With the โ€˜hit and giggle' trail matches and the arduous pre-season training regimes now behind each team, fans, coaches, and players alike have set their sights on the real deal โ€“ Round 1.

For some clubs, the pre-season period could not have panned out better, whilst the unlucky remainder will be counting the cost of their campaigns.

Although there were a myriad of positives to be taken from the summer months, all teams will be striving to improve on their trail match form and learn from the lessons dealt out across them.

With the first spin of the Steeden within touching distance, we raise the big question that face each of the NRL's 16 clubs.

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Newcastle Knights

Will five captains be enough?

As you could probably tell, my tongue is almost through my cheek as I pose this question.

But seriously though, five captains?

It is clear that Adam O'Brien has spread the captaincy role across this quintet on the paddock in an effort to accelerate their development by lumping them with responsibility.

Still, if the form and fortunes of Mitchell Barnett, Kalyn Ponga, Blake Green, Daniel Saifiti, Jayden Brailey and the Knights begin to falter, the club will be left with a chicken coop's worth of eggs on their face.

The pros and cons for the rotational policy are evident, but due to its eye-catching nature, it is bound to draw more negative press than good and is sure to be held accountable for any potential shortcomings.

What this Newcastle team need more than anything is for clarity rather than confusion.

That and for Mitchell Pearce to lead by example off the field as well as on it.

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