NRL teams face challenges ahead of the season opener, with roster issues, player auditions, and strategic adjustments influencing their performance.
The opening round is almost here, and every club has issues to sort out that could shape their start to the NRL season.
Returning stars, shaky depth and unsettled spines are forcing hard calls in trials.
From the Dolphins banking on Thomas Flegler's rebound and the Titans searching for middle steel, to halves auditions in Canberra, Newcastle and Belmore, the margins look tight.
Melbourne's fullback succession plan, Penrith's next-man-up system, and a roster squeeze at the Roosters loom large.