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.
Who plays hooker?
The Rabbitohs are stacked in the number nine role heading into 2026.
The arrival of Bronson Garlick from the Melbourne Storm adds to the selection question which already had Brandon Smith and Peter Mamouzelos unclear of their roles.
Garlick hasn't had any time as a first-choice dummy half, but he has done a more than acceptable job when called upon to replace Harry Grant in recent seasons, and could well be in contention for a spot this year.
There are reservations around Mamouzelos, particularly in his first contact defence, and it's tipped by some he could be the player to miss out, with Smith starting and Garlick coming from the bench.
Could be a big watch during the pre-season trials.
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.