As you tuck into the Christmas ham, try to dodge the worst of the chat around the table and open the presents, NRL clubs will also be hoping they can score plenty from the most festive day of the year.
It's time of year when the NRL seems to stand still. Players are on leave, clubs go quiet and the signings - for about the only time all year - slow down.
But it won't stay that way for long. Clubs have turned their long-term attention towards their 2025 squads, while pre-season training will be back shortly ahead of the season kicking off in Las Vegas, which itself follows pre-season trials from the middle of February.
So, what does your club want for Christmas ahead of the 2024 season?
On behalf of the entire Zero Tackle team, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and safe holiday period.
17. Dolphins: Improvements in depth players
The Dolphins first season in the competition had plenty of bright moments, and times when they looked as if they would be a genuine top eight challenger.
While their best 17 went far better than anyone would have paid credit for after a sub-standard recruitment campaign ahead of their inaugural season, the naysayers who pointed to their depth as an issue were proven correct time and time again once injuries and suspensions had their say.
The Dolphins have signed both Thomas Flegler and Herbie Farnworth for 2024 from the Brisbane Broncos in moves that will improve both their backs and forwards, but they will still need others standing up.
Improvement from the likes of Jack Bostock and Mason Teague to name a few of the youngsters will be critical, but so will the continued development of other fringe players, whether it be the likes of Connelly Lemuelu who was with the Dolphins from the start of 2023, or a player like Josh Kerr who joined mid-way through.
