As you tuck into the Christmas ham, try to dodge the worst of the chat around the table and open the presents, NRL clubs will also be hoping they can score plenty from the most festive day of the year.
It's time of year when the NRL seems to stand still. Players are on leave, clubs go quiet and the signings - for about the only time all year - slow down.
But it won't stay that way for long. Clubs have turned their long-term attention towards their 2025 squads, while pre-season training will be back shortly ahead of the season kicking off in Las Vegas, which itself follows pre-season trials from the middle of February.
So, what does your club want for Christmas ahead of the 2024 season?
On behalf of the entire Zero Tackle team, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas, and safe holiday period.
7. Storm: Forwards find a new level
The Storm were bundled out of the NRL finals by the Penrith Panthers in a game where their forwards never once looked like matching up to the opposition.
That followed a Week 1 finals beatdown at the hands of the Brisbane Broncos where frankly, the same thing happened. Their forward pack, down on experience in those big games following a number of high-profile departures ahead of the season kicking off, simply didn't have what it takes.
It was obvious in more than just the finals at times. Melbourne still had a strong season in 2023, particularly when you consider there was no Ryan Papenhuyzen for the most part, as well as other injury issues, and yet, by their own lofty expectations, they weren't good enough.
To fix that in 2024, they need forwards to find another level. More consistency and leadership from the likes of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Christian Welch and Tui Kamikamica will be crucial, but so too will continued improvements from the players like Trent Loiero and Eliesa Katoa, as well as the bench and fringe players who will push for a spot.
And just quietly... What has happened to Jack Howarth, who is now two years into a five-year deal without an NRL debut.
