NRL Christmas Wishlist: What your club is asking from Santa?

If Santa were to visit each club and deliver one present, what would fit the needs of each side ahead of the new year? Here, we look at the one thing atop each NRL team's Christmas wishlist this festive season... Brisbane Broncos Wish: NO MORE SCANDALS! As Brisbane prepares for the 2025 NRL season and enters a new era under Michael Maguire, the Christmas wish on every fan's lips is to eradicate the scandals that plagued the club over the past 12 months. Beginning this year with a fight between teammates Adam Reynolds and Patrick Carrigan, the Broncos' season was marred by scandals that finished with Ezra Mam being sentenced by the court due to drug driving. In between, there was the 'racism scandal' between Mam and Spencer Leniu, the departure of club legend Allan Langer, off-field shenanigans involving Reece Walsh, the arrest of Payne Haas' parents and the sacking of coach Kevin Walters. Despite only being involved with the team for a few months, Maguire has already dramatically changed the team culture and set new standards for the playing roster. [caption id="attachment_215893" align="alignnone" width="696"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 20: Ezra Mam of the Broncos in action during the round seven NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium, on April 20, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Canberra Raiders Wish: U19s NSW Blues players shine Over the past few seasons, the Raiders has undergone a serious rebuild, which saw them say farewell to several veterans while building their squad around younger talent. Former skipper Elliot Whitehead, ex-Dally M Medal winner Jack Wighton, veteran point-scorer Jarod Croker and New Zealand international Jordan Rapana are just a few players who have departed the nation's capital in the past two seasons. Ricky Stuart will now need to rely on his U19s NSW Blues representatives - Chevy Stewart, Ethan Sanders, Ethan Strange, Jake Clydsdale, Myles Martin, Noah Martin and Savelio Tamale - as he looks towards the future. The seven players are the future of the club for the foreseeable future and fans will get their first glimpse of most of them next season with high-praise on former Eels halfback Ethan Sanders. [caption id="attachment_208533" align="alignnone" width="696"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Ethan Strange of the Raiders in action during the round six NRL match between Canberra Raiders and Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium, on April 14, 2024, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Canterbury Bulldogs Wish: Gus gets his man Failing to sign Addin Fonua-Blake, Ben Hunt, Jarome Luai, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Stefano Utoikamanu in recent months, the Bulldogs are desperate to make a marquee signing and have been linked with New Zealand international Leo Thompson. Already meeting with the forward, Thompson would not only boost the club's forward pack, but Phil Gould would get his man as he re-cements himself as a recruitment maestro. It is understood that at the moment, the Bulldogs are one of five teams involved in a heated battle for Thompson's signature, with them and the Canberra Raiders being the lead front-runners for his services. This comes after Thompson informed the Newcastle Knights that he will not be re-signing with the club ahead of the 2026 NRL season. [caption id="attachment_217573" align="alignnone" width="696"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 01: Leo Thompson of the Kiwis runs through training drills during the New Zealand Kiwis captain's run at Go Media Stadium on November 01, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla Sharks Wish: Nicho Hynes returns to 2022 Dally M form The Sharks will be under the most pressure out of any team in 2025 as they have failed to showcase that they can perform in the big moments and several stars run off-contract at the end of next season. However, if they are to contend with Melbourne and Penrith, Nicho Hynes will need to reclaim the form that saw him claim the 2022 Dally M Medal and prove doubters wrong. While Addin Fonua-Blake is set to be a key piece and lead their forward pack, Hynes has no excuses heading into next season, as he has an incredibly stacked roster around him. [caption id="attachment_210139" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Nicho Hynes of the Sharks runs the ball during the round four NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and Canberra Raiders at PointsBet Stadium, on March 31, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Titans Wish: The forwards finally reach their potential The Gold Coast Titans arguably have the best forward pack on paper. But, the Titans have failed to live up to expectations in the middle of the field due to inconsistency and injury issues. Headlined by Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and David Fifita, the pack includes Moeaki Fotuaika and Beau Fermor, while Des Hasler has brought another Origin front-rower in Reagan Campbell-Gillard. If all five players can produce solid performances in the same match, there is no limit on how far they can go in the 2025 NRL season. [caption id="attachment_127611" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 23: Tino Fa'asuamaleaui of the Titans runs the ball during the round seven NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on April 23, 2022, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Manly Sea Eagles Wish: Turbo stays healthy Sustaining numerous hamstring and shoulder injuries throughout his career, it has been six years since Tom Trbojevic remained healthy for an entire season. One of the best players when healthy, a fit 'Turbo' would see Manly contend for a top-four spot while an unfit Trbojevic could bring misery to the club and see them miss out on reaching the NRL Finals series. Luckily for the Sea Eagles, if Trbojevic does go down, they have Lehi Hopoate, Reuben Garrick and Tolutau Koula on their books, all of whom can play in the No.1 jumper. [caption id="attachment_118082" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Tom Trbojevic of the Sea Eagles leaves the field with an injury during the round 11 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and the Manly Sea Eagles at CommBank Stadium, on May 20, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Wish: Defeat the Penrith Panthers when it matters The Melbourne Storm enter next season as one of the favourite to claim the NRL Premiership, but one obstacle stands in their way. The reigning Minor Premiers, Melbourne can defeat any team in the competition with their 'Big Four' but have failed to defeat Penrith when it matters. In 2024, they defeated the rivals twice during the regular season - 24-22 and 8-0 -, but when it came to the Grand Final, they froze and struggled to look their dominant self. Fans will be hoping that they can get over the speed-bump and provide a big upset the next time they face the Panthers when real stakes are on the line. [caption id="attachment_214318" align="alignnone" width="696"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 14: Harry Grant of the Storm celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during the NRL Qualifying Final match between Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks at AAMI Park on September 14, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors Wish: Young guns excel 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. Building towards the future, Taine Tuaupiki, Leka Halasima, Samuel Healey and Ali Leiataua are just some of the names that fans will be hoping can stand out in 2025. 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. [caption id="attachment_212279" align="alignnone" width="696"] 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)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys Wish: Pre-season training ends Could pre-season training get any worse for the Cowboys? Within a matter of weeks, Heilum Luki and Tom Chester have been ruled out for the entire 2025 NRL season after suffering ACL injuries in what is a massive blow to the team's chances to make the finals. Veteran forward Jason Taumalolo is also set to miss the opening four weeks of the season after sustaining a Lisfranc injury during the 2024 Pacific Championships while representing Tonga. The beginning of next season couldn't come faster for Payten and his men. [caption id="attachment_113860" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 20: Heilum Luki of the Cowboys runs onto the field during the round 11 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Newcastle Knights at QCB Stadium, on May 20, 2021, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption] Parramatta Eels Wish: Eliminate all player contract clauses There is only one Christmas wish Parramatta Eels fans want, and that is to eliminate all player exit clauses once and for all! From November 1, all of Dylan Brown, Shaun Lane, Ryan Matterson, Will Penisini and youngster Saxon Pryke have been able to negotiate with other clubs, safe in the knowledge they have the safety blanket of an option at Parramatta. RELATED >> Why Eels have hamstrung themselves on 2026 transfer market The options for Lane and Pryke are mutual, meaning the club also have to pick them up, but often, mutual options are based on performance-based criteria, which are more often than not achievable. It only gets worse for the Eels with Mitchell Moses having options in his contract for 2027 and 2028, but luckily, his management and the club are working towards removing the options. [caption id="attachment_154884" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Dylan Brown of the Eels runs with the ball during the round 13 NRL match between Parramatta Eels and North Queensland Cowboys at CommBank Stadium on May 26, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)[/caption] Penrith Panthers Wish: Nathan Cleary stays healthy There is no argument that Nathan Cleary isn't the best player in the NRL and is a future Immortal. However, the Penrith faithful will be eager for him to stay healthy on the field and not spend too long on the sidelines. Last season, Jarome Luai exceeded expectations when Cleary was on the sidelines, but Blaize Talagi has yet to prove himself, and there are question marks about whether or not he can lead the team by himself. [caption id="attachment_214842" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers poses during NRL official Grand Final press conference at Overseas Passenger Terminal, on October 03, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] South Sydney Rabbitohs Wish: TrellMit returns to prime form Love him or hate him, no one can deny that Latrell Mitchell is one of the NRL's best players on his day as illustrated when he returned to the NSW Blues line-up in Game 2 of the 2024 State of Origin series. As the club comes off a disastrous 24 months which have seen them fall from first place to second-last on the NRL ladder, Mitchell will have a significant role in 2025 and could help them return to the finals if he finds consistency in his football. A two-time premiership winner, Mitchell is an under-rated selection to claim the Dally M Medal and is set to make his long-awaited return in the opening round. If he does return to his prime, it could have a domino effect and rejuvenate the likes of Cody Walker, Jayden Sullivan and Josh Schuster, who have struggled with form recently. [caption id="attachment_163181" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Latrell Mitchell of the Rabbitohs celebrates scoring a try with Cody Walker of the Rabbitohs and team mates during the round six NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and South Sydney Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium on April 07, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] St George Illawarra Dragons Wish: Lachlan Ilias reaches his potential Handed the No.7 jersey after Adam Reynolds' departure from the Rabbitohs, Ilias struggled to reach his potential and was eventually axed to the NSW Cup. Finding himself down the pecking order, the Greek international decided to switch teams and will embark on a new journey as he looks to reach the potential that he was once touted for. There will also be added pressure on Ilias with Daniel Atkinson's pending arrival breathing down his neck. A successful campaign will see him retain a spot in the halves beyond 2025, but a disappointing season could see him overlooked. Can Shane Flanagan bring out the best in Lachlan Ilias? [caption id="attachment_152190" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Lachlan Ilias of the Rabbitohs passes the ball during the round 11 NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wests Tigers at Accor Stadium on May 13, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters Wish: Get rid of the injury curse The Roosters were on track to being one of the premiership favourites last season before Brandon Smith and Sam Walker were ruled out with ACL injuries in the second-last match of the regular season. As the duo remains on the sidelines for most of 2025, the club has been plagued by injuries over the past few years and will hope that this doesn't continue. Centres Billy Smith and Robert Toia are just two players who are hoping their injury issues don't continue, while Chad Townsend enters the backend of his career, and a potential injury may see it come to a close. Connor Watson, Daniel Tupou and Victor Radley are others who have sustained multiple injuries in recent years. [caption id="attachment_209179" align="alignnone" width="696"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Sam Walker of the Roosters kicks during the round two NRL match between Manly Sea Eagles and Sydney Roosters at 4 Pines Park, on March 17, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] The Dolphins Wish: Thomas Flegler returns On the field, Thomas Flegler rivals Payne Haas and James Fisher-Harris as one of the best front-rowers in the competition but has been derailed by injury since moving from Red Hill. Unfortunately, the Australian Kangaroos and QLD Maroons forward has only appeared four times for The Dolphins. With the club admitting he is not guaranteed to return in 2025, a Christmas Miracle would see him return to the field earlier than expected and would provide an immediate impact to the club's forward pack. [caption id="attachment_154560" align="alignnone" width="696"] ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Thomas Flegler of the Maroons looks on during game one of the 2023 State of Origin series between the Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 31, 2023 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Wests Tigers Wish: Lachlan Galvin extends All eyes may be on Jarome Luai at the Wests Tigers next season, but Lachlan Galvin is the heart and soul of the club's future. Only contracted for two more seasons, the young teen prodigy's future under Benji Marshall has previously been clouded, and he was even linked to the Penrith Panthers. However, it's understood the Tigers are "working closely" with his management to extend his tenure. Despite failing to reach the finals since 2011, any fan would happily see the team fall out of the top-eight again if it means Galvin remains on a long-term contract at the club. [caption id="attachment_211093" align="alignnone" width="696"] TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 24: Lachlan Galvin of the Tigers looks on after a Cowboys try during the round 12 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers at Qld Country Bank Stadium, on May 24, 2024, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)[/caption]