The St George Illawarra Dragons enter 2026 looking for a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, but it may still be at least a year down the road.
The Red V have one of the better crops of junior players in the competition, but whether 2026 is the time they all break through and become established NRL stars or not remains to be seen.
Off-season shuffles will also raise their fair share of questions for coach Shane Flanagan heading into 2026.
Whether Daniel Atkinson can cement his role or not remains to be seen, while experienced players Clint Gutherson, Damien Cook and Valentine Holmes must lead from the front again, even as they approach the end of their careers.
General fitness and injuries were also a major headache for the Dragons in 2025, and despite beating three of the top four, they finished well down the ladder.
Here are the big selection questions for Flanagan heading into 2026.
Who plays on the wings?
All the talk leading into the season has been that Setu Tu and David Fale are the likely starting wingers for the Red V.
Both players joined the club over the off-season - from the Warriors and Panthers respectively - and have impressed during the pre-season.
In the club's opening pre-season challenge match against the Knights, Fale played in the centres, and Tu on the wing. Both had some nice moments, but didn't look like world-beaters.
Christian Tuipulotu is the likely main option to contend with the duo, particularly given Sloan is well and truly out of favour with coach Flanagan, while ex rugby union player Nathan Lawson is also a chance, although he struggled when given opportunities last year.
Mat Feagai, who is the likely first back-up to Moses Suli and Valentine Holmes in the centres, looked good in the opening trial and could also shuffle out.
