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.
2025 hasn't even yet kicked off but Todd Payten is being forced to think about 2026 already.
News that their Origin hooker is heading for Bondi in 2026 means the Cowboys need to start looking for their future, right now.
Jayden Brailey has long been linked with a move away from Newcastle. Tom Chester's injury curse has cost him a potential audition in the role.
Whether the replacement is in the ranks, or to be recruited, Payten has been given a headache he probably didn't see coming so early.
Having said goodbye to long-time fullback Clint Gutherson, the Eels need a new number one for the first time in a long time.
Young recruit Isaiah Iongi seems to have the inside track on the spot but Joash Papalii has looked the goods at times at the Dogs.
Zac Lomax arrives on a monster deal and has very publicly stated his intention to play fullback.
A slow start for the former Panther Iongi will almost certainly see fans call for Lomax to be given a shot. Or does Ryles take a huge gamble and name the Origin star in the custodian role straight away?
Having added Ben Hunt to their squad, you have to think the Broncos cap is as bursting point.
With two Origin level centres coming off contract and demanding huge money, the likelihood is that the Broncos will only be able to keep one.
Cobbo has been linked with a move to the Cowboys, but also appeared on the Broncos squad page recently with a contract expiry date well into the future.
Broncos fans won't want to lose either, but the reality is, unless Cobbo's deal has already been done, a massive decision will need to be made.
The Roosters 2025 squad looks a shell of it's 2024 equivalent. I don't mean to dunk on a side who hasn't yet taken the park, but look at the outs.
The Chooks are looking for a quick rebuild. They've already added Origin rake Reece Robson, while they'll surely be linked to Dylan Brown.
Roosters fans aren't the fanbase to accept a 'down' season but a host of big name signings arriving in 2026 will certainly help should '25 go south.
That said, the tri-colours are just as likely to run fourth and sign stars on top. That said, the Chooks absolutely need to add fire power for 2026. Who those players will be will shape their next few seasons.
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.
The Newcastle coach spent 27 rounds, plus a finals game, trying to decide on his preferred halves combination. Hopefully the off-season sees an answer!
Reports earlier indicate that youngster Fletcher Sharpe has been training at six.
Jack Cogger and Phoenix Crossland ran out in the final last year but Tyson Gamble, Will Price and Jackson Hastings all rotated through the halves in 2024.
It's good to have options but those five (six now if Fletcher is genuinely in the running) need to become a standout two before Round 1.
Craig Fitzgibbon has an enviable headache when it comes to play selection, but a headache that may ultimately shape the future of his side.
Young gun Liam Ison lit up the NSW Cup last year and played well on his NRL debut. His recent re-signing surely has heaped pressure on Will Kennedy to hold onto the fullback role.
Meanwhile out wide, Sam Stonestreet is the best winger in NSW Cup by a long way and scored tries for fun in First Grade.
Sione Katoa and the off-contract Ronaldo Multi will be looking over their shoulder should Fitzgibbon decide Stonestreet is the future.
Ryan Papenhuyzen's recently sealed one-year extension looks to have bought Bellamy another 12 months, but a decision is coming.
Sua Fa'aloga is too good to sit at North Sydney, or make the odd cameo via the bench.
He knows it, his management knows it and five or six NRL sides looking for a fullback are also very much aware.
Papenhuyzen is a magic footballer but has had an incredibly bad string of luck with injuries. This will force a decision that could shape the future.
The Titans announced the re-signing of Aj Brimson until the end of the 2030 season. On paper, a brilliant move.
The reality is though that Brimson doesn't have a nailed on, guaranteed spot for 2025. He certainly didn't in 2024.
The move to centre didn't work and I believe the only real option is to shift Foran to the bench and back Brimson in the halves.
If it doesn't work early though, their star re-signing may find himself either coming off the bench, being wasted in the centres or holding back one of the club's young players at five-eight or at fullback.
Right now, this is not a question.
Tom Trbojevic is one of the game's elite fullbacks and should obviously start in the role, but Turbo has not had a full season in many years.
Another injury to the Manly ace would surely pose the question, again, re a potential move into the centres.
Trbojevic is an Origin quality centre and a move would surely help him extend his career, or at least stay on the park more.
Hopefully he stays fit and this question is never posed, but if an injury occurs, Anthony Seibold may be forced to make the boldest decision of his career.
