’t given any indication that Paps won’t be able to hit his top speed again, though we’ve been integrating him back into full training slowly,” football manager Frank Ponissi said.

“He’ll push for round one and ideally be able to play a bit during the trials, but we won’t risk or fast-track anything either.”

The game moves slower: Sua Faalogo

The Samoan whiz kid will command a spot in Craig Bellamy’s 17, probably as a bench impact weapon in the middle, given that Papenhuyzen is still the club’s first-choice fullback and Nick Meaney has trained all summer in the centres. An upgraded extension until the end of 2027 is also being worked through for Faalogo after he lit up last year’s end of year Tests against Australia and New Zealand.

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Shawn Blore

Another who has endured trials and tribulations on the injury front, Blore has been on Melbourne’s radar for several years given his size, mobility and natural aggression. He only arrived at Storm HQ this week in a swap with Justin Olam but is being viewed as an edge option who can play through the middle as well.

Wests Tigers

Training the house down: Stefano Utoikamanu

Has been a standout at training, not only physically but with his leadership. His time in Origin last year has instilled a new confidence in the front-rower with a huge engine.

Needed to get out his comfort zone: Jahream Bula

He was the best thing to happen to the Tigers last year but will need to step up again as clubs do proper homework on the fullback. He has speed to burn, is a marvellous organiser of defensive lines at such a young age, and has a huge supporter in new coach Benji Marshall.

Wouldn’t look out of place in an Origin jumper: Samuela Fainu

OK, so maybe NSW will come too soon this year, but back-rower Samuela Fainu is set for a big year. Those in his corner like to think of him as a younger, inexperienced version of Payne Haas. He is another player who has turned heads at Concord in recent months.

Titans

Training the house down: AJ Brimson

Gold Coast Titans veteran Kieran Foran has noticed a palpable energy about AJ Brimson since his move from fullback to centre was revealed. The five-eighth has worked under Des Hasler in the past, which included the 2011 grand final triumph with Manly, and believed Brimson had been training in a manner that would thrive under the Mad Scientist.

“He’s so electric, in that position you’re coming up against guys one on one and you’ve got a bit of space inside and outside, [so] for a guy like him, who’s that fast off the mark, if you give him an inch he’s often gone,” Foran said.

“He seems to have really moulded into that role now and he’s thoroughly enjoying it. He’s going to be a huge strike weapon for us out there.”

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Keenan Palasia

Despite coming off a grand final performance – the culmination of a breakout second half of 2023 – Keenan Palasia is no guarantee to claim a starting jersey in the pack. But even competing against the likes of Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, Foran declared the former Bronco was primed to make a compelling difference on the Gold Coast.

“I’ve been super impressed with Keenan Palasia from Brisbane. He looks enormous at the moment, he looks outstanding in everything that he’s doing,” Foran said.

“I watched bits and pieces of him last year for Brisbane and he looks like a wonderful player. But to see what he’s done in the short time that he’s been here and the way in which he’s approached training he’s been super, and I think he’s going to add a hell of a lot to this squad.”

The game moves slower: Keano Kini

Brimson’s move has failed to end the fullback debate on the Glitter Strip. While Foran said Jayden Campbell would probably jump straight into the team once he returns from a knee injury, he gushed when asked about the future of livewire Keano Kini. The 19-year-old, who managed six NRL appearances in his maiden season, was likened to a young Roger Tuivasa-Sheck during last year’s trials, and Foran believed it was only a matter of time before he became an NRL regular either in the starting side or as a bench utility.

“K’s pushing everyone … an enormous talent, and someone who’s going to have a huge future,” Foran said.

“He’s going to push guys right to the brink for positions. He showed us he can do that last season off the bench. I’ve got no doubt he could fill that role and provide great spark off the bench if you need in any of the outside back positions.”

Warriors

Never looked fitter: Luke Metcalf

Injuries have cruelled the rise of one of the NRL’s more promising young halves, the latest a hamstring tear in round 26 (after 10 wins from 12 games at five-eighth) that ruled him out of the Warriors return to finals. A visit to reconditioning specialist Bill Knowles in Philadelphia has overhauled Metcalf’s training programs, doubling his leg days in a weekly schedule and adding three kilos to his 85kg frame – plenty around his backside, one of rugby league’s most important muscle groups.

The game moves slower: Jackson Ford

One of the NRL’s bargain buys in 2023, Ford’s impressive form on the Warriors left edge was more about getting 80 minutes of game time. The south coast junior is a bonafide stayer rather than a sprinter. Kurt Capewell’s arrival could affect those minutes, so expect Marata Niukore to switch into the middle at times to accommodate the pair.

Needed to get out of his comfort zone: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

“He said ‘Rog, we’re going to be a team that competes, going to be a team that turns up for each other’.”

“‘Webby, I’ve heard this before, tell me what’s different?’.”

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck wasn’t wrong with his first response to Andrew Webster’s pitch for him to spurn a lucrative offer from Japanese rugby and return to the Warriors.

But the corner turned by the club, and Tuivasa-Sheck’s own middling returns in the rival code, made for unfinished business and, eventually a three-year deal. RTS is back as a potential attacking focal point at centre as the season wears on, provided he adapts to the NRL’s added physical demands and defensive nuances.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.