We’re only a week away from the start of the 2012 NRL Season, so let’s take a look at some of the talent we should keep an eye out for in 2012.
Going through the list of of players in each club, the talent in the NRL is as good as it has ever been. Here’s a sample of some of the most exciting prospects out there.
Pat O’Hanlon (Parramatta Eels) – O’Hanlon, a former Australian Schoolboys rep and standout Eels Toyota Cup second rower, debuted in Round 17 against the Broncos last year and continued to play at NRL level for the remainder of the season.
A second-rower of huge potential, O’Hanlon looked more and more comfortable in the top grade as the latter rounds of 2011 progressed.
With one of the game’s most experienced players such as Nathan Hindmarsh by his side, along with the Eels’ other experienced forwards such as Justin Poore, Shane Shackleton and Fuifui Moimoi, O’Hanlon is in good stead to continue his rapid development in 2012.
Jack De Belin (St George Illawarra Dragons) – The 2011 Toyota Cup player of the year was playing bush football in Cootamundra when the Dragons came calling in 2010.
Dragons fans have every right to be excited by the prospect of De Belin. A strong running forward who can play 80 minutes and regularly top the tackle count, I liken this back rower to a young Nathan Hindmarsh.
With solid pedigree behind him – his grandfather represented Australia in the 1960’s – de Belin is sure to make his mark in 2012.
Tyson Frizell (Cronulla Sharks) – An Australian Schoolboys rugby player from Wollongong who was brought to Cronulla in 2010 to play S G Ball, Frizell boasts size, speed, a slick set of ball skills, and the ability to play almost anywhere on the park.
It’s not often you have a player who has same amount of Test caps as games in first grade, such is the talent of this kid.
Cronulla skipper Paul Gallen sees Frizell as a long-term solution to the Sharks’ right-edge options in the back row.
Josh Jackson (Canterbury Bulldogs) – A Mudgee junior who was brought over from Newcastle by former recruitment manager Peter Mulholland, Jackson played S G Ball at the Bulldogs three years ago.
Jackson is a fierce competitor with a huge engine, and has been part of Ricky Stuart’s Blues-in-waiting squad for the past two years.
There’s no shortage of back rowers at the Bulldogs, but this tackling machine is sure to be one pushing for a regular bench spot throughout 2012.
James Tedesco (Wests Tigers) – Everyone in the know is talking about this kid.
James Tedesco is one of the most exciting, young attacking players at Wests Tigers.
A St Gregory’s College student, the Western Suburbs Magpies junior has enjoyed a rapid rise to the NRL squad after remarkably only making his U20s debut in round 13 last year.
He equalled the club record for most tries in a game by scoring four against Melbourne at Leichhardt Oval in just his third game in the U20s last season.
Pushing his case for a round one start with some promising trial displays, and with the experience of playing under Tim Sheens, it’s simply a matter of when and not if for this junior.
Jake Mullaney (Parramatta Eels) – Labelled a future star of the Wests Tigers Mullaney carved out a reputation for himself as a livewire fullback who is difficult to handle for opposition defenders. Remarkably though, he didn’t get a look in throughout his time in the black and gold.
This impressive young full back reminds me of Brett Hodgson – small in stature but big in heart. Furthermore Mullaney is considered an accomplished goal kicker.
Having the opportunity to work alongside Jarryd Hayne and Luke Burt can only be positive for this youngster, who is very close to realising his dream of playing in the NRL.
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