As far as the Northcote Tigers were concerned, it would have suited them perfectly if the regular season could have gone for another month last year, such was the ferocity of their late-season surge, which saw them just fall short of a play-off berth. With the addition of local junior Dylan Moses, the Tigers now have one of the best forward packs in the competition and should be a leading contender for a top four spot in 2018.

2017 finish: 5th in the SAS Fox Memorial Premiership

Ins: Dylan Moses (Pt Chevalier), James Bates (Pt Chevalier), Tumatahi Kihi (Northland), Tamati Leach (Northland), Jordan Te Aho (Christchurch), Brett Watto (Australia), Lomano Manuha’apai (rugby), Loni Vaitohi (rugby)

Outs: Cole Waaka (New Zealand Warriors reserves), Trent Schaumkel (New Zealand Warriors reserves), Tyler Wallace (retired), Izak Matene (Marist), James Viau (Australia), Levi McBirney (rugby), Pauliasi Pahulu (retired), Angus Beazley (Australia)

The draw: The Tigers won’t have to wait long to test themselves against the best in 2018, with a brutal start to the year seeing them face three of last year’s play-off teams in the first five weeks.