All eyes will once again be on Lachlan Galvin when Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo names his starting side for the new season in a couple of months.
Galvin may well start the season in the No.7 jumper, with Matt Burton at five-eighth.
But there are those who believe Galvin is better suited to five-eighth, with up-and-coming Mitch Woods certain to get his chance at some stage at halfback.
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That leaves the question of where to play Burton, who could easily slot in at both centre and fullback, but has indicated his desire is to play in the halves.
It's a good headache for Ciraldo to have – and one that will no doubt be sorted out by the way the team plays in the early rounds.
Canterbury have the class and depth to emulate last year's top-four finish and if anything, could do even better in 2026.
They have retained all the players they wanted to keep from last season and Knights recruit Leo Thompson adds size and fear factor up front.
With hooker Reed Mahoney off to the Cowboys, Bailey Hayward slots into the dummy-half role and he should improve his skills with an off-season to prepare.
Barking at the heels of the top 17 will be the likes of Lipoi Hopoi, Enari Tuala, Sam Hughes, Woods and Kade Dykes – the sort of depth you need in a long season.
Canterbury Bulldogs best 17
1. Connor Tracey 2. Marcelo Montoya 3. Stephen Crichton 4. Bronson Xerri 5. Jacob Kiraz 6. Matt Burton 7. Lachlan Galvin 8. Leo Thompson 9. Bailey Hayward 10. Max King 11. Viliame Kikau 12. Jacob Preston 13. Kurt Mann 14. Jaeman Salmon 15. Sitili Tupouniua 16. Josh Curran 17. Harry Hayes
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