The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Who are the best NRL buys of 2014?

Sam Tomkins finally hitting his stride for the Warriors. Photo: www.photosport.co.nz
Roar Rookie
1st July, 2014
27
1451 Reads

Season 2014 has been one full of talent and brilliance of individuals. Players of the calibre of Jarryd Hayne and the Daly Cherry-Evans can win footy games on their own.

But what about rise of the new signings for 2014.

Some have been a disappointment for their new clubs, but their are a few who deserve recognition.

Daniel Vidot
A hard running member of Brisbane’s back three, Vidot has really found his feet up in Queensland. At St George he struggled to keep his spot in the run-on side.

His kick returns and dummy half scoots have been essential to Brisbane’s placing within the top eight. Not the greatest footballer, but has made successful transition from the Dragons

Gareth Widdop
Coming from the Melbourne Storm, being coached by Craig Bellamy, Gareth had many expectations upon him. He has performed very well in season 2014, and didn’t let anyone down.

Even though Dragons sit around the tail end of the ladder, the games they have won have been on the back of Widdop brilliance. His ability to direct the side around and create something out of nothing has improved the team each week.

Sam Tomkins
Coming from the UK, it was always going to be difficult for fleet footed Sam Tomkins to adapt to the NRL. In the early rounds, Tomkins was a little disappointing and it took him a while to really find his groove.

Advertisement

But now he has become an absolute delight to watch play footy. He has shown his ability to return kicks with damage, create space for his outside men, jink and step his way to the line and throw in a kick or two.

The Warriors now sit in the top eight. The Englishman has gelled with the Kiwis and they are on the road to the premiership.

Jamie Soward
In the past I have been extremely critical of this man, but after the stellar year he is having at the Panthers I have nothing but compliments. Jamie Soward, a versatile five-eighth with terrific kicking abilities and an astute passing game had really lifted Penrith from the slump of 2013.

Soward’s ability to combine with Peter Wallace has cemented the Panthers in the top four. I’m sure Ivan Cleary is suitably impressed.

Pat Richards
The veteran has stunned us all. Coming back from the UK to the Tigers, I thought it would be hard for him to fit his way into the side with wingers who impressed in 2013 like David Nofoaluma and Marika Koreibete.

He has won games on his own. Whether it’s a drop goal or one off a tee, Richards had certainly been a revelation for the Tigers. Not only his boot is a sight to behold, but his hard running style had gained a lot of metres for the Tigers and forced him over the try line on numerous occasions.

Tyrone Peachey
As they say, I’m saving the best until last. This short relative of the great David Peachey, has really lighted up 2014. Coming from the depleted Cronulla, Peachey’s speed, agility and mobility as a forward is unbelievable as he evades a tackle at least every time he runs.

Advertisement

Combine those attributes with power and strength for a small man, Tyrone Peachey is the ideal player for the Panthers. Coming off the bench in a few games has demonstrated his impact on the game and this youngster is a player of today and future for rugby league.

close