As the 2026 NRL season approaches, the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm have been hit by untimely pre-season injuries.
Roosters hooker Reece Robson suffered a hand injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for up to two months.
Meanwhile the Storm will be without dynamic winger Xavier Coates for at least three months following his setback.
Those absences present selection dilemmas and force both clubs to reassess combinations well before the opener.
Sydney can draw on depth around the ruck and spine but must decide how best to shuffle roles without disrupting cohesion.
Origin representative Connor Watson appears likely to postpone taking the number 13 jersey and instead provide utility cover through the spine.
That move would open the door for senior figures such as Radley or emerging prospect Blake Steep to fill the lock position depending on form.
Melbourne face a different puzzle as they search for wing cover and perhaps tweak structures to compensate for Coates' pace and finishing ability.
Coaches at both clubs will need to manage minutes, refine training plans and give fringe players meaningful opportunities in trial matches.
How each staff group navigates these shortages will likely influence momentum and ladder position come the middle of the season.
Injury is part of the game, but swift tactical adjustments and capable backups can blunt the long-term damage.
Ultimately these setbacks provide chances for others to step up and for coaching staffs to reveal the depth and resilience of their squads.