They’re the four men holding a rugby league team together - the one, six, seven, and nine.

And they could make the difference between your NRL club being a title contender or an also-ran.

We’ve rated every team’s predicted spine for the 2020 season.

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Round 20

STORM

Predicted spine: 1 Ryan Papenhuyzen 6 Cameron Munster 7 Jahrome Hughes 9 Cameron Smith

Experience: 587 NRL games

Rating: B+

Strength: Diversity. Melbourne is lucky to have one of the game’s greatest ever players in Cameron Smith, alongside out-and-out star Cameron Munster in key positions. But the Storm’s biggest strength is the ability to switch players in the spine at will. It’s already been floated Smith could make an in-game move to halfback, allowing young hooker Harry Grant to come off the bench and play rake, although it now looks like Grant will be leased to the Tigers on a swap deal. Jahrome Hughes can play fullback among a number of positions, freeing up young Papenhuyzen to act as a utility if need be. Craig Bellamy has options at his disposal.

Weakness: Hughes is more recognised as a fullback than a halfback, and the jury is still out on his ability to game manage. That increases the workload on Smith and Munster... and luckily they are two of the game’s elite. Hughes is a solid footballer and can be a star in his own right, but there’s no doubting Melbourne could benefit from having a genuine No.7.

Cameron Munster of the Melbourne Storm celebrates a try with teammate Cameron Smith. Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS

Predicted spine: 1 James Tedesco 6 Luke Keary 7 Kyle Flanagan 9 Jake Friend

Experience: 526 NRL games

Rating: A

Strength: The Chooks have the best fullback (possibly player) in rugby league, arguably the best No.6, and one of the most experienced hookers in their spine. The combination between James Tedesco and Luke Keary is elite, and is the key to their attacking success. Jake Friend was injury plagued in 2019, but the emergence of rookie rake Sam Verrills was one of the best stories of their season. He may even push ahead of Friend for the starting jersey this year.

Weakness: Kyle Flanagan has only played nine NRL games to date, and this will be his first full season in the top league. It’s a fair difference to having NRL legend Cooper Cronk steering the ship, and young Flanagan will have a lot of expectation on his shoulders. But he couldn’t ask for better teammates around him to help out.

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RABBITOHS

Predicted spine: 1 Latrell Mitchell 6 Cody Walker 7 Adam Reynolds 9 Damien Cook

Experience: 475 NRL games

Rating: A

Strength: Damien Cook is one of the top three hookers in rugby league, and he can break a game open with his running from dummy-half. His combination with Cody Walker is lethal when they’re both on song. Walker didn’t have his best season last year, but if he can perform at his best more consistently in 2020, the Rabbitohs will be more than a handful for every opposition side.

Weakness: Latrell Mitchell is still an unknown quantity as an NRL fullback. He’s proven himself to be one of the most destructive centres in the game, but the jury is out on how he will perform with the No.1 on his back every week. His transition into a full-time fullback will make or break South Sydney’s season.

RAIDERS

Predicted spine: 1 Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad 6 Jack Wighton 7 George Williams 9 Josh Hodgson

Experience: 297 NRL games, Williams 173 first grade games (Wigan)

Rating: A+

Strength: All four members of this spine are tried and tested in their respective positions, and have proven to be top-quality players. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Jack Wighton blossomed as an NRL fullback and five-eighth respectively in 2019, so much so they were integral in leading Canberra to a grand final. Wighton was man of the match in the controversial decider against the Roosters. Josh Hodgson is probably the best hooker in the game behind Cameron Smith, and one of the craftiest players in the competition. George Williams is untested in the NRL but he’s been playing first grade in England for a long time, and has 11 international games to his name.

Weakness: While there’s plenty of experience in the spine, Williams hasn’t played with any of them bar Hodgson. He needs to learn the Raiders’ playbook and find his place in the team as they gun for a second consecutive NRL grand final. But he’s got plenty of experience and Ricky Stuart is confident the English halfback can be the final piece of the premiership puzzle.

George Williams arrives at the Raiders from Wigan. Source: Supplied

EELS

Predicted spine: 1 Clint Gutherson 6 Dylan Brown 7 Mitchell Moses 9 Reed Mahoney

Experience: 273 NRL games

Rating: B

Strength: Dylan Brown is still only 19 years old, but is rated one of the more exciting young playmakers climbing the ranks in rugby league. His 2019 season was hampered by a back problem, which is worrying given his age, and it’s fair to say we are yet to see the best of him in the NRL. Brown has the ability to break defences open and if he can stay fit and healthy, we could witness the emergence of another genuine star.

Weakness: Consistency seems to be a constant issue for Parramatta, and that’s especially the case for halfback Mitchell Moses. At times during his career he’s been touted as a State of Origin player, but at others he struggles to live up to that expectation. He needs to take control of the team to give his five-eighth Brown the best chance of blossoming as a star. He was good in 2019 and he needs to bring that form again.

SEA EAGLES

Predicted spine: 1 Tom Trbojevic 6 Dylan Walker 7 Daly Cherry-Evans 9 Manase Fainu (provisionally suspended)

Experience: 475 NRL games

Rating: B+

Strength: Tom Trbojevic and Daly Cherry-Evans - they are two of the best at what they do. Trbojevic is only young still but he’s played Origin and internationals and is one of the competition’s elite fullbacks. Cherry-Evans is a game manager with a deft kick, and has a knack for slotting field goals when the game’s on the line. You have to give Manly a chance whenever these two are on the park.

Weakness: There’s an unfortunate unknown surrounding the No.9 jersey. Manase Fainu has a court date looming to decide his guilt over a stabbing charge. If he is guilty then the Sea Eagles likely need to find a new hooker for the season. Danny Levi was recruited to the club this week and will play at hooker if Fainu can’t.

SHARKS

Predicted spine: 1 Matt Moylan 6 Shaun Johnson 7 Chad Townsend 9 Blayke Brailey

Experience: 483 NRL games

Rating: B

Strength: Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson.

Weakness: Matt Moylan and Shaun Johnson... they can both be elite players but we haven’t seen enough of that since they joined Cronulla. Johnson in particular was signed as the big-money star from the Warriors but hasn’t been able to fully hit his straps since arriving in the Shire. He’s a game-winner when he’s in form and the Sharks need those two firing if they have any chance of challenging for the title.

Shaun Johnson of the Sharks needs to earn his paycheque. Source: Getty Images

BRONCOS

Predicted spine: 1 Jamayne Isaako 6 Anthony Milford 7 Brodie Croft 9 Andrew McCullough

Experience: 495 NRL games

Rating: C+

Strength: Jamayne Isaako is an exciting young talent and he’s shown enough to suggest he will be more than handy at fullback this year. Darius Boyd and Anthony Milford filled the role in 2019 but came in for plenty of criticism. Isaako, 23, is fresh and fit and has his chance to grab hold of the No.1 jumper. There’s plenty of pressure on him.

Weakness: The halves. Brodie Croft was supposed to be Cooper Cronk’s successor at Melbourne but he never really reached the level many expected him to. The Storm ended up punting him from the position in favour of Jahrome Hughes, who is essentially a makeshift halfback. He’s been given control of the team now - even added to the leadership group - and has to prove himself as a bona fide NRL No.7. His halves partner Milford has struggled to take control of a game and in recent seasons has been accused of going missing in big moments. The success of this side comes down to these two guys. There’s not many excuses with the quality of forward pack at Brisbane.

TIGERS

Predicted spine: 1 Corey Thompson 6 Benji Marshall 7 Luke Brooks 9 Josh Reynolds



Experience: 666 NRL games

Rating: C

Strength: Experience. Combined they are one of the most experienced spines in the competition. Benji Marshall has played more than 300 games while Josh Reynolds is a former Origin player, and Luke Brooks has been around for long enough. Marshall in particular knows what to do in most situations on the park an can help Brooks steer the team when the pressure is on.

Weakness: Uncertainty. The Tigers are waiting to see if the NRL will stand Reynolds down before the season starts, and if that happens they will need a new hooker. Billy Walters is a five-eighth but could perform the role if asked, while the club has used Elijah Taylor there in the past. Melbourne young gun Harry Grant is reportedly on the verge of joining Concord on a lease basis, and that would go some way to solving their crisis. Jacob Liddle is expected back from injury mid-season.

Benji Marshall and Luke Brooks during Wests Tigers training at Leichhardt Oval. Source: News Corp Australia

PANTHERS

Predicted spine: 1 Dylan Edwards 6 Jarome Luai 7 Nathan Cleary 9 Api Koroisau

Experience: 248 NRL games

Rating: C+

Strength: The ceiling. Individually each of these guys can be genuinely exciting NRL players. Nathan Cleary is now an Origin player and Api Koroisau returns to the club on the back of some good form for Manly, where he was even being mentioned in Origin conversations. Jarome Luai is the youngster with plenty of talent and has a running game that could cut teams apart.

Weakness: Inexperience. Koroisau has been around the longest but the rest are still in the early stages of their football careers. While Cleary has played Origin already he will need to step up and take charge of the Panthers this year after the departure of James Maloney. The jury is still out on Cleary’s ability to own a team. Dylan Edwards has dropped in and out of form, and the team, and will be under pressure from Caleb Aekins to keep his spot in the side.

KNIGHTS

Predicted spine: 1 Kalyn Ponga 6 Kurt Mann 7 Mitchell Pearce 9 Jayden Brailey

Experience: 501 NRL games

Rating: B+

Strength: The seven-one combo. Mitchell Pearce is one of the most experienced halfbacks in the game, and Kalyn Ponga is the most talented young fullback. They’ve found a knack of being able to combine - particularly on the left edge - to create scoring opportunities for the Knights. When both players are at their best they make Newcastle a dangerous side with ball in hand.

Weakness: The team has struggled to settle on a permanent five-eighth, and that’s contributed to making them left-side dominant in attack. Foxsports.com.au understands Kurt Mann will get first crack at the No.6 jumper and he will need to share an almost equal load to Pearce to give the Knights more attacking diversity across the park. If he fails, youngster Phoenix Crossland and also Mason Lino are banging down the door for that spot.

Newcastle's Mitchell Pearce passes to Kalyn Ponga. Source: News Corp Australia

BULLDOGS

Predicted spine: 1 Dallin Watene-Zelezniak 6 Jack Cogger 7 Lachlan Lewis 9 Sione Katoa

Experience: 224 NRL games

Rating: C

Strength: Competition for spots. Brandon Wakeham is another young playmaker fighting to be in the Round 1 side, while Jeremy Marshall-King is the incumbent hooker but foxsports.com.au understands he has been injured. We also understand Kerrod Holland has been training to play as a bench hooker, while Nick Meaney can play fullback. Expect to see plenty of combinations tested through the spine at Belmore.

Weakness: The loss of Kieran Foran to a long-term injury has left the spine looking seriously inexperienced. Cogger and Lewis spent time in and out of the team in 2019, while Katoa is playing his first season at the club. It has potential to be a good unit but that’s far from proven, and these guys will need to learn to work together fast.

WARRIORS

Predicted spine: 1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 6 Blake Green 7 Chanel Harris-Tavita 9 Wayde Egan

Experience: 362 NRL games

Rating: B

Strength: A Dally M Medallist as captain and fullback. No matter how the team performs, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is a picture of consistency and class. Unfortunately his own performance doesn’t necessarily translate to that of his team’s, and that’s where the problems lie for Stephen Kearney’s men.

Weakness: The halves pairing doesn’t yet look like one that could take an NRL team deep into finals. Blake Green is the reliable veteran but he’s probably not going to pull some magic trick out of his hat to win you a game. Chanel Harris-Tavita does have that ability but he’s still far too young to expect him to do that consistently. Expect Harris-Tavita to improve in 2020 and hopefully the Warriors will be a better side for it. Kodi Nikorima will also play some role, whether it’s off the bench or starting at hooker.

Who’s going to help Roger Tuivasa-Sheck of the Warriors? Source: Getty Images

COWBOYS

Predicted spine: 1 Valentine Holmes 6 Jake Clifford 7 Michael Morgan 9 Jake Granville

Experience: 421 NRL games

Rating: B+

Strength: For the first time since Johnathan Thurston retired, the Cowboys can say they’ve got a marquee player. Valentine Holmes’ addition to the line-up should make North Queensland look like a different team. That was the idea with Ben Barba last year, too, before that ended before it began. Holmes was an elite player when he left the game 18 months ago and if he can return to that level this season in Townsville, the Cowboys could be genuine contenders.

Weakness: Jake Granville was one of the club’s best players when they won the competition in 2015, but he hasn’t really looked the same since. The signing of young gun Reece Robson puts Granville’s spot under serious threat, while Reuben Cotter is also in the mix for a role at hooker or off the bench. At least Paul Green has options at his disposal.

DRAGONS

Predicted spine: 1 Zac Lomax 6 Corey Norman 7 Ben Hunt 9 Cameron McInnes

Experience: 550 NRL games

Rating: B

Strength: Individually each of these players can be stars of the game. Ben Hunt has plenty of big-game experience, Corey Norman has the talent to win on his own, and Zac Lomax was dubbed by Brad Fittler as the “gifted one”. Cameron McInnes has been a picture of consistency for the Red V and he’s been rewarded with the captaincy this year.

Weakness: For whatever reason, the Dragons’ spine has struggled to gel on the field. Coach Paul McGregor adopted an in-game rotation policy - including also Gareth Widdop - last year which backfired. Matt Dufty was a part of that rotation and while he’s proven he has the spark to light up a field, he hasn’t proven he can compete at that level week on week. If Lomax is asked to be the full-time fullback in 2020 he will have plenty of responsibility on his young shoulders.

TITANS

Predicted spine: 1 AJ Brimson 6 Tyrone Roberts 7 Ash Taylor 9 Nathan Peats

Experience: 420 NRL games

Rating: D

Strength: Gold Coast is paying $1 million for a halfback who, by his own admission, probably hasn’t lived up to it yet. Ash Taylor’s potential is so high that Matty Johns labelled him the best young halfback in the game. Reaching that potential is the key to the Titans.

Weakness: Well, same as their strength. Paying $1 million for a No.7 should make any NRL side at least half decent. So far Ash Taylor hasn’t done that. And the other members of the spine - barring Tyrone Roberts - have also been performing well below their ceiling. Whatever the secret is to getting the best out of these players, new coach Justin Holbrook needs to find it quick.