The hard yards have started at a number of NRL clubs with pre-season underway, only a day after the international rugby league season finished.
All eyes will be on Manly’s sessions with the post Daly Cherry-Evans era underway while there’s new coaches at the Titans and Knights.
Melbourne has made some big changes after the grand final, and will have a new-look spine.
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Then there’s the premiers, Brisbane, who will now be the hunted.
Here’s the burning questions as pre-season gets underway.
Which young star will put pressure on Manly’s halves?
There’s been plenty of change at Manly. The CEO is gone, and so is the halfback and captain.
Daly Cherry-Evans is gone from Manly. Getty
Jamal Fogarty and Luke Brooks will have mortgages on the No.7 and 6 jerseys but who wears the 14? And who will replace either of them in the future?
Youngster Joey Walsh has been predicted as the heir apparent for the halfback spot, but will ride shotgun behind Fogarty in the short-term.
Onitoni Large is also a highly touted youngster who was poached from the Tigers. Both teenagers could be the halves of the future.
Walsh played against the Warriors in round 27 in the 14 jersey and it appears to be his to lose.
Wide World of Sports’ The Mole has also reported that utility Lachlan Croker could be forced to medically retire.
That would leave a big hole at the hooker position for Manly, potentially forcing the Sea Eagles to think differently about how they use the bench.
When will we see the $13 million man?
Dylan Brown will be one of the biggest watches this season.
What position does he play? Does he live up to the price tag?
Dylan Brown in action for the Eels against the Panthers in round 19. NRL Images
There’s a lot of pressure on him. However, Brown is not expected to start training until just before Christmas after only finishing his season on the weekend with the Kiwis.
That doesn’t leave much time to solidify a connection in the spine. And there’s every chance Justin Holbrook may want to adjust that spine based on what he sees in the pre-season.
Is Galvin a halfback or five-eighth?
Lachlan Galvin of the Bulldogs passes the ball. Getty
Lachie Galvin mania swept the NRL after his mid-season switch from the Tigers to Bulldogs.
He went to the Dogs to play No.7, replacing Reed Mahoney.
But as the season wore on, it was obvious he was better suited to five-eighth. It’s a problem now for Cameron Ciraldo, who will likely have to persevere with his recruit at halfback.
That decision is simply down to Matt Burton not being suited to No.7.
Canterbury’s spine will be another big watch over the off-season.
How does Hannay fix the Titans?
Josh Hannay. Getty
He’s already sorted out one dilemma with David Fifita shown the door.
Now, like the teams mentioned above, he’ll decide who’s in his spine.
The problem with the Titans is the club has had a ridiculous amount of fullbacks.
Keano Kini, who Corey Parker this week compared to Reece Walsh, AJ Brimson, Jayden Campbell and Jaylan De Groot have all spent time there.
Lachlan Ilias could sort the halfback problem, but Campbell is considered by some good judges to be the long-term No.7 after claiming the jersey in 2025.
The No.6 spot is now open after Kieran Foran’s retirement. Will Brimson have a crack there again? Or will it be an Ilias and Campbell combination with Kini at the back and the England representative in the centres.
It’s the same problem that’s haunted the Titans for years.
Hannay will have to unlock a talented forward pack too in order for those halves to have something to play behind.
Are Melbourne better without Paps?
Sua Fa’alogo is the real deal. He has pace that could possibly match Reece Walsh.
That’s no knock on Papenhuyzen, who was always in support, ready for the inside ball or chasing alongside a runaway teammate.
But many discussed the fact Melbourne was missing that x-factor in the grand final.
Now Craig Bellamy will have a full pre-season with Fa’alogo at the back alongside three of the best in Harry Grant, Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster.
Fa’alogo’s best asset is his attack – and that brings an interesting dilemma for Melbourne.
Throughout the season, the defence first identity of the club slipped a little.
The Storm has always been a team built on discipline.
That waned, and nothing summed that up more than Walsh running through the defence in the grand final for an iconic try.
Post-match, Bellamy said his side could’ve just simply tackled Walsh to deal with him better.
You get the feeling the master coach will be doubling down on defence over the off-season.
Can Brisbane handle the hunted tag?
Michael Maguire will be even more determined for a premiership this season.
The challenge of going back-to-back for the first time in his career is a strong motivation.
Adam Reynolds and Billy Walters of the Broncos hold aloft the Provan-Summons Trophy as the team celebrates after winning the NRL Grand Final match between the Melbourne Storm at Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 05, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Ezra Mam returned to training a month ahead of schedule in a sign of how zoned in this squad is.
Most of the premiership winners aren’t expected back until December or January, with some in the Kangaroos squad.
Maguire has travelled to England for a fact-finding mission – not that he needs too much help having won two NRL premiership, a Super League title, a State of Origin series and masterminded a Kiwis smashing against the Kangaroos in the Pacific Championships.
Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt will be another year older. Could be their last year?
Will those older legs have enough for another premiership? We’ll learn more in the coming months.