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Five rookies to watch at every NRL club

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Paul Crawley's Top NRL rookies - DT

Paul Crawley's Top NRL rookies - DT

They are the future of the NRL and the perfect home-grown answer to the white-hot player transfer market.
As cashed-up NRL clubs fight for the likes of big-name players Cameron Munster and Kalyn Ponga for future seasons, others turn their attention to developing youngsters.
Indeed, of the 17 players who took the field in Penrith’s NRL premiership triumph in 2021, more than half came through the Panthers’ system.
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It’s a blueprint many clubs are looking to follow, with the Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs among the clubs trying to emulate the Panthers with new High Performance Centres.
Indeed with a 17th team joining the competition next season in the Dolphins, rookies will be relied on more than ever.
Below, Paul Crawley reveals the five rookies to watch at every club — and the array of talent is incredibly diverse.
Ranging from the sons of rugby league legends, to a Nick Politis favourite, to a schoolboy sprinting champion — this list could contain the next great (or greats) of rugby league.
Jot them down.

Broncos

Ezra Mam
: Ben Ikin has a huge rap on this teenager who grew up playing street touch with his cousins Edrick and Brenko Lee. Ezra played in the halves for Souths Logan Magpies in 2021 and was the Q Cup’s rookie of the year. Super exciting ball-playing, ball-running half who is also a very solid defender. While he’ll be pushing it to start the season ahead of the likes of Tyson Gamble, Albert Kelly and Billy Walters, they reckon by the end of 2022 Ezra could easily have a permanent home outside Adam Reynolds in the Broncos’ starting halves.

Brendan Piakura: This is the boom backrower the Bulldogs went hard for before the Broncos handed him a three-year deal worth a reported $1.2m. Though his much-hyped NRL debut didn’t go exactly to plan when he was binned for a late shot on young Cronulla playmaker Braydon Trindall after Piakura was on the field for just six minutes. Has the potential to be an out-and-out NRL star.

Blake Mozer: Still only 17 but a dummy half who stands six foot in the old scale and those who have watched him closely reckon he has a Cameron Smith style about him the way he can size up the opposition in the blink of an eye. Came through Keebra Park and also has good speed. Might be two or three years off NRL.

Xavier Willison: Only 19 but the former Palm Beach Currumbin captain has already played three NRL games in the front row and has extended his contract until the end of 2023. A big talent but equally impressive is the way he rolls up his sleeves for hard work.

Benjamin Te Kura: Teenage backrower with a huge future ahead of him. Tall and rangy, he was named in the Queensland 16-18 years team and the Broncos rate him up with the best young players coming through.


Raiders

Brad Morkos
: An Illawarra junior who was a member of that gun SG Ball team that won the comp alongside the likes of Tyrell Sloan, Talatau Amone, Jayden Sullivan and the Feagai twins. There were plenty of raised eyebrows when the Raiders snuck in and pinched the Australian Schoolboy who also played NSW 18s. Plays in the centres, has good balance and speed and it wouldn’t surprise to see him get an NRL start at some stage next season.

Adrian Trevilyan: This is the youngster Peter Mulholland signed from Kirwin State High in Townsville that Andrew Voss rated the best schoolboy hooker he’s ever called, which dates back to the early 1990s. Like a lot of the youngsters his development has suffered from not playing enough footy during the Covid shutdown, but will be challenging for the No.9 NRL starting jumper in the next 12 months.

Trey Mooney: Still only 19 and was the best player in the Raiders’ SG Ball side that won the comp playing in the middle. Now they say the former Parramatta junior is seriously in the conversation to win a first grade spot in 2022 after being elevated into the top-30. Tough, dedicated and determined.

Harry Rushton: Another English recruit from Wigan who plays in the middle and still only 20. With a few of the Raiders senior forwards now gone there is a real opening for a couple of these youngsters to make their mark and Rushton will be right in the mix.

Brock Gardner: Another young forward who was a Newcastle junior and then went to South Sydney but had no luck when doing his Achilles last pre-season. Has ended up in Canberra and while the competition for back row spots is fierce, Gardner will be in the fight at some stage.


Bulldogs

Paul Alamoti
: This is the Bulldogs’ version of Joseph Suaalii, and another young centre who also caught the eye of Nick Politis during the year. The story goes the Roosters’ godfather turned up to watch an SG Ball game and as luck had it got a seat right near Alamoti’s agent, David Riolo, as the boom teenager went about tearing the young Chooks to pieces. Riolo was adamant Politis was not there specifically to watch Alamoti but certainly walked away impressed. Nevertheless, Politis’ mere presence certainly sent a scare through the Bulldogs’ camp because at that stage Alamoti had only agreed to a new deal but had not signed it. That contract was finalised soon after.

Josh Stuckey: One of the most promising forwards in the Queensland Cup, this tall backrower from the Northern Pride was spotted by the Bulldogs playing at Redcliffe one day when the Pride played the curtain raiser before the Bulldogs. At 23 Stuckey is a late bloomer but was averaging close to 200m in the Q Cup and he can certainly find his way to the tryline.

Joshua Cook: Recruited from Souths where the 22-year-old was Damien Cook’s understudy. A talented dummy half who provides really good service and could easily end up challenging for the top hooking spot before the season is out. The fact Damien Cook is an 80 minute hooker didn’t help his chances of playing more NRL at the Bunnies.

Joseph O’Neill: Another talent to roll off Wayne Lambkin’s rugby league production line at Westfields Sports High, this young playmaker is still a while away from challenging for the NRL but all reports are he continues to impress with his talent and attitude. Ticks all the boxes for what you want in a young half. Will have to bide his time but in years to come O’Neill is one they say could be something special.

Khaled Rajab: The young five-eighth was the Bulldogs SG Ball player of the year. Has a good kicking game, can kick goals and is a danger with the ball in his hands, either running the ball or creating opportunities. Like O’Neill, one to remember for the future.


Sharks

Franklin Pele
: A prop who came through in that Australian Schoolboys side that also had the likes of Bradman Best, Stephen Crichton and Tommy Talau, Pele made his NRL debut in 2021 but only played the one game before copping an injury that prevented him travelling with the team to Queensland. At his biggest tipped the scales at 135kg but has dropped a few kilos since. Should come right into the mix for a regular top 17 spot.

Jensen Taumoepeau: A Kiwi-born outside back who has been in the Sharks’ system for a few years but like a lot of the boom youngsters, has been held back by Covid. With good height and athleticism on his side, he’s in the top 30 now and it should be just a matter of time before he gets his shot.

Jonaiah Lualua: Another big, strong outside back who knows his way to the tryline. Looked a player of considerable talent in Jersey Flegg but he has some quality players ahead of him. In his favour is he is on the development list so will be staying with the top squad all season.

Kade Dykes: Yet another son of a gun whose old man Adam played more than 200 top grade games. Kade started at the Sharks when he was just 14 and is now on an NRL development contract. Initially played in the halves but his speed, footwork and acceleration has seen him shifted to fullback. Certainly knows how to sniff out a try.

Ryan Rivett: A Queensland recruit who was in the Titans system where it looked as though he might get stuck behind Toby Sexton so that’s why he took up the offer from the Sharks. Looks really impressive. Tall for a halfback and really slick on his feet with a good kicking game. Played SG Ball this year and would have pushed up into Flegg but had to go in for shoulder surgery.


Titans

Alofiana Khan-Pereira
: A flying winger from Keebra Park who has a similar physique to Josh Addo-Carr and also blinding speed. Said to have clocked the fastest time of any Titans player, ever. Played for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup and is now in the Titans’ top-30 squad, embarking on his third NRL pre-season.

Jojo Fifita: David Fifita’s cousin who was a schoolboy sprint champion that the Titans poached from rugby. Stands about 190cm, 100kg and can really motor. Had a few shoulder issues that limited his game-time in 2021 but is expected to push for his opportunity from here on if he can get through a full pre-season.

Shallin Fuller: Hails from Beaudesert and has really made a name for himself playing for Burleigh Bears in the halves. Put simply, he is electric. Actually played a lot of footy with Jayden Campbell coming through and after his outstanding form in 2021 the Titans have handed him an NRL development contract to make sure he gets every opportunity to fulfil his phenomenal talent.

Tom Weaver: The 2021 Australian Schoolboys halfback who is following in the footsteps of another former Palm Beach Currimbin graduate, Toby Sexton. Originally came from the Northern Rivers of NSW but has been contracted at the Titans since he was 15 and just continues to develop his game. Might be a few years off but remember the name.

Isaac Matalavea-Booth: A towering young Kiwi prop who looks like a clone of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, just bigger. Seriously, the 19-year-old is listed at 201cm (1cm taller than Asofa-Solomona) and 123kg (Asofa-Solomona is 115kg on the Melbourne Storm website). Started out in the Warriors’ junior development system before he moved to Gold Coast to attend Keebra Park. Still very raw but massive potential.


Sea Eagles

Kaeo Weekes
: A real speed machine with good skill who has been a standout coming through the grades. Can play in the halves but is making his way at fullback. A prolific try scorer with a knack of just bobbing up in the right place at the right time.

Alec Tuitavake: The nephew of former powerhouse Solomon Haumono, this young prop grew up in Redfern but has really impressed during his rise through the grades at the Sea Eagles, having played NSW under 18s and Australian Schoolboys.

Gordon Chan Kum Tong: Yet another who cut his teeth under Wayne Lambkin at Westfields Sports High who was the captain of the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team and then went up to Jersey Flegg and skippered that side as well, so he certainly seems to have some good leadership qualities. This kid’s a real livewire dummy half with good speed and rock solid defence.

James Uesele: A hard running lock who also went to school at Westfields. Has worked hard on his fitness and it is really benefiting his game.

Jamie Humphreys: Son of club chief executive Stephen who plays in the halves and good judges reckon has a big future in years to come. Electric on his feet and a real sharp shooter.


Storm

Tyran Wishart
: Son of Illawarra Steelers legend Rod who will genuinely challenge for that bench utility role left vacant by Nicho Hynes. Frank Ponissi reckons the Storm couldn’t have been more impressed with how Wishart fitted in after his mid-season transfer from the Dragons. Coming through the grades he’s played in the halves, fullback, dummy half and at lock, so versatility will be his strength.

Jack Howarth: Can play in the centres or as an edge backrower, this is the young Queenslander who knocked back a shot at the Wallabies to sign with the Storm last year. Has had his progress stalled by a lack of game time but the word is Howarth presented himself really well on his return to training and if he stays fit, he is a strong chance of playing NRL.

William Warbrick: All Blacks Olympic silver medallist in Rugby Sevens who could potentially take over Josh Addo-Carr’s wing spot or earn a crack in the centres. Physically he’s ready in terms of his strength, power and speed. A Xavier Coates type build, just more developed. But it will now depend on how quick he gets up to speed playing rugby league after coming from Rugby Sevens.

Jonah Pezet: Boom teenage playmaker the Storm signed from Newcastle with a bit of a Sam Walker-type hype about him who Brad Fittler already has in the NSW Emerging Pathways program. Again, needs some games under his belt so he’ll be heading to the Queensland Cup in 2022. But that’s not to say he won’t get a chance at some stage later in the season, or maybe even around Origin time.

Bronson Garlick: Another famous name, but this bloke’s story is not about the kid that was always destined for the big time. It’s about a now 25-year-old utility whose dedication and perseverance has finally won him a shot at the game’s benchmark club after playing lower grades at the Bulldogs and Newtown. Sean Garlick’s son has already won over the Storm with his attitude and recruitment chief Paul Bunn, who knows a thing or two about spotting mature age talent and thinks he can really develop into an NRL player.


Knights

Krystian Mapapalangi
: It won’t be too far down the track before this young five-eighth is banging on the door for NRL. Rated one of the hottest emerging talents who could end up something very special. Similar frame and style to Kieran Foran with a bit more height but loves to run the ball and very aggressive. Went to school in the Tigers’ nursery at Holy Cross and played SG Ball for Manly before the Knights recruited him.

Bailey Hodgson: Big things were expected of this young Englishman in 2021, but missed the start of the season after knee surgery. Following that he only played a handful of NSW Cup games. Probably needs more time in lower grades before he’s ready to challenge for a permanent NRL spot. But make no mistake, the Knights see Hodgson as a long term NRL player capable of replacing Kalyn Ponga at fullback if/when Ponga switches to the halves.

Chris Veaila: An 18-year-old outside back from New Zealand who has impressed the right people with a terrific attitude. Great hands, good skills and it won’t be long before he’s challenging for a spot in the top grade on the wing.

Cooper Jenkins: Big raw-boned backrower who came through in the same junior team at the Knights as Bradman Best and if he gets a good pre-season could end up pushing his way into the top team. At 21 the former Australian Schoolboy went back and played for Maitland when the NSW Cup comp was cancelled and it has apparently really benefited his development. Not yet in the top 30 but keep an eye out for him at some stage later in 2022.

Jirah Momoisea: Big prop with speed, power and a good offload. Initially came through the Melbourne system and finally got his crack in the top grade towards the back end of 2021. Is 23 but just coming of age. While Newcastle boasts one of the strongest packs the expectation is that Momoisea will hold onto a top-17 spot in 2022.


Warriors

Taniela Otukolo
: A 19-year-old hooker with three NRL games to date but has only just been upgraded to the top 30 squad. A real livewire with good skills and speed. Was a standout in SG Ball in 2020, scoring nine tries in six games, before the competition was cancelled.

Otukinekina and Valingi Kepu: We’ve seen the Burgess twins do it at Souths and the Saifitis at Newcastle. Now for the Warriors’ version. Twin brothers Otukinekina and Valingi both play in the middle and are on development contracts for next season but get upgraded into the top 30 in 2023. They’re extremely big boys from the south side of Auckland who have been pretty much playing alongside each other since Valingi made the switch from rugby in under 15s.

Jacob Laban: An athletic edge backrower regarded as one of the best teenagers coming through in New Zealand. Has just finished school and will join the top squad after Christmas.

Zyon Maiu’u: Another young backrower who has just finished school and is ready to join the NRL squad. Most Valuable Player in the NZRL under 20s competition last year. Skilful and tough.


Cowboys

Griffin Neame
: A big, red-headed prop from New Zealand who played Junior Kiwis a couple of years back and looks mean as hell. Started 2021 playing for the Blackhawks but by the end of the season had clocked up three NRL games and they won’t be his last. Had a blinder on debut against the Tigers and just continues to impress with his work ethic and determination. If he doesn’t make the round one side he won’t be far away.

Riley Price: Son of former Queensland warhorse, Steve, the 20-year-old can play in the middle or on an edge, but has had some cruel luck in recent years through injury. He did his shoulder towards the end of 2019 and didn’t play a game the following season. Came back and broke his collarbone. But he is a promising talent who has shown enough to be locked in for two more years.

Jeremiah Nanai: An exceptional 18-year-old backrower who promises to be a standout for years to come. Came through in that Kirwan State High team that won the schoolboys competition and was only 16 at the time, then was only 17 when called up to train with the top squad last pre-season. While he wasn’t even on the development list in 2021, he ended up playing the final four NRL games and was outstanding.

Iosefo Masikau: A Fijian Rugby Sevens Olympic gold medallist, extremely athletic and fast. At 23, has had very limited rugby league experience. But if he adapts to the changes, could be a real excitement machine. Taniela Sadrugu is the other Fijian rugby product trying to make the switch at the Cowboys as a forward and is also impressing at pre-season training.

Jake Bourke: An Ignatius Park College product who is an organising-style half and plays with great maturity. Has been a gun coming through the grades and will do the pre-season with the top squad before going back to the young guns program. But one to keep an eye out for.


Eels

Sean Russell
: Still only 19 with two NRL games in the bag. But Maika Sivo’s ACL injury (Sivo is expected to miss up to 15 rounds) has opened the door for Russell to get plenty more at the start of 2022. Keeps growing and that taste of top grade is said to have really stoked the fire in him.

Sam Loizou: Came through playing in the halves alongside Jake Arthur but will end up in the centres. Was fairly slight when he came into pre-season last year but is starting to get his body right. Has played one first grade game off the bench in that late season belting by Penrith when Brad Arthur rested a stack of players. But this 18-year-old is very athletic and has the skills to make a very good career when he gets a bit more experience.

David Hollis: A bit of an old-school prop from Wauchope on the mid-north coast who has done an apprenticeship as a diesel mechanic but is now not far away from getting a shot in the engine room in NRL. Only 21 next year but they’ve had raps on Hollis at Parra for a while now, and all you continue to hear is good things.

Jock Brazel: A backrower from Moree who made the Australian Schoolboys and has been locked into a three-year deal. Given he’s only just turned 18 and the Eels have some strong competition in the back row, you’d expect he has some hard yards to do before he’s ready to challenge for an NRL spot. But club recruitment boss Ben Rogers says Brazel is a name Parra fans might want to keep a close eye on.

Solomone Naiduki: Powerful Fijian winger who the Eels have a high opinion of. At 21 has now moved into the top-30 squad and could get some early chances with Maika Sivo’s injury.


Panthers

Lindsay Smith
: Former Australian Schoolboy from Westfields who plays in the middle and lives for his footy. At 20, made his NRL debut against the Tigers in round 13 and it won’t be his last.

Sunia Turuva: An outside back with obvious athleticism but also has real feel for the game. The type of fullback who is always ready to seize the moment. His popularity was highlighted this year when Ivan Cleary spoke so beautifully about what he means to the club after Sunia’s mother died suddenly. Played his junior footy for the Berala Bears and St Marys.

Thomas Jenkins: A 20-year-old who can play anywhere in the outside backs. Born and bred in Boorowa and played for the Young Cherrypickers. Went home during the Covid shutdown last year to play for his local first grade team but returned to play Jersey Flegg and NSW Cup in 2021, earning himself a new two-year contract extension.

Mavrik Geyer: Son of Mark who also plays in the backrow and is making his way with a minimum of fuss, but has been very impressive. Probably not as tall as his old man but quick on his feet and can lay on a try. Has really stood out in Jersey Flegg.

Niwhai Puru: A 19-year-old five-eighth who plays like he’s been cut from the same cloth as Jarome Luai. A local Windsor Wolves junior who looks really sharp and loves running the ball. Played Jersey Flegg in 2021 and has been called up to join the NRL squad for six weeks of pre-season.


Rabbitohs

Terrell Kalo Kalo
: Another gun from Penrith’s junior system who slipped through the net to end up on a Souths’ scholarship at Scots College. The word at the Rabbitohs is that when Joseph Suaalii was the young gun everyone was raving about, those in the know at Souths always thought Kalo Kalo wasn’t that far behind. Can play anywhere in the outside backs with good height, plenty of pace and all the skills. Didn’t play a lot of footy in 2021 after copping a head knock but has gone straight into the top 30. Could easily find his way into the NRL team at some stage in 2022.

Josiah Karapani: Another outside back who could end up cracking an NRL debut at some stage in 2022. Powerfully built in a Konrad Hurrell-type frame, he’s a beast with a handy offload. Another of the youngsters the Rabbitohs rate very highly.

Tallis Duncan: Was with the Roosters but switched to their arch rivals because he thought he could get more of an opportunity at Souths. Has since progressed from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg. Still a way off competing for an NRL spot but has a style not unlike Cam Murray with an extremely high work rate and does everything at 100 per cent. Wears white head gear so easy to spot.

Ben Lovett: From Parkes originally and was the Jersey Flegg player of the year in 2021. Another backrower who just doesn’t stop and has earned himself a chance to impress while training with the top squad over summer before he goes back to a NSWRL contract. Would need a few injuries to get his shot but another name for the future.

Zane Bijorac: A big outside back, tall and very athletic who looks an absolute nightmare to tackle. Came from down Canberra way initially before moving to Souths to play Flegg. Has now had a few games in NSW Cup but is in the top 30 squad going forward.


Dragons

Josh Coric
: A young middle from Albion Park who was also a part of that SG Ball premiership winning team back in 2019. Given the depth and experience of the Dragons’ pack that has added likes of Aaron Woods, George Burgess and Francis Molo, Coric will have to be patient for his chance at NRL. But he has time on his side and a contract until 2024, so the club obviously sees him as a part of their succession plan.

Jackson Shereb: Another to graduate from that gun SG Ball side, this bloke plays backrow and looks a real athlete. Big, powerful with good speed and skills, he was really impressive in his appearances in NSW Cup before suffering a knee injury.

Connor Muhleisen: A tough little hooker who was the SG Ball captain and has enough speed to cause some headaches out of dummy half. Won’t go onto a development contract until 2023 but looks to be the future No 9 given he’s the only internal long term hooking option at the moment beyond Andrew McCullough.

Shalom O’Ofou: A hard running, tough tackling middle forward who looks really promising with a style not unlike Tyson Frizell. Still only 19 but played 11 NSW Cup games in 2021 and goes onto a development contract next season.

Jaiyden Hunt: A no-nonsense prop who won’t win many headlines but at 23 you can’t help but admire his dedication and determination to get his crack at the NRL. After starting out at the Easts Tigers in Brisbane, he played under 20s for Melbourne before returning to the Tigers where the Dragons signed him on a train-and-trial contract. He then ended up getting four NRL games this year and it’s a credit to him that Anthony Griffin has kept him despite the arrival of some big name front rowers.


Roosters

Jordan Swann
: A 19-year-old Easts junior from Waverley College, is a power centre who had a really good 2021. Swann played the entire SG Ball season and then went up to Jersey Flegg without having a break until it was shut down. Was very good in both grades.

Sandon Smith: A five-eighth from Kincumber on the Central Coast who was a standout in the SG Ball side and played a stack of Jersey Flegg as well. A livewire who Roosters have a big rap on.

Tom Deakin: A Golden Gloves boxing champ who was captain of the Roosters’ SG Ball team and is as tough as they come. Also came through at the Kincumber Colts alongside Sandon Smith and in years to come you’d take the odds about them taking that partnership all the way through to NRL.

Vuate Karawalevu: Go and watch some YouTube footage of this young Fijian and you’ll immediately understand why Roosters recruitment chief Daniel Anderson can’t stop smiling when he tells you about Vuate’s story. How he came across to play with the Kaiviti Silvertails and from there became an overnight sensation because of his wonderful athletic ability. Scored nine tries in just five Jersey Flegg games and will be training with the NRL squad over summer.

Eli Roberts: At 27 a real smoky who arrives at the Roosters on the recommendation of Anthony Mundine and is hoping for one last shot at making it in the NRL. From Redfern originally, Roberts played NYC at Canberra and later at the Illawarra Cutters. Certainly looks to have the natural talent with speed to burn.


Wests Tigers

Dudley Dutoi
: An outside back from Kirwan High in Townsville where there’s been a production line of NRL graduates including the likes of Brandon Smith, Jason Taumalolo and Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow in recent years. Was also a standout in the Blackhawks junior ranks. Fast and elusive with a terrific fend. Has signed a two-year deal and will train with the top squad over summer.

Brandon Webster-Mansfield: A big backrower from St Gregs who was hardly noticed coming through the grades but has come along in leaps and bounds. Started off as a centre so he has some speed and runs a really good line. Is now training with the top squad heading into Christmas. At 21 still needs to put on some weight but is a future first grader.

Fonua Pole: A teenage prop who took a gigantic jump in 2021, going from SG Ball to Jersey Flegg and then up to NSW Cup in the one season. Extremely fit with good leg speed, the Tigers expect big things in the coming years.

Brandon Tumeth: The one name that always gets mentioned when the Tigers young guns come up for discussion. Like Pole did the jump from Ball to NSW Cup this year where he started in the backrow. Still young enough to play Ball next year but has just jumped ahead of the pack.

Justin Matamua: Man of the match in City-Country under 18s this year. This powerfully built lock is a real strong runner of the footy but he has good hands having dabbled in the halves coming through the juniors. Another graduate from Westfields Sports High, is still SG Ball age but has enormous potential.
 
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Roosters
..... who are we kidding it's easier to buy players.

Decent list to look out for. Rajab was carving up in recent years in the lower grades and O'Neill goes well as well. Stuckey has heaps of praise on him too.

Alamoti is going to be something special if he continues on his current trajectory. Insanely powerful for his size/age.
 
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