ETHAN STRANGE: Comfortable at five-eighth or centre, Canberra's Strange is seen as the long-term heir to Jack Wighton's crown at the Raiders. Has one first-grade appearance to his name and has been one of the standouts in the club's trials. With the Raiders in a transition period, Strange has a chance to make himself a star of their new era.
SUA FA'ALOGO: Had a breathtaking debut for Melbourne against the Broncos last year and the fullback/winger impressed making his international bow for Samoa, too. Fa'alogo won't be expected to start in round one but his ability to blow games open later in the season could make him an asset to Craig Bellamy from the bench.
The electric Tyrone Munro is a man to watch for Souths. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)
TYRONE MUNRO: Already played three games for Souths in 2023 but his electrifying pace and eye for the tryline will make him one to watch this season. The Rabbitohs winger's claims for game time should be helped by the fact the club's backline is in a state of flux through the early part of the season.
DALLY M CONTENDERS:
NATHAN CLEARY: Still yet to win one and the scene has never been better set for him after his triumph in last year's grand final. There is no doubting Cleary's status as the NRL's leading playmaker and with Penrith set to challenge for honours once more it would be a surprise if 2024 wasn't the year he claimed the game's most-prestigious gong.
REECE WALSH: The poster boy of the NRL and the man most likely to challenge Cleary to take home the medal. His mercurial stepping and passing make the Broncos youngster a walking highlight reel. If he can eradicate the blunders from his game then there is no reason he can't be crowned the NRL's best this season.
Reece Walsh shapes as a real contender for the Dally M winner in 2024. (Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS)
HARRY GRANT: Now captain of Melbourne, Grant is likely to thrive off the expectation of leading the Storm back to their former glory. Craig Bellamy's men haven't been in a grand final since 2020 and Grant's craft and guile at No. 9 will put him front and centre for individual honours.
SHAUN JOHNSON: Beaten by a whisker to last year's top prize, Johnson jumped in a time machine and was back to his best at the Warriors. His dazzling feet aren't as light as they once were, but his mind remains one of the sharpest in the game and he showed a new-found control and maturity to his game.
CAMERON MURRAY: By Murray's lofty standards, 2023 was a down year but the South Sydney skipper is the metronome to their attack. Murray's daring runs into heavy traffic and ability to pass deep into the line mean if the Rabbitohs are to lift this season he shapes as their most crucial player.
PREDICTED LADDER:
1. Sydney Roosters
2. Penrith
3. Brisbane
4. Melbourne
5. South Sydney
6. Warriors
7. Manly
8. Cronulla
9. Newcastle
10. Parramatta
11. Gold Coast
12. Canberra
13. Dolphins
14. North Queensland
15. Wests Tigers
16. St George Illawarra
17. Canterbury
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