THE PLAYERS POISED FOR A BREAKOUT NRL SEASON IN 2018
* BRISBANE
Payne Haas – At 194cm and 120kg and compared to Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo, Haas is considered one of the hottest young talents in the NRL. The 18-year-old caught the eye of NFL scouts and don’t be surprised to see Wayne Bennett blood him during the State of Origin period.
* CANBERRA
Craig Garvey – Has had a stop-start career and struggled for game time in two years at Canterbury, playing just 13 matches. But the former NSW under-20s hooker has a chance in front of him with Josh Hodgson out for most of the season.
* CANTERBURY
Fa’amanu Brown – Once considered the next big thing of the NRL. Endured a tough four seasons at Cronulla after rupturing his ACL and was stuck behind James Maloney and Chad Townsend. Could partner Kieran Foran in the halves.
* CRONULLA
Braden Uele – A 191cm, 115kg giant. Made one NRL appearance for North Queensland this year. Moved to Cronulla in search of opportunities. With Jeremy Latimore and Chris Heighington gone, could see good game time.
* GOLD COAST
Jai Arrow – A hard-working back-rower, should get first shot at the No.13 jersey after moving from Brisbane. A member of the Emerging Maroons squad and has been signed to a three-year deal.
* MANLY
Lachlan Croker – Blake Green’s exit has left a hole and Croker is being talked up as potential solution to the No.6 vacancy. A former NSW under-18s and under-20s player. Has competition from Jackson Hastings.
* MELBOURNE
Brendon Smith – All eyes will be on Brodie Croft as he steps into Cooper Cronk’s jersey. But don’t be surprised to see Smith coming off the bench. Seen as the heir to Cameron Smith’s No.9 jersey.
* NEWCASTLE
Herman Ese’ese – Comes to the Knights from Brisbane on a big-money deal and is tipped to start. Represented Samoa at this year’s World Cup.
* NORTH QUEENSLAND
Gideon Gela-Mosby – Has been on the NRL community’s radar since scoring 39 tries for the Cowboys under-20s in 2015. Got his first taste of first grade in round four and while won’t start the year in the top 17, will play plenty of top-level footy.
* PARRAMATTA
Kane Evans – Not exactly a rookie but has a huge chance in front of him. Has only started four times in his 74-game NRL career. Was outstanding for Fiji during the World Cup. Possibly the missing puzzle piece as the Eels seek to break their 32-year premiership drought.
* PENRITH
Viliame Kikau – Described as “120 kilos but moves like a back”. Made nine NRL appearances in 2017 before turning out for Fiji in the World Cup. Looks well placed to take advantage of the opportunities in the Panthers pack.
* SOUTH SYDNEY
Campbell Graham – Made his debut this year just days out from his HSC exams. With the likes of Bryson Goodwin and Aaron Gray departed, could be the beneficiary in the Rabbitohs’ back line.
* ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA
Matt Dufty – After a stellar end to 2017, looks to have the No.1 spot locked up. Will have competition from Zac Lomax and Jai Field. Three tries, five try-assists and seven linebreaks in seven games says it all.
* SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Lachlan Lam – While Cooper Cronk and Luke Keary have the No.6 and 7 jerseys sewn up, Lam is considered the club’s next long-term half. Don’t be surprised to see him get his first taste of first grade as a bench utility or when injury strikes.
* WARRIORS
Albert Vete – Appears poised to get a crack at a starting prop spot after the Warriors let go of Jacob Lillyman and Ben Matulino.
* WESTS TIGERS
Alex Twal – Was a real find of the World Cup after standing out for Lebanon with his incredible work-rate. After playing nine NRL games this year, will play a lot more in 2018.
