Last weekend’s All Stars match lived up to all the hype with both the NRL and Indigenous teams playing with the level of intensity usually seen in a top of the table clash.

Indeed, there were some stand out performances from a host of players that would have left their respective clubs feeling optimistic about the long season ahead.

Big names such as Darren Lockyer, Benji Marshall, Johnathon Thurston, Scott Prince, Jarryd Hayne and Israel Folau all played their part in ensuring the All Stars match would go down to the wire.

Their efforts however were somewhat overshowded by the real promising performances of several low key NRL players, who have often struggled for consistency both on and off the field.

Judging from the way they played last week however, season 2010 looks set to be a defining year for a host of players now ready to transform themselves from mere first graders, to elite performers.

The following players have now layed the platform for a successful season that will help boost their club’s premiership chances.

Greg Bird
The former Cronulla Sharks player has been plagued by off field misdemeanours, and it seemed at one stage that his Rugby League career was all but over. Instead, Bird has found a new lease of life at the Gold Coast Titans and he has wasted no time trying to impress new coach John Cartwright.

Against the NRL All Stars, Bird made the second most tackles for his side (21) to go along with his 11 hit-ups for the match.

Bird’s aggressive approach will no doubt help the Titans become one of the more physical teams in the NRL, after they were bullied off the park by the Brisbane Broncos and the Parramatta Eels in last year’s final series.

George Rose
The Manly Sea Eagles player is fast becoming one of the more respected forwards in the NRL and his performance for the Indigenous All Stars suggests further representative honours may be just around the corner.

Rose was the leading yardage gainer for his side, making 13 hit-ups for 104 metres.

The 26 year old prop also made some punishing hits in defence in an effort that would have pleased Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler immensely. Despite coming off the bench for the majority of his NRL career so far, it appears Rose will finally start on a consistent basis for Manly in a move that will only bring out the best in the promising forward.

Ben Jones
Normally touted as a five-eighth or halfback, Jones found himself playing at hooker for the Indigenous All Stars and showed a lot of promise playing against the premier No.9 in Cameron Smith.

The Sydney Roosters player provided adequate service out of dummy half for both Prince and Thurston to weave their magic. The 19 year old’s effectiveness was rewarded with a critical try in the first half which gave his side a ten nil lead heading into the break.

With fellow hooker James Aubusson yet to cement his spot at the Roosters, it seems Jones will have first crack in a position that is yet to be filled since Craig Wing’s departure from the club. Jones however has shown he has the game necessary to perhaps rid the Roosters of their woes at dummy half.

Blake Ferguson
Whether it be chasing down Israel Folau in defence or leaving Manu Vatuvei for dead in attack, Ferguson’s performance for the Indigenous All Stars was a joy to watch.

The 19 year old has all the capabilities of becoming a devastating backline player and it will be interesting to see where the Cronulla Sharks play him on a regular basis.

So long as if they give Ferguson the ball in space, this kid has the potential to really become one of the NRL’s most letal attacking players, let alone for a Sharks team desperate to address their point scoring woes from last season.

Sam Burgess
It has only taken one match to discover why Rabbitohs fans elected Sam Burgess to play for the NRL All Stars. The Great Britain Prop was arguably the best player on the paddock last week, making 16 hit-ups for 151 metres – the most out of any player on the park.

His effort in defence was also outstanding, making 24 tackles which was just one less than leading tackler Cameron Smith.

Indeed, Burgess’ performance for the NRL All Stars will only heap the pressure on the 21 year old to really produce for South Sydney this season. Judging from his recent efforts, however, it appears Burgess really is up to the challenge to not only survive the rigors of the NRL, but to dominate upfront in the toughest competition on the planet.

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