What position does every NRL team need to strengthen?

Rugby League positions are so vastly important and more so now in the modern game certain players are position specialists. Each team lacks in a certain position, a number that could take their team from good to great. What position does your team need to strengthen in the coming years, or in some cases, right now? We delve into the missing piece for your team. Brisbane Broncos: Halfback The Broncos have one of the best halves in the game in Adam Reynolds and a great backup in Ben Hunt, but both players are pushing towards the end of their careers. With Coby Black gone to Canberra and Jock Madden returning to the Tigers, the Broncos find themselves short on halves once we see the end of Reynolds and Hunt. Broncos' fans will be hoping that the two veterans can finish their careers in style and invest into the future. Canberra Raiders: Wingers As much as Xavier Savage has proved his worth to the Raiders, the other side of the field hasn't had as much success. Sebastian Kris, Savelio Tamale and Jed Stuart have all had a crack on the other side but none have been extremely successful. Canberra boasts some great young players who are full of speed, but they could use an experienced winger, one that has been there and won a comp or two. This would strengthen the Raiders attack and gameplay. Canterbury Bulldogs: Hooker Bulldogs' fans all around would say that their positional strengths lie in the halves and backline, the back rowers and lock positions get the job done but the hooking role is where they lack. Bailey Hayward has been good for the Doggies since coming into the role as the full-time number nine, but a recognised hooker in the game would not go astray at Belmore. Cronulla Sharks: Fullback This take may hurt a lot of Sharks fans, but the reality is Will Kennedy can have some incredible games but unfortunately, he has unperformed when it counts the most. Sharks fans all around will tell you that Kennedy is a fantastic bloke and a good footballer, but he can lack in areas which separates him from the great fullbacks. The Sharks could use a solid backup fullback (i.e a Trai Fuller) to increase their depth in case of injury or a fullback being moved on. The Dolphins: Five-eighth The Dolphins are stacked in the backline, and their forwards can certainly hold their own. Isaiya Katoa is a future Orign star but that's where the joy ends. The Five-eighth position is one that could certainly be strengthened at The Dolphins. Kodi Nikorima holds his own, and the likes of Jake Averillo and Brad Schneider have done a job in the past. None of the three mentioned are world class five-eighths and if The Dolphins are to challenge, they need someone to compliment Katoa and the vision he brings to each game. Gold Coast Titans: Centres Gold Coast Titans have had some absolute flyers in their backline over their time in the NRL however with the loss of Brian Kelly (Parramatta) and Phillip Sami to (Dragons) in 2027, the Titans could use some x-factor players in their backline next year. Centres are hard to come by as many of the good ones are already contracted to other clubs but with a few superstars free to negotiate this year the Titans need to get cracking and boast their backline stocks. Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles: Lock Now this may be a hot take, but the Sea Eagles could use a quality lock or some young depth. Jake Trbojevic is known as the nicest guy in Rugby league, and it is no secret that he is getting older. Jurbo could be on the way out of the club through retirement and this would give coach Kieran Foran an opportunity to recruit a “big name” player to help strengthen Manly's once formidable forward pack. Melbourne Storm: Five-eighth Cameron Munster has been a fantastic player throughout the NRL over multiple seasons however with age creeping up on him, Munster is looking a bit slower and older. With Wishart and Meaney off to the Bears and Jonah (Pezet) trying his luck at Parramatta, the Storm are in a rare predicament where they may have to buy big. Melbourne Storm are not known for recruiting big-name players as most of their stars came through their QLD Cup feeder sides. It may just be a rough season for Munster and hopefully he can find his scintillating form again, but if he does not, Melbourne should look at signing a quality five-eighth or at least cover their depth. New Zealand Warriors: Centre The Wahs team is very well-rounded, and they have cover and depth in multiple positions. Their biggest loss in 2027 comes with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who is on his way over to England. With new recruit Will Warbrick joining next season, the Warriors will be covered on the wings. Boasting some young centres, the Warriors are in a good place heading into the future but in the meantime, could be strengthened by a quality addition. Newcastle Knights: Hooker Newcastle have experimented with their spine over the years and have finally settled on a fullback, five-eighth, and halfback but the elusive hooker position remains one of contention. Phoenix Crossland has done a job for the Knights since taking the reigns as hooker, but the reality is he is a half. If the Knights can sign another hooker for 2027, they could go a long way to competing against the top teams. Crossland will keep doing his job and this is no knock on his solid performance so far, but Knights fans would love another quality hooker to help steer this elite spine into the future. North Queensland Cowboys: Front-row The age-old question at the Cowboys is, how long can Jason Taumalolo keep going? Taumalolo has been exceptional for the Cowboys since he burst onto the scene over a decade ago and has reignited some form this season playing front row. It is no secret however that Taumalolo is getting older and is closer to retirement then playing long-term and that is where the Cowboys need to invest. There are many quality front rowers off contract heading into season 2027 and no doubt the Cowboys will be in the market. Only time will tell whether they make a play for another front rower or stick with their young guns coming through. Parramatta Eels: Front-row Another club where a veteran front rower who has been an elite player of the game is on the books in Junior Paulo. Paulo has achieved it all but again, time is not on his side. The Eels have some incredible forwards coming through, but these players need time to become greats of the game and for some, they could well hit that potential. Given Jack de Belin joins Paulo in being on the wrong side of the 30 years of age mark now, Parramatta fans will tell you that it is probably time to start thinking about the future. The question for the Eels is: Do you sign a big-name front rower to help win the team's first premiership in 40 years or stay loyal and blood the young guys? Penrith Panthers: Back-row Across the board, the Panthers boast quality and with a system as good as theirs, the depth at the club is solid. The biggest concern for the Penrith Panthers is the rise of the PNG Chiefs in 2028 and with former Panthers great Jerome Luai already signing, some current Panthers players could also be on the way out. A few of those rumoured to be leaving are the likes of Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin, Mitch Kenny, and Brian To'o. The position that the Panthers will need to strengthen is the back row especially if they lose two or three of the players rumoured. South Sydney Rabbitohs: Five-eighth Cody Walker has been instrumental to the Rabbitohs rise in recent seasons but even he would admit that age is creeping up on him. Walker no doubt would love to play on at South Sydney and would love to win a comp with this club. The big issue at Souths, is the depth is not great. Jonah Glover is waiting in the wings for his opportunity and could potentially play five/eighth, but he is more of a halfback. The other possibility is once fit Jye Gray returns to fullback, Matt Dufty to centre and Latrell Mitchell to five-eighth but why mess with a winning formula right. The position that South Sydney need to strengthen the most is their five-eighth position and where that is depth or in the case of Walker giving it a way a “gun” of the game. St George Illawarra Dragons: Second-row St George have begun their recruitment for 2027 and have already signed electric fullback Scott Drinkwater and Souths hard man Keaon Koloamatangi. With news of Jaydn Su'a leaving the club however, the Dragons could strengthen their side with an elite second rower. Dylan Egan is due back, and Ryan Couchman is on the up but without knowing what goes on in the coaches' head, is their back row moving forward? With a plethora of second rowers available in 2027, the Dragons could make a play and boost their squad even further. Sydney Roosters: Centre This idea that the Roosters “play for premierships” is one that has come back to bite them in recent seasons. With talent across the park, it is hard to get a read on what position this team needs to strengthen. James Tedesco is getting better with age and looks like he will play on, and Daly Cherry-Evans could potentially go again in 2027 meaning that with Sam Walker and Reece Robson at the club, the spine is sorted. Mark Nawaqanitawase is the big loss for 2027, but the Roosters sorted it instantly signing Manly flyer Reuben Garrick. On the other side Daniel Tupou is now on the wrong side of 30 and could look to call it quits soon, but with plenty of players in the wings are fine. Rob Toia has one centre position locked up but Billy Smith has an injury rap sheet that the Chooks would be nervous about. Strengthening the centre position would really help bolster the tri-colours, and knowing the Roosters recruitment, it will be a big name. Wests Tigers: Front-row The Tigers are the up-and-coming side of the NRL and are playing some great football at the present. With news of Jarome Luai leaving the club in 2028, it is comforting to know that the Tigers still have Jock Madden to take his place. Terrell May is an elite front rower, but on the other side it has been a bit light on for a few seasons. Fonua Pole has done an excellent job and is rated highly at the club but with another premium front rower this club could legitimately win another premiership.

		P	W	L	PTS	+/-
1	PEN	10	9	1	18	181
2	NZW	9	7	2	16	108
3	SYD	9	7	2	16	67
4	SOU	9	6	3	14	92
5	MAN	9	5	4	12	79
6	WST	9	5	4	12	12
7	NQL	10	6	4	12	9
8	NEW	10	6	4	12	4

What position does every NRL team need to strengthen?

Some need quick fixes, and others will be looking into the future.

Newcastle Knights: Hooker

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