From a new halfback to avoiding another dreaded wooden spoon. See YOUR NRL club’s new year’s resolutions for the 2024 season
While most people decide to quit smoking, take up exercise or spend more time with their family, football clubs have completely different priorities when it comes to what they want to achieve in the new year.
Ny Breaking Australia has analyzed what all 17 NRL clubs are craving in their Christmas stocking ahead of the 2024 season.
From a good five-eighth at Belmore for Cameron Ciraldo to Tom Trbojevic avoiding another serious injury with the Sea Eagles, we've got every team covered…
Brisbane Broncos
A fit and shooting Reece Walsh. The brilliant full-back provides Kevin Walters with an obvious x-factor as Red Hill's men look to atone for their heartbreaking finals defeat to the Panthers.
Canberra raiders
Who will fill Jack Wighton's shoes at fifth remains to be seen. Candidates include Kaeo Weekes and young player Ethan Strange, who will not give entrenched fans confidence in the nation's capital. Halfback Jamal Fogarty needs to step up and take charge of the team.
Canterbury bulldogs
Is Matt Burton the man wearing the number six jersey? The jury is still out on this season and considering he won a premiership while Penrith played in the centres, a move back outside seems the smart tip. Recruits Jaemon Salmon and Drew Hutchison are two options to play alongside Toby Sexton in the half.
Reece Walsh provides Kevin Walters with a definite x-factor as the Broncos look to atone for their heartbreaking Grand Final defeat
The jury is still out on whether Matt Burton should be the Bulldogs' five-eighth in 2024
Cronulla sharks
Overcoming their poor finals record is crucial. In the eyes of many football fans, they received a favorable draw, so the time for excuses in the Shire is over. Nicho Hynes also has to prove he is a big player in September.
Dolphins
Avoiding the dreaded second season syndrome. Normally reserved for rookies, Wayne Bennett will hope this doesn't apply to his team in this case.
Titans of the Gold Coast
Looming like a dark horse, especially with Des Hasler at the helm. The former school teacher demands perfection, and how he fits both AJ Brimson and Jayden Campbell into his team each week will be intriguing. Both are better than impact players off the bench.
Male sea eagles
The same as in recent years: fullback Tom Trbojevic remains injury-free. Perhaps a move to the centers is in store given the emergence of Tolutau Koula this year.
Melbourne storm
Ryan Papenhuyzen is due some luck after a number of terrible injuries. No doubt Craig Bellamy will want more from his halves, Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes, who have been found wanting at times this year.
After many setbacks in recent years, Tom Trbojevic will hope for an injury-free 2024
Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen is another NRL star keen to avoid time on the sidelines
Knights of Newcastle
Jack Cogger showed just how valuable he can be on the big stage in the NRL grand final for the Panthers. The junior prodigy will be given the keys to the team, and if he combines well with Jackson Hastings, a top four finish cannot be ruled out, especially with Dally M winner Kalyn Ponga on the team list.
New Zealand fighters
More of the same. Under new coach Andrew Webster, the 'Wahs' were a breath of fresh air. Now they need to repeat the dose and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck could be the man to guide them to a first premiership.
North Queensland Cowboys
Eleventh place was a shock and it's safe to say that Todd Payten will do everything he can to ensure they feature in the final. Whether Chad Townsend is the answer to playing halfback at the age of 32 is the million dollar question.
Parramatta eel
Brad Arthur is running out of bullets to shoot, so he will lean on his halves Dylan Brown and Mitch Moses to deliver. Brown is still living off his potential, but if he stays consistent the Eels can step up when it counts.
Penrith Panthers
Not much needs to change after a three-peat premiership. Penrith fans will be keeping an eye on the relationship between Nathan Cleary and Mary Fowler because as many readers will agree, long-distance relationships can be hard work.
Will Nathan Cleary quit the NRL to be closer to his girlfriend, Matildas star Mary Fowler?
Distant cousins Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell will look to spark the Rabbitohs in 2024
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jack Wighton is a smart recruit, but where will he play in the backline? Lachlan Ilias knows that the vultures are circling and Latrell Mitchell also has to get to work.
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Red V narrowly avoided the wooden spoon, but a new coach in Shane Flanagan could prove to be a masterstroke. Want-away halfback Ben Hunt must prove to the fans that he is committed, with actions that speak louder than words.
Sydney Hanen
Coach Trent Robinson will rely on consistency, which has been his team's Achilles heel in 2023. Sam Walker knows his defense needs to be better if he wants to stay in the top flight – and looks to recruit Spencer Leniu to show everyone why he's a starting player is .
Wests Tigers
The only way is to go to Concord, and the playing group will desperately try to avoid 'winning' three consecutive wooden spoons. Coach Benji Marshall was a magician in his playing days and will try to pass on his football IQ. Hopefully he gets the response he wants.