I’m concerned that many talked-up and hyped NRL players are failing, not even making their team’s squad to take the field.
Numerous players get told by the comentators and NRL experts that they are going to make it in the coming seasons, but let’s see where they are now.
Denan Kemp was a certainty for Origin until he made the silly decision to move to the Warriors for two seasons.
Here, he remained out of sight and he blended in with the New Zealand side, playing ordinary footy.
After the two , he returned to Brisbane only to play the first round against the Cowboys, score the match-winner, and hasn’t been seen again.
Jordan Rankin, a name that should ring a few bells, was the 16 year-old kid who played for Gold Coast against Newcastle.
At the time there was really no need for him, but now the Titans are struggling to find a halves-combination and this is affecting their rank in the NRL.
They should get the kid in! Titans selectors, this weekend against the Cowboys have no Bird and no Prince.
Rankin has had three years of NYC experience, I think he get’s it.
Tim Smith, rookie of the year in 2005 for Parramatta, is now stuck in the Cronulla NSW Cup side. The reason for his fall, and for so many others, is the Super League.
18 straight games he played last year; now he will be lucky to play one.
And Matt Utai, yes I know he’s currently playing with the Tigers on the wing, but this guy was the face of the Bulldogs at one stage.
The 2002 rookie of the year, looked to only play a handful of games from 2007-2010. He became the first player to win five premierships in a NSW Cup side and he scored a double in their Grand Final win against the Roosters in 2004.
He’s a great talent and good to see him back in the game.
If you have more players, drop a comment them below.
Some players seem to have the talent, but somehow, they don’t seem to make it beyond rookie stardom.
Matt
Guest
Utai was the face of the dogs at one stage the commentators used to call him the pocket rocket if I recall correctly , he was a small guy but the legs on him.
Dean Witchell
Guest
Denam Kemp had one injury and played a couple off games but that shouldn't have meant that he was to be dropped from the squad completely.
Minkus
Guest
Dave Taylor was lazy and overweight at the Brocs and is lazy and overweight at Souths, don't see much change really.
Minkus
Guest
I liked Williams. Called Anasta the overrated hack he is. You get in trouble for blurting out what everyone thinks privately these days.
Minkus
Guest
Smith was so good for Parra in 05 for a rookie. The Parra no.7 remains cursed.
Minkus
Guest
Shannon Walker- Titans. Yes he is erratic, but I would have expected plenty of first grade experience by now. Its not as though the Titans are bursting with game breakers at the moment.
toa
Guest
Does anyone know which australian schoolboys team produce the most first grade members to have play more than 5yrs in the nrl?
vaguely
Roar Pro
I've met Adam Ritson, he was not the same person after his surgery and for that reason I don't think should be included here. I think this list is more about people who don't live up to their talent, such as Shannon Walker...
jamesb
Guest
One sad case in the nineties was Adam Ritson. If my memory serves me correctly, he got hit with a high tackle from canberras John Lomax. Ritson was unconscious, then later on, scans revealed that he had a brain cyst It was back in 1996 where Ritson played for Parramatta. He retired from the game age only 20. The games I saw him play, he was a talented prop for both the sharks and parra. Many people thought he would be the next Glenn Lazurus, or blocker Roach Its one of those coulda beens?
bilbo
Guest
Was the fastest player in the league over 40metres in his prime -not sure what happened...
Hanzo
Guest
Tame Tupou moved to UK and had a somewhat successful run with Bradford. Tried to come back to NRL but injuries took it's toll. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
therookie
Roar Pro
yeh I was a bit nervous on putting Leon Bott down but thought he was an electrifying player for Brissy also Tame Tupou who played really for the Broncos was hard done by too
oikee
Guest
If i recall, Willie Masons brother, big human, soft hit-up.
Stormin Red
Guest
My favourite is Karlos Filiga. Signed for 600k to the Sharks as a junior cause he was the next SBW. Three years later he has made just one NRL appearance and I think he is back playing NSW Cup now, surely on a lot less money this time.
M1tch
Roar Guru
Matthew Head, Joe Williams, more one hit wonders
oikee
Guest
Last year i was admiring a young guy running around in the Queensland cup, he then played a residents origin game, which he got man of the match. That guy is called Dale Cherry-Evans. :) Now Manly Half.
oikee
Guest
The only problems with Michaels was his defence. He lost the Broncos plenty of games. Apart from that, he was fine. He moved into the QLD cup where i watched him work on this problem, Titans then signed him up, rest is history. He is a good player. The young kid playing for the Storm, Widdop, he played NSW cup all last year, now look at him develop. Maybe we should make all the young players compusary to play 1 year in either comp. I normally watch these 2 comps on a wednesday, which is today, to see how the lads are gouing. They are both very good comps. Good players stand out, Like Taai for the Warriors, he was outstanding in his nsw cup games.
Phil
Guest
Football Fan - the bloke in question is Richie Williams and ironically he is part of the wider Gold Coast Titans squad. Currently injured but will turn our for Burleigh in the Q Cup in about 4 weeks -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
GCbulletin
Guest
Word is that Henjak was a big fan of Kemp but with Ivan gone he is stuck behind gagai, reed, beale, Yow yeh, Copley etc etc etc and is now off to play union ala the Bott As for Rankin he's beefed up a lot but its not like he's dominating NYC
oikee
Guest
Jorden is not a 1st grade player. I watched him on the week-end get absolutely walloped in the under 20's. Some players are just not good enough, i also saw him play his one and only 1st grade game. I thought he had a option to win the game and blew it, big time. As for Utai, this guy has been one of my favorite players. Still is , why he was out of 1st grade for the last 2 years was a mystery, i even thought he would play in the super league, where i think he would have excelled. Anyhow, back at the tigers, he wont let them down. Class player.