YOUR NRL CLUB’S YOUNG GUNS IN 2017
BRISBANE – JAI ARROW: Former Australian schoolboy representative who only averaged 23 minutes in the 12 matches of his rookie year, but will likely to take on a more senior role following the retirement of Corey Parker.
CANBERRA – CLAY PRIEST: Went from Sydney labourer to one of the real finds for the Raiders in attack during the second half of 2016 before injury cut short his finals hopes.
CANTERBURY – ZAC WOOLFORD: Son of Canberra legend Simon, the dummy half could buck Des Hasler’s trend of four big forwards on the bench after moving from Canberra.
CRONULLA – KURT CAPEWELL: Starred in four rookie games at the end of last season as the Sharks faced an injury crisis. Likely to come off the bench or could even start out wide in a reshuffle following the departure of Ben Barba.
GOLD COAST – DAN SARGINSON: Sarginson arrives at the Titans as something of an unknown in the NRL but, at 23, the versatile back has already represented England three times, scored 44 Super League tries and helped Wigan to a grand final win.
MANLY – BRIAN KELLY: Manly long laid claims as the best backline in the competition, but with Jamie Lyon retired and Steve Matai’s future in doubt, that era is long gone. Kelly possesses raw speed and will play a pivotal role in the centres.
MELBOURNE – CURTIS SCOTT: A broken leg cruelled his rookie season but Craig Bellamy has confirmed he’ll add to his two matches in 2017.
NEWCASTLE – DANIEL AND JACOB SAIFITI: There’s no lack of young talent at the Knights but the Saifiti twins were the most impressive in 2016.
NORTH QUEENSLAND – COEN HESS: Played a starring role running angles for the Cowboys late last season following injury to Ethan Lowe.
PARRAMATTA – BEVAN FRENCH: Certain to play his first full NRL season after Brad Arthur vowed to make the pacy French his fullback.
PENRITH – TE MAIRE MARTIN – Showed his potential in the halves in 2016 before an injury cut his season short. Has since represented New Zealand.
SOUTH SYDNEY – ANGUS CRICHTON: Impressed after debuting late last season by averaging more than nine metres per run after coming from the bench.
ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA – LUCIANO LEILUA: Brother of Canberra’s Joey Leilua, he played with plenty of power in his five games late last season.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS – CONNOR WATSON: Played in the halves for parts of 2016, but is likely to provide plenty of spark off the bench with Luke Keary arriving.
WARRIORS – BUNTY AFOA: The 20-year-old added plenty of power to the Warriors’ pack last year, he showed tackle-busting talent in the four games he played and also scored two tries.
WESTS TIGERS – JACOB LIDDLE: A year ago the 20-year-old was tucked behind Robbie Farah and Manaia Cherrington as a dummy-half, but both have gone opening up an opportunity for him.
