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Joseph Tomane (Melb) attempts to stop Blake Ferguson's try NRL Rugby League/2009 Season RD.20 Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks Olympic Park, Melbourne Saturday 25th July 2009 © Sport the library / Jeff Crow ©Action Photographics
With the NRL season kicking off this weekend, here are The Roar’s tips for the seven young players who will make a big impact on the game in 2010.
Blake Ferguson (Cronulla): Finally a reason for Sharks fans to smile. Plenty of pace, a great leap and a good finisher (scored some great tries last year). The prototype of the modern winger. Ferguson was tossed in early last year and handled things well. He should blossom this season.
Josh Duggan (Canberra): Fantastic talent, had a great debut season last year and already has a mortgage on the Raiders fullback jersey despite having played 16 first grade games.
Looks like the Raiders production line of class fullbacks will continue. Honourable mentions go to teammates Jared Croker and Daniel Vidot.
Kieran Foran (Manly): Great all-round talent, but not a halfback. If Des Hasler can work out a way to play him at either lock or five-eighth we could see his best in 2010.
Gareth Widdup (Melbourne): The big question is: If you are hailed as the next Billy Slater, how the hell do you get a run with Billy Slater in front of you? If Craig Bellamy finds a way (there has been some talk of him playing at six) the Yorkshire born Widdup might just grab some of those headlines reserved for Sam Burgess.
Russell Packer (New Zealand): A big burly prop who broke through last season and look to grow into his role this year as Steve Price’s minutes wane.
Tim Grant: (Penrith): Like Packer, came up from NYC early and this season needs to show he has matured from the experience.
Ben Barba (Canterbury): Set the inaugural NYC alight but has stalled since then. Was sent back to NSW Cup last season to learn how to direct a side and toughen up. Having won the comp there, he returns to first grade from the bench and Dogs fan will hope he fulfills his potential to earn the contract extension.
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