EVERY NRL club is sorting through its best line-up as the 2018 season approaches but there’s always one tricky spot to nail down.

In a good or a bad way. Some of the following cases have several strong candidates jostling to be picked, while others look dire.

Here is the biggest positional battle - or question mark - in your team.

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Round 19

BRONCOS - Front-row

Adam Blair’s departure to the Warriors means Brisbane are in search of another big man up front to partner Korbin Sims. Sam Thaiday ended the season in the starting pack after Sims was injured, but could face competition from Tevita Pangai Jr or Joe Ofahengaue. The loss of Herman Ese’ese also opens up a bench spot for recruits Matt Lodge and Sam Tagataese to squabble over.

Matt Lodge. Source: News Corp Australia

RAIDERS - Bench prop

Canberra have arguably the most settled line-up in the competition, minus the long-term injury to hooker Josh Hodgson. However, coach Ricky Stuart will undoubtedly searching for impact on a bench that is likely to have at least two open chairs, filled by Charlie Gubb, Luke Bateman and Dunamis Lui.

Charlie Gubb. Source: Getty Images

BULLDOGS - Halfback

Moses Mbye’s slated move to fullback leaves a gaping hole at halfback for new coach Dean Pay, who also has the challenge of drawing the best out of former Kiwi captain and key recruit Kieran Foran. Finding the right halfback from Matt Frawley, Josh Cleeland and Fa’amanu Brown could be key to their success in 2018.

Matt Frawley. Source: News Corp Australia

SHARKS - Right wing

Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan are ready-made replacements for James Maloney and Jack Bird. Where coach Shane Flanagan may have a choice to make is on the right wing, where Aaron Gray, Jesse Ramien and Edrick Lee are options in what is a settled 17-man line-up.

Edrick Lee. Source: AAP

TITANS - Centre

The arrival of Brenko Lee will put pressure on Dale Copley to retain his spot alongside Konrad Hurrell in the centres. Lee was one of Canterbury’s best with the ball last season before he was dropped midway through the year. The loser of that battle could end up on the wing, but Brendon Elliot will be hoping otherwise. Meanwhile the Titans are still hoping to buy another forward to replace retired recruit Brenton Lawrence, with the aim to play lock Ryan James on the edge.

Brenko Lee. Picture: Titans. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SEA EAGLES - Five-eighth

The Sea Eagles have yet to find a replacement for veteran Blake Green, whose fruitful combination with star captain Daly Cherry-Evans last year was seen as the epicentre of their success. Jackson Hastings and Lachlan Croker loom as options, while former NSW State of Origin winner Trent Hodkinson has also been linked with a move.

Lachlan Croker. Source: Supplied

STORM - Left edge

Brodie Croft has already been pencilled in to fill the massive loss of Cooper Cronk. It’s on the left edge where coach Craig Bellamy has some decisions to make, having used both Cheyse Blair and premiership-winner Curtis Scott in the centres last year. He may also opt to use returning stalwart Ryan Hoffman on the left edge instead of Kenny Bromwich.

Ryan Hoffman. Source: News Corp Australia

KNIGHTS - Five-eighth

Connor Watson was lured to join Brock Lamb as the club’s long-term halves, however the unexpected recruitment of Mitchell Pearce means the pair are now fighting each other for the five-eighth spot. Figuring out the best position of current captain Sione Mata’utia is a question that also needs answering.

Connor Watson (L) and Kalyn Ponga. Source: News Corp Australia

WARRIORS - Backline

The recruitments of Kiwi internationals Peta Hiku and Gerard Beale create a numbers problem for a back line which has only lost veteran Manu Vatuvei. Coach Stephen Kearney will have to make some tough calls to find a winning combination from a list that includes David Fusitu’a, Blake Ayshford, Solomone Kata and Ken Maumalo.

Peta Hiku (R). Source: News Corp Australia

COWBOYS - Bench prop

The Cowboys boast arguably the strongest starting line-up in the competition, however the return of co-captain Matt Scott from injury and recruitment of premiership-winner Jordan McLean mean a likely shootout between Scott Bolton, John Asiata, Shaun Fensom and Coen Hess for three bench spots.

Shaun Fensom (R). Source: News Corp Australia

EELS - Hayne

It’s now been three years since Jarryd Hayne claimed his second Dally M medal at fullback and it is increasingly likely the Eels’ prodigal son won’t be wearing his No.1 jumper this year. Appears set to start in the centres, however the presence of Michael Jennings and Brad Takairangi could change things.

Jarryd Hayne. Source: AAP

PANTHERS - Centre

Pace, defence or skill? That’s the conundrum facing coach Anthony Griffin as he chooses between the speed of Waqa Blake, renowned hitman Dean Whare and the silky Tyrone Peachey for his centre pairing. Another noteworthy battle could also emerge in the second row should Bryce Cartwright come to life.

Waqa Blake. Source: News Corp Australia

RABBITOHS - Inglis

The big question is whether the 30-year-old Greg Inglis can return to his best at fullback, or best serve the team in the centres. Both Inglis and new coach Anthony Seibold were adamant pre-Christmas that the skipper would remain at No.1, however recent reports suggest he has also been training elsewhere.

Greg Inglis. Source: News Corp Australia

DRAGONS - Fullback

Matt Dufty is regarded as the frontrunner to wear the No.1 jersey after spending the last seven games there last year. However, club insiders say the versatile Kurt Mann and fellow youngsters Jai Field and Zac Lomax are proving worthy challengers to join a spine including big-money earners Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt.

Kurt Mann. Source: Getty Images

ROOSTERS - Bench spot

Trent Robinson has a star-studded starting 13 but will want a big man to put his hand up for an open spot on his bench following the departure of Connor Watson and Kane Evans. The club has a high opinion of Victor Radley, as well as fellow youngsters Nat Butcher, Lindsay Collins and Chris Smith.

Victor Radley (R) with Luke Keary. Source: Getty Images

TIGERS - Centres and bench

With almost 20 new faces in his first full season, coach Ivan Cleary’s 17 could be fluid for most of the year. Much of the difficulty could stem from finding a centre pairing between Taane Milne, Mahe Fonua and last year’s rookie duo of Esan Marsters and Moses Suli. He may also have to choose between Benji Marshall and Matt McIlwrick as his No.14.