For the first time since 2011 - bar three seasons from 2019-21 - the New Zealand Warriors will enter life without club icon Shaun Johnson.
Deciding to hang up his boots, the Warriors will now need to focus on developing their younger talent in the squad, which boasts an impressive array of talent.
Tuaupiki should be watched closely as an impressive season could see him fill the fullback role on a regular basis with Charnze Nicholl-Klokstad off-contract at the end of the next season.
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - FEBRUARY 18: Leka Halasima of the Warriors reacts after the loss in the NRL Pre-season challenge match between New Zealand Warriors and Wests Tigers at Apollo Projects Stadium on February 18, 2024 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
It would seem that the board and coach of Newcastle Knights donโt believe in Santa.