Forward packs are the engine of every NRL side.
The top clubs always have an strong group of forwards who barge down field and make space for the halves and backs to work their magic.
Top-class hookers have become some of the most coveted stars in the competition, with the top three sides last season all boasting world-class rakes.
Middle forwards, meanwhile, are the unsung workhorses of every side and without them, superstar halves wouldn’t be able to roam free.
TIGERS
Predicted starting pack: 8. Stefano Utoikamanu, 9. Jacob Liddle, 10. Thomas Mikaele, 11. Tyrone Peachey, 12. Luciano Leilua, 13. Alex Twal
Full pack: Shawn Blore, Luke Garner, Luciano Leilua, Jock Madden (has played hooker), Jacob Liddle, Thomas Mikaele, Zane Musgrove, Joe Ofahengaue, Tyrone Peachey, Alex Seyfarth, Jake Simpkin, Tukimihia Simpkins, James Tamou, Kelma Tuilagi, Alex Twal, Stefano Utoikamanu
Ins: Tyrone Peachey
Outs: Billy Walters, Russell Packer, Tom Amone, Michael Chee-Kam
Analysis: The Tigers may rank 16th on our list but there is still hope for the side.
They have several young guns showing real promise — Stefano Utoikamanu is a star in the making having been included in the NSW Origin camp for game three while Thomas Mikaele already looks a force ready to be let loose and Jacob Liddle showed glimpses of real promise last season in the No.9 jersey.
While James Tamou and Joe Ofahengaue are reliable players and the addition of Tyrone Peachey will add some versatility to their lock role in the form of a ball playing, elusive forward.
The Tigers will need to address their discipline as they ranked fourth among the competition’s forward packs - including bench players - on set restart infringements in 2021.
Some other key stats do go in the Tigers favour — they had the fourth most offloads of any side’s forwards and the lowest number of errors on average per game.
The Tigers have struggled for several years now, but if their players can develop under the tutelage of Tamou and Maguire they could be a formidable force in years to come.
15. COWBOYS
Predicted starting pack: 8. Jason Taumalolo, 9. Reece Robson, 10. Coen Hess, 11. Ben Condon, 12. Heilum Luki, 13. Reuben Cotter
Full pack: Lachlan Burr, Reuben Cotter, Mitchell Dunn, Tom Gilbert, Jake Granville, Coen Hess, Heilum Luki, Jordan McLean, Jeremiah Nanai, Griffin Neame, Emry Pere, Reece Robson, Jason Taumalolo, Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Ins: Jamayne Taunoa-Brown
Analysis: The Cowboys are another pack littered with young talent and a few older heads.
Jason Taumalolo - the Cowboys $10 million man - is one of the competition’s best forwards when fit and firing, while Jordan McLean has won a premiership with the Storm in 2017.
Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki and Tom Gilbert are all 21 or younger and will be a brilliant foundation for the North Queensland side if they can retain the trio.
Luki was already engaged for a swap deal this season, with Luciano Leilua potentially being let go early to join up with his new club, but it never eventuated. Coen Hess has also been solid, winning the Cowboys player of the year honours last season.
The Cowboys must improve their offloads missed tackles percentage, as they ranked the second worst in the competition in both areas last season.
Cowboys’ fans will be hoping to see their young pack fire and veteran lock Jason Taumalolo back in full flight.
If that happens they won’t stay in 15th for long.
14. DRAGONS
Predicted starting pack: 8. Aaron Woods, 9. Andrew McCullough, 10. Blake Lawrie, 11. Jaydn Su’A, 12. Tariq Sims, 13. Jack de Belin.
Full pack: Daniel Alvaro, Jack Bird, George Burgess, Billy Burns, Jack de Belin, Poasa Faamausili, Tyrell Fuimaono, Jackson Ford, Jack Gosiewski, Josh Kerr, Blake Lawrie, Andrew McCullough, Josh McGuire, Francis Molo, Tariq Sims, Jaydn Su’A, Aaron Woods, Jayden Sullivan
Ins: Jaydn Su’A, Francis Molo, George Burgess, Aaron Woods, Jack Gosiewski
Outs: Cameron McInnes, Paul Vaughan, Kaide Ellis, Brayden Williame, Billy Brittain, Hayden Lomax
Analysis: The Dragons brought in several new faces to bolster their pack after veteran Paul Vaughan was shown the door in the wake of the BBQ scandal that rocked the club.
George Burgess and Aaron Woods will bring significant experience to what is shaping as a strong pack.
Maroons enforcer Su’A is a strong addition and coach Anthony Griffin will expect him to bring plenty of grit and brute force to the side.
Jack de Belin’s return last season showed he could potentially return to the form that saw him star for the Blues in 2018.
The Dragons are in the top five for several unwanted stats including missed tackles, errors and set restart infringements per game.
Griffin must demand better discipline in 2022 if the Dragons are to play finals.
