Who's hot: Te Maire Martin made a successful return from injury against the Bulldogs on Saturday, while Waqa Blake picked up where he left off in the Nines to demand a centre position for round one.

Trial form: Overachieved with a no-name team to reach the final of the Nines. Minus most of their stars, the Panthers were too strong for a near full-strength Bulldogs team on Saturday.

The big questions: Where does Peta Hiku and Dean Whare fit into the team? Will Peter Wallace start ahead of Mitch Rein? Will Bryce Cartwright have as big an impact in the back row?

PARRAMATTA EELS

Who's hot: Bevan French has shown no signs of second-year syndrome with more eye-opening performances at the Nines and All Stars. New signing George Jennings was one of the Eels' best in Saturday's trial against the Titans.

Trial form: An injury to Corey Norman ended their chances of winning the Nines. They rested their big names in the trial against the Titans, going down 30-18. Big test next week against Penrith.

The big questions: Can Clint Gutherson do the job at five-eighth? Will Semi Radradra play again this season? What impact will last year's nightmare have on 2017?

SOUTH SYDNEY RABBITOHS

Who's hot: After a disappointing 2016 campaign, George Burgess appears set for a big year. He was the Rabbitohs' best in their 22-16 trial loss to Manly on Saturday. Robbie Farah was solid in his club debut.

Trial form: Didn't get past the group stage at the Nines with a weak roster. Did well without their stars to stay within six points of a near full-strength Manly on Saturday.

The big questions: Will coach Michael Maguire start round one with Robbie Farah or Damien Cook? Do the Burgess boys mean business again? Can Greg Inglis' body still withstand the rigours of a 30-week season?

WESTS TIGERS

Who's hot: The Tigers' biggest names haven't seen much game-time so far this pre-season, but new signing Jamal Idris made a promising club debut in the 20-10 trial loss to the Dragons on Saturday night.

Trial form: It's hard to read too much into the loss given the Tigers were without their big four – Mitchell Moses, Luke Brooks, James Tedesco and Aaron Woods. Friday night's game against the Cowboys will provide a good indication of where they're at.

The big questions: Will the contract negotiations be a distraction for the big four? Is Jamal Idris an X-factor or liability? Can Mitchell Moses recapture his 2016 form?

CRONULLA SHARKS

Who's hot: The hottest topic out of the premiers in recent weeks has been the departure of Ben Barba. However, the re-signing of Valentine Holmes is a huge bonus for the club, which is also looking to retain Jack Bird.

Trial form: Didn't progress past the group stage at the Nines and went down 30-12 in a trial against the Broncos. Now in England preparing for Sunday's world club challenge against Wigan.

The big questions: Will the Sharks miss Ben Barba? Can Valentine Holmes live up to the hype at fullback? Can they handle the pressure of being the reigning champions?

ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA DRAGONS

Who's hot: Young gun Jai Field set the Nines alight and was given a chance to prove he is worthy of the No.7 jersey for round one in the Dragons' first trial. Coach Paul McGregor is still undecided on who will partner Gareth Widdop in round one.

Trial form: For the fourth consecutive year the Dragons failed to get past the group stage at the Nines. Defeated the Tigers 20-10 in Wollongong on Saturday but they were missing Brooks, Tedesco, Moses and Woods.

The big questions: Can the Dragons find a good No.7? Will Paul McGregor see out the season? Will Josh Dugan re-sign with the club?

CANTERBURY BULLDOGS

Who's hot: David Klemmer is sporting a new look with hair and a beard, but he appears to be in the same old destroying mood. Big things expected from him in 2017 as the new leader of the pack.

Trial form: Didn't show any interest at the Nines and weren't too impressive against Penrith at Belmore on Saturday. Wouldn't read too much into those results.

The big questions: Will Des Hasler be at the club beyond 2017? Can Moses Mbye and Josh Reynolds fix the club's stuttering attack? Can they overcome the mounting pressure from the fans?

MANLY SEA EAGLES

Who's hot: Dylan Walker was Manly's best in their opening trial against the Rabbitohs on Saturday. Blake Green's arrival at Brookvale will see him shift out of the halves back to the familiar centre role.

Trial form: Manly played several of their high-profile players in the 22-16 win against South Sydney. However, the Rabbitohs were missing the bulk of their top side. They were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Nines.

The big questions: Will Daly Cherry-Evans rediscover his mojo? Just how good can Tom Trbojevic be? Do they have the forward pack to match it with the top teams?

SYDNEY ROOSTERS

Who's hot: Connor Watson was the star of the Nines taking out tournament MVP to apply pressure on Luke Keary for the No.6 spot. Latrell Mitchell looks in good touch as he prepares for life as a centre.

Trial form: Shocked most with their incredible performance to win the Nines against Penrith. What a difference 12 months can make after having their season derailed by injuries and off-field misdemeanours.

The big questions: Will Luke Keary work well with Mitchell Pearce? Is Michael Gordon the answer at fullback?