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Who do we replace Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess with in the NRL? One thing is certain, we will, we always do.
Every time we see a goliath of our sport move on or retire, there is always someone ready to step in to fill the big shoes.
I asked the Roosters General Manager of Players and Recruitment Peter O’Sullivan how he will replace the great SBW. He simply replied, “You can’t.” Yet I believe the tri-colours are the team to beat in 2015.
I am sure the Rabbitohs have the same dilemma with Sam Burgess, but both clubs will change their structure to compensate, and that sometimes can be more effective than any single player.
The Roosters and South Sydney will be competitive in 2015 regardless, but what about the void left in the game? Who will step up and who is the new blood, the next big man, big thing.
Andrew Fifita (Sharks)
Sharks big man Andrew Fifita has the motor and the talent to be anything, but keeping him sound is a challenge.
He is 25, 116 kilograms and 194 centimetres, runs as fast as many backs, and has the capacity to rival his team captain Paul Gallen as a workaholic.
It is almost impossible to tackle him and it requires at least three players to stop him, but he may never reach his full potential. Let’s hope he does.
Jesse Bromwich (Storm)
You have to love a big forward who never misses a game and can churn out 200 metres. Perhaps the biggest asset that Jesse Bromwhich brings to the game is that he is never in any trouble and he rarely makes an unforced error, something very rare for a big forward and something that SBW, Sam and George Burgess, Jason Tamalolo and Andrew Fifita cannot say.
Jesse is the same age, height and weight as Fifita and his best is yet to come.
George Burgess (Souths)
Just 22, no player in the game can cut up a defence like he does with sheer power. There is no doubt that he is more advanced than his famous big brother at the same age. Who will ever forget his solo try in this year’s grand final when he pushed away T-Rex like he was a halfback?
He is close to the best prop in the world right now and he still has so much to learn. George does not have safe hands and he can miss a tackle, but both concerns are coachable.
They may refer to Sam one day as ‘brother of George’.
Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
Rarely do you see a big man run at the line at pace and have the ability to step off both feet. I saw Jason Taumalolo do this when he was 15, and he has continued to improve.
At only 21 he was nearly the Cowboys best forward in 2014, a huge statement given that Matt Scott, Tariq Sims and James Tamou are in the team.
Bryce Cartwright (Panthers)
I cannot recall a 19-year-old to look so comfortable in the NRL as soon as he ran onto the field for the first time. He looked like he had been in the top grade forever, he even had the hide to try a few tricks and get away with it.
He is big and gangly, making him very difficult to put down, and he has ball skills like SBW. He may well be the Panthers’ best youngster since Brad Fittler.
Jake Trbojevic (Manly)
I worked with Jake’s dad Bob before he was born and you’ll never meet a more parochial Sea Eagle supporter. He must be very proud to not only produce a son to run out for his beloved Manly but looks certain to be the main big man in the middle for the next decade.
Jake has a Paul Gallen engine and not only scores tries but has amazing skills for a 20-year-old to assist others. Jake has a younger freakish fullback brother Tom.
Tepai Moeroa (Eels)
We talked about George Burgess’ memorable try in the grand final, well Tepai Moeroa has scored a similar try at NRL level – and he was only 18 at the time.
A local junior and an Australian Schoolboy representative in both rugby league and union, it’s scary how good Moeroa could end up being.
Sam Lisone (Warriors)
He looks and plays like a giant on the field but Sam Lisone is only 102kg. Still, every time his Holden Cup teammates got into trouble during the finals series they looked to Sam and he never let anyone down.
Watch for him in 2015, he is very special and should own the lock position for years to come.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm)
The name is a mouthful, but get used to it. If God sent Sonny Bill back to rugby then he gave us NAS as a replacement. He is only 18 but can do everything the great man could do at the same age and has the same penchant for dedication to diet and the gym.
A non-drinker, Nelson has just been named the Melbourne Storm Rookie of the Year and will be groomed to replace Ryan Hoffman. He is also a junior Kiwi and a Holden Cup Team of the Year member.
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