How does the forward pack of your NRL side stand up to the rest of the lot? Take a look at each club and their packs ranked from weakest to strongest.
8. Aiden Tolman 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Dylan Napa 11. Josh Jackson 12. Raymond Faitala-Mariner 13. Adam Elliott
Other options: Danny Fualalo, Corey Harawira-Naera, Rhyse Martin, Ofahiki Ogden, Chris Smith, Sauaso Sue, Renouf To’omaga, Francis Tualau
The Bulldogs are being touted for a wooden spoon in 2019 and while their pack isn't terrible, it's arguably the weakest in terms of depth. Napa and Jackson are the standouts of this pack with their Origin experience while Faitala-Mariner and Elliott have both shown promise in recent seasons.
8. Russell Packer 9. Robbie Farah 10. Ben Matulino 11. Chris Lawrence 12. Ryan Matterson 13. Elijah Taylor
Other options: Josh Aloiai, Michael Chee-Kam*, Matt Eisenhuth, Luke Garner, Jacob Liddle, Chris McQueen, Robbie Rochow, Alex Twal
Ryan Matterson's addition to the Tigers pack brings the overall age down, with the other five between the age of 29 and 35. The Tigers possess three strong Kiwis in their forwards ranks however they struggle for quality depth to make-up for potential injuries.
8. Daniel Alvaro 9. Reed Mahoney 10. Junior Paulo 11. Manu Ma'u 12. Shaun Lane 13. Nathan Brown
Other options: Kane Evans, David Gower, Oregon Kaufusi, Tim Mannah, Tepai Moeroa, Marata Niukore, Kaysa Pritchard, Ray Stone, Peni Terepo
Nathan Brown headlines the Eels' forward line after an outstanding and consistent two seasons for the Blue and Golds. The rest of the pack need to follow his example to achieve results for the side. Paulo's return and Shaun Lane's signing definitely bolsters the forwards that seems lighter with young Reed Mahoney stepping up to starting hooker.
8. David Klemmer 9. Danny Levi 10. Herman Ese'ese 11. Aidan Guerra 12. Lachlan Fitzgibbon 13. Tim Glasby
Other options: Mitchell Barnett, Jamie Buhrer, James Gavet, Slade Griffin, Josh King, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Pasami Saulo, Sam Stone
The signing of Klemmer is huge for the Knights who still have numerous raw forwards who can learn from the big front-rower. Levi still has a lot to prove as a starting hooker, while Tim Glasby looks set for a move to the lock position ahead of Mitchell Barnett.
8. Iosia Soliola 9. Josh Hodgson 10. Ryan Sutton 11. Elliott Whitehead 12. Joseph Tapine 13. Josh Papalii
Other options: John Bateman, Luke Bateman, Emre Guler, Siliva Havili, Royce Hunt, Dunamis Lui, Jack Murchie
The Raiders have lost the intimidation factor this season with the double-departure of their two starting front-rowers Shannon Boyd and Junior Paulo. Veteran Sia Soliola and new recruit Ryan Sutton will have their work cut out for them to have a similar impact. Josh Hodgson's influence was missed due to injury in 2018 but he holds the key to the Raiders' game management.
8. Addin Fonua-Blake 9. Apisai Koroisau 10. Martin Taupau 11. Curtis Sironen 12. Joel Thompson 13. Jake Trbojevic
Other options: Manase Fainu, Jack Gosiewski, Taniela Paseka, Lloyd Perrett, Toafofoa Sipley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Frank Winterstein
The Sea Eagles have a strong forward pack however depth is their key issue especially with the injury troubles of Curtis Sironen. Addin Fonua-Blake has broke into the starting line-up and is partnered in the front-row by the dominant Martin Taupau. Jake Trbojevic is the most consistent Manly performer in attack and defence and has shown maturity beyond his age.
8. Leeson Ah Mau 9. Issac Luke 10. Bunty Afoa 11. Isaiah Papali'i 12. Tohu Harris 13. Adam Blair
Other options: Lachlan Burr, Karl Lawton, Sam Lisone, Agnatius Paasi, Leivaha Pulu, Nathaniel Roache, Ligi Sao, Chris Satae, Jazz Tevaga
Isaiah Papali'i is one of the most exciting young back-rowers in the game, notching up 20 games in a breakout 2018. With experienced minds in Tohu Harris and Adam Blair, he can gain proper guidance. Leeson Ah Mau is a solid addition after a good spell with the Dragons while Issac Luke is still a talented hooker and enjoyed a brilliant return to form last season.
8. James Tamou 9. Wayde Egan 10. Reagan Campbell-Gillard 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Isaah Yeo 13. James Fisher-Harris
Other options: Kaide Ellis, Tyrell Fuimaono, Tim Grant, Jack Hetherington, Sione Katoa, Moses Leota, Sam McKendry, Hame Sele
Tamou and Campbell-Gillard are still an intimidating prop combo, despite Tamou moving into the twilight years of his career. Viliame Kikau shone in Penrith's 2018 campaign, with an eye for hole-running and a powerful fend. The major question mark lies over how Wayde Egan will handle the starting no.9 role with just 11 matches including one start to his name.
8. Shannon Boyd 9. Nathan Peats 10. Jarrod Wallace 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Ryan James 13. Jai Arrow
Other options: Morgan Boyle, Bryce Cartwright, Moeaki Fotuaika, Keegan Hipgrave, Max King, Leilani Latu, Will Matthews, Tyrone Peachey, Mitch Rein, Jack Stockwell
The Titans have strengthened their pack with Raiders enforcer Shannon Boyd who adds much-needed steel to the side. The performances of Origin representatives Jarrod Wallace and Jai Arrow were highlights for the club in a disappointing season last year. Experienced duo Kevin Proctor and Ryan James are great leaders for the young side and Nathan Peats provides a hungry mentality.
8. Matthew Lodge 9. Andrew McCullough 10. Joe Ofahengaue 11. Alex Glenn 12. Matt Gillett 13. Tevita Pangai Jr
Other options: Patrick Carrigan, George Fai, Shaun Fensom, David Fifita, Payne Haas, Andre Savelio, Jaydn Su'a, Kotoni Staggs
Joe Ofahengaue will have the task of setting the platform for Brisbane's talented outside backs as he gets a gig in the starting 13 alongside Matt Lodge. Tevita Pangai Jr is a powerful commodity for the Broncos to have and Alex Glenn and Matt Gillett have remained a crucial part of the back row for a decade. The Broncos also have the best crop of young forwards in their armoury.
8. Andrew Fifita 9. Jayden Brailey 10. Matt Prior 11. Kurt Capewell 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Other options: Jayson Bukuya, James Segeyaro, Ava Seumanufagai, Scott Sorensen, Braden Uele, Jack Williams, Aaron Woods
The Sharks have lost some steel with the retirement of Luke Lewis but they have a strong replacement in Kurt Capewell who's been biding his time. Andrew Fifita, Matt Prior, Wade Graham and Paul Gallen still remain from the 2016 Premiership triumph and know a thing or two about success. Jayden Brailey is also ready to take the step to the next level of his game after a solid first two years in the game.
8. George Burgess 9. Damien Cook 10. Tom Burgess 11. John Sutton 12. Sam Burgess 13. Cameron Murray
Other options: Dean Britt, Kurt Dillon, Liam Knight, Ethan Lowe, Matt McIlwrick, Mark Nicholls, Bayley Sironen, Tevita Tatola, Kyle Turner
While the loss of Angus Crichton is huge, youngster Cameron Murray will undoubtedly step up. The three Burgess brothers are always a threatening combination while John Sutton is showing no signs of slowing down after an impressive 2018. The new Kangaroos hooker Damien Cook reached career-best heights last year and will look to continue that momentum this season.
8. James Graham 9. Cameron McInnes 10. Paul Vaughan 11. Jacob Host 12. Tariq Sims 13. Tyson Frizell
Other options: Mitchell Allgood, Jack de Belin*, Josh Kerr, Jeremy Latimore, Blake Lawrie, Luciano Leilua, Reece Robson, Korbin Sims
There's question marks as to how the Dragons will line-up pending Jack De Belin's assault allegations. However, with or without the NSW representative, the Saints still have a powerful 8-13. The pack is stacked with representatives with Vaughan and Sims both making their Origin debuts in 2018 and Tyson Frizell already a senior member of the Origin side.
8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane
Other options: Kenny Bromwich, Tom Eisenhuth, Tui Kamikamica, Patrick Kaufusi, Brandon Smith, Albert Vete, Christian Welch
It's hard to fault the this forward pack for Melbourne. Joe Stimson, the least experienced of the lot came of age in 2018 and kept Ryan Hoffman out of the line-up. Felise Kaufusi (Australia), Jesse Bromwich and Nelson Asofa-Solomona are key internationals (New Zealand), respectively. Dale Finucane is a work-horse that any side needs, while Cameron Smith is still as influential as ever.
8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 12. Angus Crichton 13. Victor Radley
Other options: Mitchell Aubusson, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Craig Garvey, Isaac Liu, Zane Tetevano, Sitili Tupouniua
The reigning Premiers' only change to their forwards stock is the huge addition of Angus Crichton. The NSW Blues' second rower joins his Origin captain in the strongest back-row partnership in the competition. Victor Radley's rise should see him as the starting lock with an enormous work ethic, while Waerea-Hargreaves in his tenth year as a Roosters player and still remains as vital to his team.
8. Josh McGuire 9. Jake Granville 10. Jordan McLean 11. Gavin Cooper 12. Coen Hess 13. Jason Taumalolo
Other options: John Asiata, Kurt Baptiste, Scott Bolton, Corey Jensen, Francis Molo, Matthew Scott, Shane Wright
If the Cowboys are going to return to the finals this season it's going to be primarily off the back of this monstrous forward pack. The only player to have not played rep footy in their pack is Jake Granville, who by no means is a liability. Josh McGuire adds more steel to the team and even pushes captain Matt Scott to the bench. Taumalolo and Gavin Cooper have been crucial to the Cowboys success in the last five years.