A new year has arrived, and NRL clubs will be back from their Christmas breaks to ramp up pre-season training in the next week.

The final run to the season often brings with it heightened intensity and discussion as fans ready themselves for the new campaign.

This year could on another level altogether with the season opening in Las Vegas a week ahead of schedule.

Expectations are a funny thing though. Every year, there are teams who will go well beyond what they were expected to do, and others who fall a long way short of where they were supposed to be.

But what exactly are those expectations for all 17 NRL teams in 2024?

Here is what your team needs to do to earn a pass in 2024.

14. Sharks: Top eight

The Sharks will be a premiership threat in 2025 with the arrival of Addin Fonua-Blake, but that in itself creates an intriguing dynamic for the black, white and blue heading into 2024.

We have probably set the bar a little low in suggesting that the bare minimum - a top eight finish - would be viewed as the acceptable pass mark for the club in 2023.

But that's what it feels like. It's another season where Nicho Hynes is going to be something of a one-man team.

But it doesn't have to be that way. If the forwards stand up fighting for their futures ahead of the arrival of Fonua-Blake, and the likes of Teig Wilton and Briton Nikora keep improving, then the Sharks have enough talent.

It's also a moving year with Braydon Trindall to take over the number six, and the likely progression of a few in the backline, including the exciting Sam Stonestreet and Kayal Iro.

There might be moving parts on the Shire, but this is a team who must finish in the top eight, and internally, will be aiming higher.