With the lead-up to season 2021 almost behind us, do you even know what happened around all the NRL clubs in the off-season?
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Do you know who's lining up in what colours? One thing's for sure, Melbourne will be without legend Cameron Smith.
The 37-year-old announced his retirement on Wednesday, just hours before the new season kicks off.
Exactly who will inherit the mantle as the face of the game remains to be seen - though James Tedesco and Cameron Munster are the hot tips.
Before all that conjectures fires up, check out all the first grade squads for season 2021, plus some predictions and why our pundits believe you team can - and can't - win the premiership this year.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Squad: Kane Bradley, Lachlan Burr, Jake Clifford, Ben Condon, Reuben Cotter, Scott Drinkwater, Mitchell Dunn, Kyle Feldt, Tom Gilbert, Jake Granville, Wiremu Greig, Ben Hampton, Coen Hess, Peter Hola, Valentine Holmes, Corey Jensen, Connelly Lemuelu, Esan Marsters, Josh McGuire, Jordan McLean, Francis Molo, Michael Morgan, Justin O'Neill, Emry Pere, Reece Robson, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi, Jason Taumalolo, Shane Wright.
Coach: Todd Payten
Premierships: 1
2020 result: 14th
Prediction: 14Why they can win: Any team with a wrecking ball like Jason Taumalolo leading the charge and representative players Michael Morgan and Valentine Holmes are a dangerous prospect in an NRL with an increasingly fast tempo under the new rules. They could be the bolters this year.
Why they can't win: Like Walters, Barrett and Anthony Griffin at the Dragons, Todd Payten has the task of producing a finals force again since taking over from Paul Green. Payten has already spoken about simplifying their structure and reacting more to what's in front of them. It may take the players time to adjust.
Money man: An ankle injury meant Valentine Holmes played just 12 games for the Cowboys last year since returning from his shot at the NFL. However, Holmes looms as one of the most dangerous players in the NRL, particularly with the new set of rules designed to enhance fast, attacking footy.
PARRAMATTA EELS
Squad: Waqa Blake, Dylan Brown, Nathan Brown, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Bryce Cartwright, Haze Dunster, Blake Ferguson,Clint Gutherson, Keegan Hipgrave, David Hollis, Samuel Hughes, Oregon Kaufusi, Shaun Lane, Joey Lussick, Reed Mahoney, Ryan Matterson, Mitchell Moses, Marata Niukore, Michael Oldfield, Tom Opacic, Isaiah Papali'i, Junior Paulo, Jordan Rankin, Maika Sivo, Will Smith, Ray Stone.
Coach: Brad Arthur
Premierships: 4
2020 result: 3rd
Prediction: 7
Why they can win: Parramatta should have every expectation of being a premiership force, but coach Brad Arthur needs to find a way to succeed on the big finals stage. They won 15 of their 20 games in last year's Covid-restricted season before going out in straight sets. It's time for them to deliver.
Why they can't win: The Eels had sizeable cleanout of their 30-man roster and while their best 17 will look similar, it raises a question of their depth if the suffer key injuries. Are they really ready to beat the Storm or the Roosters when a preliminary or grand final spot is on the line?
Money man: Inevitably, Mitch Moses will have to show he's the man for a big occasion this season. The club has invested heavily in him, but after leading the Eels to win eight of their first nine games last year, only to wobble when it mattered. At 26, Moses has to own the moment.
CANBERRA RAIDERS
2021 prediction: 2
Why they can win: The return of the walking wounded. It's created a beast of a forward pack combined with the return of one of the best hookers in the game, Josh Hodgson. Their halves, which boast Dally M Medallist Jack Wighton, have another pre-season under their belt and they strike in their outside backs. Primed to win it.
Why they can't: Bad Luck. Coach Ricky Stuart always says he doesn't want good luck, he just doesn't want bad. Injuries took a toll last year and finally they ran out of legs in the prelim final. It's the only thing that can stop them.
Money man: Talk about spoilt for choice. It's hard to go past the Dally M winner, but the return of co-captain Hodgson is the carburettor on top of the Green Machine. He hits the ground running and the forward pack will be humming.
NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
Squad: Mitchell Barnett, Bradman Best, Jayden Brailey, Phoenix Crossland, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Tyson Frizell, Blake Green, Bailey Hodgson, Tex Hoy, Hymel Hunt, Brodie Jones, Josh King, David Klemmer, Edrick Lee, Kurt Mann, Jirah Momoisea, Brayden Musgrove, Mitchell Pearce, Kalyn Ponga, Daniel Saifiti, Jacob Saifiti, Nathaniel Sasagi, Pasami Saulo, Gehamat Shibasaki, Sauaso Sue, Starford To'a, Enari Tuala, Connor Watson, Dominic Young.
Coach: Adam O'Brien
Premierships: 2
2020 result: 7th
Prediction: 6
Why they can win: Adam O'Brien is into his second season as coach since taking over from Nathan Brown and with representative forward Tyson Frizell joining an already imposing forward pack, the Knights could launch into the top four and beyond. They'll need Kalyn Ponga and Blake Green fit to do so.Why they can't win: No longer part of the leadership group after an off-season of personal turmoil, can Mitchell Pearce deliver for Newcastle? If it's had any impact on team culture it could derail their campaign early.
Money man: Kalyn Ponga needs to transform from young talent to genuine NRL superstar this season if the Knights are to be genuine contenders. He will benefit from a consistent and injury-free combination from Blake Green, Pearce and Kurt Mann.
PENRITH PANTHERS
Squad: Billy Burns, Matt Burton, Kurt Capewell, Nathan Cleary, Stephen Crichton, Dylan Edwards, Matt Eisenhuth, James Fisher-Harris, Robert Jennings, Mitch Kenny, Viliame Kikau, Apisai Koroisau, Spencer Leniu, Moses Leota, Jarome Luai, Liam Martin, Tyrone May, Paul Momirovski, Brent Naden, Jaeman Salmon, Lindsay Smith, Scott Sorensen, Charlie Staines, Brian To'o, Isaah Yeo.
Coach: Ivan Cleary
Premierships: 2
2020 result: 1st (runners-up)
Prediction: 3
Why they can win: Oh, they can win. The fairytale ended in a nightmare, losing the grand final to Melbourne, but the Panthers have a top-four squad and every motivation to take the extra step and lift the premiership trophy this year.
Why they can't win: The Panthers have offloaded some experience in James Tamou and Josh Mansour so they can keep emerging stars like Jarome Luai and Stephen Crichton and coach Ivan Cleary will have to manage the let-down from falling at the final hurdle.
Money man: Jarome Luai had played just 17 NRL games before last season, where he formed the halves partnership with Nathan Cleary which took the Panthers on a 17-game winning streak and all the way to grand final night. He'll need to provide the same spark this year.
SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS
Squad: Jai Arrow, Thomas Burgess, Braidon Burns, Jed Cartwright, Damien Cook, Joshua Cook, Troy Dargan, Dane Gagai, Brock Gardner, Campbell Graham, Dean Hawkins, Jacob Host, Alex Johnston, Liam Knight, Keaon Kolomatangi, Patrick Mago, Josh Mansour, Benji Marshall, Steven Marsters, Taane Milne, Latrell Mitchell, Tautau Moga, Cameron Murray, Mark Nicholls, Jaxson Paulo, Adam Reynolds, Hame Sele, Jaydn Su'A, Tevita Tatola, Cody Walker.
Coach: Wayne Bennett
Premierships: 21
2020 result: 6th
Prediction: 1
Why they can win: With a spine of Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Adam Reynolds and Damien Cook South Sydney have all the key elements to be a genuine premiership contender - with Benji Marshall on stand-by. They were also just a try away from making last year's grand final, losing to Penrith in the preliminary final.
Why they can't win: The Rabbitohs have made the last three preliminary finals without making it through to the decider. In his last season as head coach, Wayne Bennett needs to find some of the old magic.
Money man: Latrell Mitchell maintains his best position is at fullback, but he will have to deliver the consistency, as well as his game-breaking ability, to help ensure South Sydney can take the final steps.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Squad: Bunty Afoa, Leeson Ah Mau, Euan Aitken, Tom Ale, Rocco Berry, Josh Curran, Wayde Egan, Kane Evans, Addin Fonua-Blake, Jackson Frei, David Fusitu'a, Tohu Harris, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Peta Hiku, Eliesa Katoa, Karl Lawton, Ken Maumalo, Marcelo Montoya, Jack Murchie, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Kodi Nikorima, Bayley Sironen, Sean O'Sullivan, Hayze Perham, Adam Pompey, Iliesa Ratuva, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, Jazz Tevaga, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Paul Turner.
Coach: Nathan Brown
Premierships: 0
Last year's finish: 10th
2021 prediction: 9
Why they can win: They've added some genuine mongrel to their forward pack with the addition of Addin Fonua-Blake. The Warriors have also got a more settled feel going into the season, despite having already relocated to the Central Coast - this time with their families on board. The steel former acting head coach Todd Payton instilled some steel into the group before he left.
Why they can't: They're the Warriors. They never fail to disappoint when it comes to fulfilling their potential. Todd Payton's gone and the concern is he's taken the resolve they showed last season under incredibly difficult circumstances with him.
Money man: Cinderella story anyone? Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is off to try and crack the All Blacks nut at the end of the season. If anyone can inspire the Gosford Warriors it's the former Dally M Medallist.
WESTS TIGERS
Squad: Shawn Blore, Luke Brooks, Michael Chee-Kam, Zachary Cini, Adam Doueihi, Luke Garner, Asu Kepaoa, Daine Laurie, Joey Leilua, Luciano Leilua, Jacob Liddle, Jock Madden, Moses Mbye, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove, David Nofoaluma, Joe Ofahengaue, Russell Packer, James Roberts, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tukimihia Simpkins, Tommy Talau, James Tamou, Alex Twal, Stefano Utoikamanu, Billy Walters.
Coach: Michael Maguire
Premierships: 1
Last year's finish: 11th
2021 prediction: 12
Why they can win: Michael Maguire has recruited well bringing James Tamou in to provide some experience to the pack, while also bringing in former Penrith player Daine Laurie - who hit the ground running with an eye-catching trial. They might even be able to avoid finishing ninth.
Why they can't: Look, they're going to struggle again. They're not exactly boasting star power and their continues to be question marks over half Luke Brooks.
Money man: For years the pressure and expectation has fallen heavily on the shoulders of halfback Luke Brooks. If former Rabbit Adam Doueihi can take away some of that by realising his potential then it could allow Brooks to also shine.
GOLD COAST TITANS
Squad: Tannah Boyd, AJ Brimson, Erin Clark, Anthony Don, Herman Ese'ese, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Darius Farmer, Beau Fermor, David Fifita, Moeaki Fotuaika, Jamal Fogarty, Patrick Herbert, Jaimin Joliffe, Brian Kelly, Sam Lisone, Gregory Marzhew, Sam McIntyre, Tyrone Peachey, Jonus Pearson, Kevin Proctor, Mitch Rein, Phillip Sami, Toby Sexton, Treymain Spry, Sam Stone, Ashley Taylor, Corey Thompson, Jarrod Wallace, Jai Whitbread.
Coach: Justin Holbrook
Premierships: 0
Last year's finish: 9th
2021 prediction: 8
Why they can win: Cameron Smith. If they could add the greatest player of all time to a few other topline recruits then lookout. You wouldn't put it past the master craftsman to do a Cooper Cronk and take the premiership trophy north.
Why they can't: They don't have Smith. Yet. Or do they. They're still a couple of years away despite the arrivals of David Fifita and Tino Fa'asuamaleaui providing plenty of strike to their pack.
Money man: He's been brought in on the big money to not only lift the Titans out of what seems like never-ending doldrums with his efforts on the park, but David Fifita has also been brought in to help lure more players to the club as well. Justin Holbrook will be hoping he can put all of the Gold Coast on his back and drag them forward.
BRISBANE BRONCOS
Squad: Jesse Arthars, John Asiata, Ethan Bullemor, Patrick Carrigan, Xavier Coates, Dale Copley, Brodie Croft, Thomas Dearden, Herbie Farnworth, Thomas Flegler, Tyson Gamble, Alex Glenn, Payne Haas, Jamayne Isaako, Richard Kennar, Rhys Kennedy, Matthew Lodge, David Mead, Anthony Milford, Tesi Niu, Corey Oates, Cory Paix, Keenan Palasia, Tevita Pangai Jnr, Jordan Riki, Kotoni Staggs, Ben Te'o, Jake Turpin.
Coach: Kevin Walters
Premierships: 6
2020 result: Wooden spoon
Prediction: 15
Why they can win: How the might have fallen. The Broncos staggered to their first NRL wooden spoon during the Covid-19 crisis restricted season and it will take a mighty performance from club great and ex-Queensland State of Origin coach Kevin Walters to turn them into contenders again. Perhaps Cameron Smith could save them.
Why they can't win: Where to start? One of Walters' biggest challenges is providing direction and spark in attack. Coming straight out of the Origin cauldron, where Queensland beat NSW in the decider last year, expect Walters to demand accountability and instil some of the pride in the Broncos jumper, but it's going to be a long-term project.
Money man: It still rests with Anthony Milford. If Walters can have the forward pack making metres again and offer him time and space to create, then suddenly the Broncos are a much more promising prospect. Walters has signed Dale Copley, John Asiata and David Mead and appears prepared to be patient and nurture youth. In the meantime, Milford will have to fire.
CANTERBURY BULLDOGS
Squad: Corey Allan, Jake Averillo , Dean Britt, Nick Cotric, Christian Crichton, Matt Doorey, Adam Elliott, Raymond Faitala-Mariner, Kyle Flanagan, Tyrone Harding, Jack Hetherington, Will Hopoate, Josh Jackson, Sione Katoa, Tuipolotu Katoa, Lachlan Lewis, Jeremy Marshall-King, Nick Meaney, Dylan Napa, Ofahiki Ogden, Jayden Okunbor, James Roumanos, Chris Smith, Joe Stimson, Luke Thompson, Renouf To'omaga, Corey Waddell, Brandon Wakeham, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak.
Coach: Trent Barrett
Premierships: 8
2020 result: 15th
Prediction: 11
Why they can win: The Barrett revolution appears to have begun and perhaps the Bulldogs board can put all their energy into leading a cohesive club backing the new coach and making them a top eight force again. Barrett played a key role as Ivan Cleary's assistant at Penrith as they made the grand final, he'll need to bring some of that mojo to Canterbury.
Why they can't win: They're at least another year, probably two from being a premiership force. The Bulldogs have signed Melbourne and NSW flyer Josh Addo-Carr for 2022, as Barrett tries to put the pieces together. This year could set the platform for sustained success, but that's as much as Dogs fans can hope for.
Money man: Cast aside by the Roosters, Kyle Flanagan could offer the direction the Bulldogs so desperately need, especially with the departure of Kieran Foran. Flanagan is only 22, but will play a key role in Barrett's rebuild at halfback and will have ex-Raiders centre Nick Cotric there to provide some strike.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS
Squad: Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, Eddie Blacker, Billy Brittain, Adam Clune, Jack De Belin, Matt Dufty, Kaide Ellis, Poasa Faamausili, Mathew Feagai, Max Feagai, Jackson Ford, Tyrell Fuimaono, Ben Hunt, Josh Kerr, Blake Lawrie, Zachary Lomax, Andrew McCullough, Cameron McInnes, Trent Merrin, Corey Norman, Jordan Pereira, Cody Ramsey, Mikaele Ravalawa, Tariq Sims, Jayden Sullivan, Paul Vaughan, Brayden Wiliame.
Coach: Anthony Griffin
Premierships: 1 (St George 15 pre-joint venture)
2020 result: 12th
Prediction: 16
Why they can win: A new era, a fresh start for the Red V with Anthony Griffin in charge, after they limped to a sad end with Paul McGregor as coach last year. Ben Hunt will need to produce a career-best season at halfback and as captain, now Cronulla-bound Cameron McInnes is out for the season with an ACL injury.
Why they can't win: Did you watch the Charity Shield? It may only be pre-season, but the Dragons look a long way off the pace against South Sydney and Griffin will be feeling the scrutiny early on if he fails to show signs of improvement this year.
Money man: The Dragons need to offer something different this year and Illawarra junior Jack Bird might just be the man. He'll be in the centres, but is equally capable as a ball-player as he is a ball-runner and they'll need him at his best.
MELBOURNE STORM
Squad: Josh Addo-Carr, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Jesse Bromwich, Kenneath Bromwich, Thomas Eisenhuth, Dale Finucane, Harry Grant, Jack Howarth, Jahrome Hughes, Nicho Hynes, Ryley Jacks, George Jennings, Cooper Johns, Tui Kamikamica, Felise Kaufusi, Max King, Brenko Lee, Chris Lewis, Isaac Lumelume, Cameron Munster, Justin Olam, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Aaron Pene, Darryn Schonig, Brandon Smith, Reimis Smith, Christian Welch.
Coach: Craig Bellamy.
Premierships: 4
Last year's finish: 2nd (Premiers)
2021 prediction: 4
Why they can win: Hello! It's the Melbourne Storm! Mastercoach Craig Bellamy always has his team in the mix come the pointy end of the season. Five-eighth Cameron Munster took the "worst Queensland team in State of Origin history" to victory. No reason he can't do the same with one of the best in the NRL.
Why they can't: No Cameron Smith, no Storm. At least that's what the other 15 teams wanted Santa to bring them for Christmas. Just how big a loss he is will be evident in round one - which the Storm haven't lost since 2004.
Money man: Brandon Smith. How do you replace the best player the game's ever seen? Well, when you're the Storm you have not one, but two world-class hookers waiting in the wings. There's plenty of hype about young gun Harry Grant, but watch Smith emerge from the shadows like a butterfly from a cocoon.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Squad: Fletcher Baker, Egan Butcher, Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins, Boyd Cordner, Angus Crichton, Jake Friend, Drew Hutchison, Matthew Ikuvalu, Luke Keary, Adam Keighran, Lachlan Lam, Isaac Liu, Joseph Manu, Brett Morris, Josh Morris, Victor Radley, Billy Smith, Joseph Suaalii, Daniel Suluka-Fifita, Siosiua Taukeiaho, James Tedesco, Daniel Tupou, Sitili Tupouniua, Sam Verrills, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Sam Walker.
Coach: Trent Robinson
Premierships: 15
Last year's finish: 4th
2021 prediction: 5
Why they can win: Age might be wearying them, but this is still a quality Roosters unit. Good pack and they've got the best fullback in the NRL in James Tedesco. While he's sniffing around the ruck for opportunities, the Chooks are always a chance.
Why they can't: They've tossed out one half after just one season, now they have to find another to partner Luke Keary - which could take time. There's also question marks about when and how Boyd Cordner will return from his concussion woes.
Money man: Well you can't go past Teddy, who just two seasons ago dominated the game on all fronts - Dally M Medal, premiership and State of Origin triumph. He's one of the best No.1s in the game and can turn any contest in the blink of an eye.
CRONULLA SHARKS
Squad: Blayke Brailey, Josh Dugan, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham, Braden Hamlin-Uele, Mawene Hiroti, Royce Hunt, Shaun Johnson, Sione Katoa, William Kennedy, Nene Macdonald, Billy Magoulias, Matt Moylan, Ronaldo Mulitalo, Briton Nikora, Kyle Patterson, Franklin Pele, Jesse Ramien, Toby Rudolf, Siosifa Talakai, Jensen Taumoepeau, Aiden Tolman, Chad Townsend, Connor Tracey, Brayden Trindall, Jack Williams, Teig Wilton, Aaron Woods, Bronson Xerri.
Coach: John Morris
Premierships: 1
Last year's finish: 8th
2021 prediction: 10
Why they can win: Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham, Matt Moylan, Chad Townsend. They're names that know how to win. Throw in the emerging Briton Nikora and the returning Jesse Ramien and you have a solid nucleus for John Morris to build around.
Why they can't: There's an aged feel to this Cronulla squad with plenty of the group's best days well behind them. It doesn't exactly bring confidence. There's also the shadow Bronson Xerri's doping appeal looming large in the background.
Money man: If the Sharks are going to fire they're going to need Shaun Johnson to return from injury at his blistering best. He's clearly the best attacking string in the Cronulla. It's just a shame he won't be back until mid season.
MANLY SEA EAGLES
Squad: Josh Aloiai, Morgan Boyle, Daly Cherry-Evans, Lachlan Croker, Cade Cust, Andrew Davey, Manase Fainu, Kieran Foran, Tevita Funa, Reuben Garrick, Jack Gosiewski, Morgan Harper, Sean Keppie, Tolutau Koula, Haumole Olakau'ata, Brad Parker, Taniela Paseka, Jason Saab, Joshua Schuster, Toafofoa Sipley, Curtis Sironen, Moses Suli, Jorge Taufua, Martin Taupau, Jake Trbojevic, Tom Trbojevic, Christian Tuipulotu, Dylan Walker.
Coach: Des Hasler
Premierships: 8
Last year's finish: 13th
2021 prediction: 13
Why they can win: They're Turbo powered. The Trbojevic brothers working off the back of Daly Cherry-Evans' representative brilliance is going to have any middle defence scrambling for a jersey to hold onto. If they remain fit all season then look out. Big if though.
Why they can't: Tom Trbojevic's hamstrings are about as reliable as a broken watch. They've already gone twang in 2021 - and the season hasn't even started yet. He doesn't play most of the season and they'll struggle - just like last year.
Money man: More of a money hammy than a money man. Tom Trbojevic's hammy has more riding on it than any other piece of soft tissue in the NRL. Whatever the cost, Manly needs to fix them for them to fire.
