Which players have a point to prove in each position for 2025?

Whether it be moving to a new club, returning from injury and suspension, or just looking to bounce back from a poor 2024 season, some players will be looking to have a bigger 2025 season than others. Here is a look at a player in each position who will be looking at having a better season than the last. Fullback: Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs) After yet another season filled with ups and downs, the star fullback has returned to Rabbitohs pre-season looking fitter than ever before. Playing just 11 games last year, Mitchell's season was initially cut short due to an injury right after South Sydney had won four consecutive games. The Origin star was then under fire after a photo surfaced of the outside back in the vicinity of an unidentified white substance. This led to Mitchell being suspended by the NRL for bringing the game into disrepute. However, with the All-Stars game being counted into the suspension, Mitchell will be available in Round 1 when Wayne Bennett's bunnies go up against his formerly coached side, The Dolphins, at Suncorp Stadium. [caption id="attachment_143980" align="alignnone" width="696"] PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 09: Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs looks on during the round two NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at BlueBet Stadium on March 09, 2023 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Wing: Josh Addo-Carr (Eels) The two-time premiership winner was ultimately handed a career lifeline by new Eels coach Jason Ryles after Addo-Carr was sacked by the Bulldogs over a positive cocaine test towards the back end of the 2024 season. The former Origin star was signed by Parramatta on a one-year deal for the upcoming season, with fans and coaching staff hoping that he can return back to his career-best form, which saw him win the Origin series and a World Cup. [caption id="attachment_217466" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Josh Addo-Carr. (Photo: Joshua Davis)[/caption] Centre: Zac Lomax (Eels) Lomax had a career best season in 2024 and was one of the games brightest stars, seeing him attain the winger of the year accolade, as well as earning representative debuts for New South Wales and Australia. However, Lomax was amongst plenty of drama after he pushed heavily for a release from his contract with the Dragons, citing his eagerness to play in the centres. Despite coach Shane Flanagan's persistence to keep Lomax on the wing, which saw him have a standout year, Lomax was adamant about his desire to play in the centre position. It will be interesting to see how Lomax fares in his preferred position or if Eels coach Ryles will look to move the Origin winner back to the wing. [caption id="attachment_212568" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Zac Lomax of the Blues is tackled during game three of the 2024 Men's State of Origin series between Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on July 17, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Five-Eighth: Ezra Mam (Broncos) Not unavailable for selection until Round 10, Mam will be looking to repay the faith to his side, after sticking by him during what was a tumultuous process throughout his drug driving drama. With Ben Hunt replacing Mam in the meantime, the 21-year-old will have all eyes on him after many pundits believed Mam shouldn't even be allowed to have an NRL contract following his incident. [caption id="attachment_162887" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Ezra Mam of the Broncos celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors at Suncorp Stadium on September 23, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)[/caption] Halfback: Jarome Luai (Tigers) Following four consecutive premierships with the Penrith Panthers, Luai has signed with the Tigers on the biggest contract in the clubs history. With the Tigers being dealt with their third wooden spoon in a row last year, the club will be looking to the extremely successful Luai to turn fortunes around at the join venture. Despite leading Samoa to the 2022 World Cup Final, fans still have questions surrounding Luai's ability to play without Nathan Cleary. Those questions will be answered very soon. [caption id="attachment_210898" align="alignnone" width="696"] Jarome Luai. (Photo: Joshua Davis)[/caption] Prop: Stefano Utoikamanu (Storm) It is rare for the Storm to spend money on talent from outside their own club. However, it seems that they have gone all in on the Origin prop forward. After a disappointing 2024 he steps into a star-studded side at the Storm, who are renowned for helping players reach their full potential. Utoikamanu tried his very best to leave the Tigers, with his wish being granted, and there is no doubt Tigers fans will be judging his progress closely. [caption id="attachment_212716" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 20: Stefano Utoikamanu passes the ball during a New South Wales Blues State of Origin training session at Suncorp Stadium on June 20, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Hooker: Peter Mamouzelos (Rabbitohs) The Rabbitohs made the brave decision to let club veteran, Damien Cook leave the club and return to the Dragons. It is clear that Souths have put a lot of faith in 24-year old local junior, Peter Mamouzelos to replace Cook, and steer the ship at dummy half. However, with the signing of former Sea Eagles young star Jamie Humphreys, Mamouzelos' long-awaited starting spot at hooker may not necessarily be guaranteed. [caption id="attachment_106878" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Peter Mamouzelos of the Rabbitohs passes during the warm-up before the round 14 NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Newcastle Knights at Stadium Australia, on June 12, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Second Row: David Fifita (Titans) After almost certainly leaving the club for the Roosters, Fifita backflipped on his decision and decided to stay with the Gold Coast. After being left out of the losing Maroons side in last years Origin series, Fifita will be looking to prove to Billy Slater that he is still one of the games best edge forwards. At club level, Fifita will be looking to fire and help the Titans push towards finals once again, particularly with the addition of experienced front rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard and returning captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui. [caption id="attachment_159529" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 12: David Fifita of the Maroons celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during game three of the State of Origin series between New South Wales Blues and Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on July 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Lock: Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles) It is difficult to say that the ever-reliable Jake Trbojevic is under pressure, but the State of Origin-winning captain is certainly no guarantee to keep his spot on the Origin side. Having averaging under 30 minutes a game for the series, Trbojevic's spot will be questioned for this years series. Further, the Sea Eagles will be looking for Trbojevic to rediscover the form that made him so destructive in both attack and defence, as the side looks to be a genuine top four contender for the upcoming season. [caption id="attachment_210540" align="alignnone" width="696"] Jake Trbojevic posing for a picture in NSW Blues camp for Game 1 of the 2024 State of Origin series. (Photo: Joshua Davis)[/caption]