The Brisbane Broncos fell agonisingly short of their first premiership in almost two decades last year, and will now aim to maintain the rage heading into 2024.
Some big name exits from Red Hill aren't about to make life any easier for coach Kevin Walters though, with the club also aiming to prove they can now be consistent at the top.
With an ageing halfback, questions over their depth and and off-field contract negotiations likely to be a distraction, here are the five big questions likely to shape the 2024 campaign for the Brisbane Broncos.
3. How is Thomas Flegler replaced?
One of the big losses for the Broncos heading into 2024 is without a doubt Thomas Flegler.
The prop became something of an elite figure at Red Hill in 2024, becoming an equally important part of the front row rotation alongside Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.
Such was the dominance of the trio that there wasn't a great need for the back-up brigade to provide big minutes or output.
But Flegler has signed for the Dolphins in 2024. That is going to put extra pressure on Haas and Carrigan, but could also potentially expose Brisbane's pack.
The likes of Corey Jensen and Martin Taupau will be called on to provide experience, while it could be a breakout year for the likes of Benjamin Te Kura or Xavier Willison.
Fletcher Baker will earn first crack at replacing Flegler though, and the ex-Rooster will need to go to another level if he is to match the prolific output of a player who earned a recall to Queensland's State of Origin side in 2023.
