New powers are rising in the NRL North, but will they break the status quo?

When it comes to the NRL North Conference during the last few seasons it’s always been a contest between the Brisbane Broncos and North Queensland Cowboys. 2019 is somehow different. Key retirements, key signings and key departures have all set up the most open conference race in years.

The Broncos enter 2019 as NRL Conference champions without Wayne Bennett at the helm, and Sam Thaiday, Josh McGuire and Jordan Kahu missing from the starting 17. It’s a clear sign they’re investing in their crop of emerging players, which new coach Anthony Seibold must be excited about working with. On paper, they lack one or two experienced players to balance out their youth.

For the Cowboys, the retirement of Johnathan Thurston will loom over their season whether they do well or fall flat. Their squad is still impressive, rounded out by the signings of McGuire and Kahu. However, as history has shown with the retirements of Brad Fittler, Andrew Johns and Darren Lockyer, there is always an adjustment period after an iconic clubman departs. Can the Cowboys ride through it and make it back to the top of the Conference?

The two teams who look as competitive as they’ve ever been are the Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights. Both sides have recruited strongly and possess the mix of youth and experience which is vital for success in the NRL. With the signing of David Klemmer, the Knights now have have the type of forward pack to give Mitchell Pearce and Kalyn Ponga a dominant platform. The same goes for the Titans, who now arguably field one of the most impressive packs in the game.

This creates a truly even playing field in the NRL North, and easily one of the most compelling conferences to watch in the league.

Predicted conference champions: Knights

Predicted surprise performers: Titans