The South Sydney Rabbitohs arrive in 2026 looking for redemption after a campaign ruined by injury.
At their best, and more importantly, fittest, they should be able to find it as well.
The fact they didn't pick up the wooden spoon in 2025 is actually something of a minor miracle.
Souths broke every record known to the NRL for the number of weeks spent sidelined across their top squad, but breakout seasons for a number of youngsters, as well as questions never answered properly in 2025, mean there is plenty for coach Wayne Bennett to work out heading into the new year.
Here are the key selection questions for the Rabbitohs ahead of 2026.
What is the makeup of the halves?
The halves were something of a revolving door for South Sydney, although, most of the side was so that's not exactly the largest of surprises.
Cody Walker, if he can stay fit, is the obvious option to start at five-eighth, but there is no guarantee he will manage to play 24 games, or a number even close to that - in fact, at his age and given track record, you'd almost consider it unlikely.
At full strength, it is expected Jamie Humphreys will again join him. Humphreys became South Sydney's surprise halfback in 2025 after the club spent the pre-season seemingly preparing for failed English import Lewis Dodd to take the position.
Dodd is now back in England, while the Rabbitohs will likely look at Jayden Sullivan as the most likely player to come into the side at either position. Beyond that, they have signed impressive NSW Cup half Jonah Glover from the St George Illawarra Dragons.
These are problems for the first few weeks only. One or two players are bound to get injured, and that will – effectively – make the decisions for the coach.