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Eligible rookies must have played three or fewer games at a top level of rugby league (NRL or ESL).
Their debut must either be from the current season of 2014 or the preceding season of 2013. This article covers one potential impact rookie from each NRL team.
Zach Strasser (Brisbane Broncos)
With the season-ending injury to Jordan Kahu, Brisbane will hand the role of five-eighth to Strasser who played for the Redcliffe Dolphins last year.
He’s the most traditional five-eighth competing for the spot but he has to quickly prove that he can play to the speed and strength of the NRL.
His adept kicking game will be useful to the squad but if he can’t perform to an NRL standard, the threat of new Broncos recruit Ben Barba moving to the halves looms over him.
Mitch Cornish (Canberra Raiders)
He might not make the starting halves in Round 1 but the Raiders have big plans for Cornish as their future. A favourite to slot into jersey 14, he’ll be brought into the NRL as an impact player with minutes off the bench.
He has an impressive kicking game and can direct a squad around the field but he failed to dominate NYC opponents consistently.
However, some interchange experience with a possible move into the starting halves during the season has Cornish positioned to develop into an important member of the Canberra spine.
Tyrone Phillips (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Injury or poor form will be the likely culprits if a Bulldogs rookie gets a major run this season. Though Patrick Templeman and John Sila are viewed as stars of the future, back Tyrone Phillips is before them in the first grade pecking order.
A new signing from South Sydney, his skill throughout the entire backline places pressure on the Canterbury backs who struggled at times last season.
He is also among those competing for the fullback spot but Sam Perrett will get the first shot at the position.
Michael Lichaa (Cronulla Sutherland Sharks)
A persistent hamstring injury stopped Lichaa from breaking into first grade in 2013 but the talented hooker will challenge the positions of Isaac De Gois and John Morris this year.
Cronulla employ a two hooker system and Lichaa offers more creativity and explosiveness than both players as well a rapidly improving kicking game.
He has been highly-touted for the last couple of seasons coming out of the NYC. For a team that needs more impact players, Lichaa is an important addition to the Top 17 and should finally break through to the NRL in 2014.
Paul Carter (Gold Coast Titans)
He might prefer the back row but Carter could find himself in the top squad sooner rather than later with the crisis at hooker for the Titans.
Beau Falloon is hurt and Matt Srama is out of favour, meaning that Carter is in line to at least take a bench role for Round 1.
His potential as a utility has made him a favourite to make the Top 17 and coaches are enamoured with his similarities to Greg Bird. A tough running style and aggressive defence have him in position to make a big impact in 2014.
Jake Trbojevic (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Likely to be the only rookie receiving minutes for Manly, Trbojevic could see himself in an important interchange role throughout the season after the loss of several experienced props.
If he can be as good as some NRL executives believe, he could soon emerge as a rugby league star.
With starters Brenton Lawrence and Jason King needing relief, the Sea Eagles may use the big prop often on the bench to give him first grade experience.
Off-contract at the end of the season, a big 2014 will increase a market which is already salivating over Trbojevic.
Ben Hampton (Melbourne Storm)
He’ll have to compete for five-eighth with Cody Walker and Eels cast-off Ben Roberts, but Melbourne seem set to move forward with Hampton as their new member of the halves. The usual image of a five-eighth rookie, he brings good running skills with defence that isn’t yet NRL level.
However, with the quality of the 1-7-9 in this team, Hampton won’t often have many opportunities to make a consistent impact. Still, he has the chance to cement a spot in the starting squad and solidify his burgeoning NRL career.
Adam Clydsdale (Newcastle Knights)
With Danny Buderus in retirement, Travis Waddell relegated to the Queensland Cup and Jarrod Mullen sidelined long-term, the Knights need a starting hooker, five-eighth and bench utility.
Kurt Gidley will make another return from injury and Michael Dobson could fill a role, but it has ensured Adam Clydsdale will get a spot in the Top 17.
The Mullen injury has made him the likely starting hooker and the rookie gets a big chance to contribute in 2014.
He has the capacity to play hooker in the NRL but will require a lot of on-the-job learning in a team that needs to stay competitive until Mullen returns.
Charlie Gubb (New Zealand Warriors)
The Warriors don’t have many rookies who should make a significant impact on 2014, though there is a lot of potential for 2015 with players like Mason Lino.
Gubb is merely fighting for a place in the squad but a good preseason showing could push him into a regular interchange role.
With added fitness he could become a useful prop off the bench for New Zealand and in the future, earn himself a bigger position in the squad.
At this point, he looks like he has put himself in line for the final spot on the bench.
Kyle Feldt (North Queensland Cowboys)
The sacking of Wayne Ulugia has ensured that Kyle Feldt will be the second starting winger for the Cowboys.
After an impressive first three career games, more time to practice with Jonathan Thurston could make him a double-digit try scorer this season.
He can challenge opposition through the air or on the ground and should emerge as an important player, particularly if the team needs to rely on its wingers more due to injury at fullback.
With a great season, he could challenge the other rookies for the Dally M.
Brendan Santi (Parramatta Eels)
With spots open on the bench for Parramatta, Santi can earn himself a regular Top 17 berth in 2014. He is a high-motor player who has made a name for himself with his defence after coming over from the Wests Tigers juniors.
Though he is still developing his offensive game, he will be very useful off the bench in providing a defensive presence in the back row.
If he can improve his running game and quickly adjust to the Parramatta system, he could make the move into the starting line-up this year and get recognition as one of the top rookies in the NRL.
George Jennings (Penrith Panthers)
The younger brother of Michael is meant to be just as athletic and the Panthers believe he can make an impact as an outside back.
But Penrith doesn’t need a big effort from its rookies this year. Though the starting line-up in the backs is relatively stable, any injuries or poor form could lead to an injection of youth and athleticism.
However, with his own injury suffered during the Auckland Nines, Penrith won’t be seeing much of him until midway through the season where he should at least make his NRL debut.
Craig Garvey (St George Illawarra Dragons)
The utility spot has opened up on the bench of the Dragons with Cameron King leaving to play for North Queensland.
Garvey made his debut in 2013 and will push to fill the opening and provide back-up for Mitch Rein.
Though Rein is aiming to become an 80-minute hooker, he didn’t have the big play ability of King.
If Garvey can provide instant offense off the bench, he’ll earn playing time in 2014. On top of that, any significant struggles from his starting hooker could push Garvey into an even bigger role if necessary.
Apisai Koroisau (South Sydney)
An impressive preseason has apparently pushed Koroisau into the lead for the back-up hooker and bench utility role for South Sydney.
His offensive spark, empowered by his quick running and dazzling step, could easily make him the No. 14 for Round 1.
He is full of athletic talent and time spent on an NRL bench will improve his technical skills as a hooker.
Clearly Souths believe in his potential and with his dynamic form propelling him, he could quickly become a mainstay in the Top 17.
Kane Evans (Sydney Roosters)
In the most complete team in the league, Evans has a great shot to finally make his NRL debut. The departure of Martin Kennedy has opened a bench spot, and even if he doesn’t get in instantly, the massive prop will play top grade this year barring injury.
At 6’7” he’ll be among the biggest players in the league and with the Roosters able to bring him along slowly, he can gain valuable experience with minimal pressure.
His potential to make an impact off the bench should earn him a Top 17 role and he may eventually play an important part in the premiership defence of the Roosters.
Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)
One of the most anticipated rookies in recent years, Brooks has a significant amount of pressure on him to quickly become a superstar.
He has amazing talent and Wests are giving him the controls at halfback as he acclimates to the NRL.
Rapidly improving running and passing skills complement his sophisticated kicking game which will be used to revitalise the Tigers attack.
Though fans can’t expect him to save the team in his first season, he gives them the opportunity to contend for years into the future.
Dally M Rookie of the Year predictions
1st – Kyle Feldt
With three tries in three games, Feldt showed off his finishing prowess last season. His unlucky injury ended his season but left him eligible for rookie honours in 2014.
As long as Thurston is only unavailable during Origin, Feldt will have the opportunities to score often.
The injury to Lachlan Coote hurts the overall chances of the Cowboys but it may lead to his five-eighth focusing on his wingers in attack.
If Feldt can challenge for the try-scoring title this season, he has the ability to surprise as a winger and win the Rookie of the Year award.
2nd – Luke Brooks
He’ll have moments of attacking brilliance with the usual rookie mistakes, so fans shouldn’t get overexcited.
Though he could be a generational player, the pressure might be too much for his first year. If the Tigers somehow make the finals, then he will be the favourite for this award.
But on a team that should hang around the bottom of the table in 2014, Brooks’ Dally M campaign will be weakened by poor team results.
3rd – Adam Clydsdale
The injury to Jarrod Mullen gives him the chance to earn a starting position in the Newcastle spine. An important position on a team that will challenge for a finals position should put him in the spotlight and draw attention to his performances.
As long as his play is consistently of NRL quality, he can be expected to be mentioned among the top rookies.
Though the Mullen injury may sabotage Newcastle’s hopes, it gives Clydsdale the opportunity to become a starting NRL hooker.
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