At Leichhardt Oval, Penrith's season plans may already be unsettled by an early incident.
Champion Panthers co-captain Nathan Cleary faces the possibility of missing the club's NRL opener against premiers Brisbane.
The uncertainty follows a report for a high shot on Wests Tigers rookie Heamasi Makasini during Friday night's trial.
Replays showed Cleary making contact with Makasini's head using his right shoulder.
The tackle drew immediate reaction from the crowd, with Tigers supporters booing the Panthers star.
Referee Ashley Klein removed Cleary from play and informed him he was being placed on report.
Cleary was sin-binned and required to spend 10 minutes off the field as a result.
He also offered an apology directly to Makasini after the incident.
The club and player now await the judgment of the match review committee.
Officials are set to deliver their findings on Saturday, which will determine any further sanction.
A suspension would endanger Cleary's availability for the opening match against the reigning premiers.
Penrith must prepare contingency plans should their influential playmaker be suspended.
The incident adds a new subplot to Penrith's preparation for the upcoming season.
Supporters will be watching the MRC decision closely for a definitive outcome.