The difference between success and failure can come down to a decision.

Whether it be a player selection, an interchange, or even recruitment decisions, NRL coaches are under constant pressure to get it right.

Today we look at ten decisions that NRL coaches will be forced to make in 2025.

Not all of these will be season defining but all hold their own importance.

Let us know in the comments of any big questions facing coaches in 2025 that we may have missed.

6. Wayne Bennett: Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton and Lewis Dodd?

Wayne Bennett returns to Redfern with genuine expectations to return the Bunnies to former glory.

A big part of any potential success will be getting the most out of Latrell Mitchell, Jack Wighton and new recruit Lew Dodd.

Dodd will likely start at halfback, although Wighton's efforts in the halves last year certainly provided Souths their best moments of 2025.

Latrell will obviously start at fullback, but another injury or drop in form may see renewed calls for a shift back to the centres.

Wighton's versatility is a huge benefit but also a curse. He's an Origin level player who will be slotted in where needed, not where he best suits. There's going to be a tough call made soon.

1 COMMENT

  1. Interesting questions, Dan.
    If I were advising the coach, here is what Iโ€™d say:

    10 Todd Payten to hire Jayden Brailey or Brandon Smith. They both need to find somewhere new.
    9 Zac Lomax is a perennial whinger, so Jason should give him a crack right now to quieten him. If he mucks it he should have no complaints if he ends up on the wing.
    8 Cobbo or Staggs. Either is fine. Rehire the one with the driving licence, and no drug problem.
    7 Rehire Joey Manu. Get Brown if there is no-one else. Lure Brandon Best out of dead-end land.
    6 If Dodd doesnโ€™t set the world on fire, move Walker to 7, Wighton to 6 and Dodd to Newcastle
    5 See #6 โ€“ go for a mid-season transfer from Souths. Dodd has to be a better option than any.
    4 Stonestreet and Ison in round 1 โ€“ no-one expects the Sharks to win, so see how the new boys go.
    3 Tell Faalogo that next time Papenhuyzen breaks down, he becomes first choice #1 forever.
    2 Just accept it was a dumb decision to re-sign him. Play him off the bench.
    1 Pick up William Kennedy as an inexpensive #1 immediately Turbo falls over. Win-Win for Manly and Cronulla

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