Festive spirit: what your NRL team needs this Christmas
RUGBY LEAGUE: You know when someone asks you what you want for Christmas and you’ve got absolutely no idea?
Well we’re pretty sure we know what the NRL clubs want so we’ve compiled a wishlist on their behalf and sent it off to the North Pole. BRONCOS: Contract resolutions
Brisbane has a host of players off-contract at the end of 2017, so it’ll be wanting to get some of the biggest names locked in as soon as possible.
The Broncos have their work cut out for them with the list including Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Darius Boyd, Andrew McCullough, Adam Blair, Jordan Kahu, Corey Oates and Josh McGuire, among others. RAIDERS: A bit of luck Canberra doesn’t really need that much for Christmas – it has a powerful forward pack and lethal backs.
The Raiders just need a little bit of luck to take them to the next level in 2017, particularly in the injury department.
Both Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer spent time on the sidelines this year, so if they can keep key personnel on the paddock, the Green Machine will be even more dangerous.
BULLDOGS: An attacking game plan
The pressure is on coach Des Hasler to transform his team’s attack in 2017.
The Bulldogs became all too predictable this season and as a result limped into the finals, then went straight out the back door in week one.
Hasler’s transformed a game plan before and he needs to do it again – his job is on the line.
SHARKS: James Segeyaro Cronulla needs a Chrissy miracle for this to happen.
The club has been left with a hole to fill following the retirement of Michael Ennis and Segeyaro has been touted as a possible solution.
The only thing is, Segeyaro is still under contract with Super League club Leeds.
The former Cowboy and Panther wants out of his current deal, but the Rhinos are refusing to budge and a lawsuit could eventuate.
Leeds have also slapped a $425,000 transfer fee on his head, which will would virtually price him out of any potential move.
TITANS: Jarryd Hayne to hit peak form
Hayne may have been a little underdone when he joined the Gold Coast midway through 2016, but there will be no excuses this time round after a full pre-season.
The Titans have let go a number of outside backs to fit his large wage under the salary cap, so they will need him fit and firing.
SEA EAGLES: A firing halves combo
Manly fans will be pinning their hopes on new recruit Blake Green when he partners Daly Cherry-Evans in the halves next season.
The Sea Eagles couldn’t quite manufacture a five-eighth out of Dylan Walker this year and as a result all the pressure was on DCE to come up with the big plays.
STORM: A fit Billy Slater Melbourne fans, staff and players will be collectively crossing their fingers and toes in the hope that their star fullback can make a return to the field in 2017.
Slater himself says he’s no guarantee to make a return from the shoulder injury that has severely hampered his past two seasons, but it would be nice to see him go out on his own terms.
KNIGHTS: Kalyn Ponga Newcastle has made no secret of this wish.
The Knights have signed up the teen sensation on a four-year deal from 2018, but have gone on the record saying they would happily welcome Ponga a year early if he could get an early release from North Queensland.
COWBOYS: Another prop North Queensland is looking a little light-on in the engine room following the departure of James Tamou and the sudden retirement of Ben Hannant.
The club has already said it won’t rush into signing just anyone, so it’ll be hoping a suitable candidate appears on the market. EELS: Peace and quiet
Do we really need to explain this one?
PANTHERS: No more ACL ruptures
Penrith hasn’t had the best run of luck with injuries over the past couple of season and it wasn’t much better in 2016 with Dean Whare, Peta Hiku and Sam McKendry all suffering season-ending knee injuries.
The Panthers coped well in the absence of the trio, but if they can keep their talented stars on the field, they’ll be even more lethal. RABBITOHS: A happy pre-season camp
That’s if they decide to have one.
Luke Keary’s clash with club owner Russell Crowe at Crowe’s Coffs Harbour farm overshadowed much of what was a poor season for the Bunnies.
It was also no doubt part of the reason behind the five-eighth’s eventual defection to the Roosters. DRAGONS: Drew Hutchison to solve the halves problem Benji’s gone, so come on down Hutcho.
The 21-year-old is tipped to get the first shot at the vacant red and white No.7 jersey next season and fans will be praying he can deliver the points they most desperately need. ROOSTERS: A settled spine The Roosters fielded multiple spine combinations throughout 2016, so Trent Robinson will be hoping his round-one line-up is one he’ll be able to stick with.
If Mitchell Pearce can avoid any more drama he’s a sure thing for halfback, while recruit Luke Keary will most likely partner him in the No.6 jersey.
You can lock in Jake Friend at nine, then Robinson will just need to figure out who plays at fullback with Latrell Mitchell and Blake Ferguson both featuring there in 2016.
The club has also bought veteran custodian Michael Gordon, who is eyeing off a spot in the starting side. WARRIORS: Kieran Foran’s registration
If there’s one club that will be hoping its Christmas wish comes true, it’s the Warriors.
Should Foran’s contract be green lit, they’ll have the complete New Zealand Kiwis spine at their disposal.
WESTS TIGERS: Early results and contract resolutions
The Tigers probably don’t want to be greedy, but they do need both to happen.
The side needs to get off to a good start otherwise the knives will be out for coach Jason Taylor.
Then they’ve got a host of big names off-contract like James Tedesco, Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks and Aaron Woods.