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.
Touchstar
Guest
Read the qualifications definition at the top of the page.
Touchstar
Guest
Moses Mybe for the dogs, he had a good sevens and outplayed Cameron Smith at the recent trial. Current Qld. Under 20 captain The one to watch off the bench this year.
Rugbyfan
Guest
thanks for the correction lol, I didn't that was the rules(obviously so why did i comment on it). anyways good day
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
The official NRL eligibility rules state that a player may still be a rookie if they played in three or fewer games the season before. So even though Gubb debuted last year, he played less than three games, making him a rookie in 2014. Tomkins played over 100 games in the English Super League, the NRL does not recognise him as a rookie player.
Rugbyfan
Guest
Tomkins is a rookie you can't just make up your own definition of the word "rookie" this is his first year doesn't matter if yo played Super League for how ever long smh
Rugbyfan
Guest
Gubb isn't rookie he played one game last year against the Rabbitohs
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
Even though Edwards is more likely to start the season in the Top 17, I think Santi has the ability to have a bigger season. He was pretty good in the NYC as a runner though he can get better. However, Parramattta struggled defensively and his defence is very impressive for a young player. If the team can't stop opposition scoring, Santi could quickly become a regular in the top squad. Peats is good enough to hold onto the hooker position for 2014 at the least.
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
You're right that Gavet isn't a rookie but even if he was, Brooks would have a much bigger impact for the Tigers. Brooks could have a big season but his shot at the award depends a lot on the performance of the Tigers. I just don't think they'll get off the bottom quarter of the table this year. If they do, he'll run away with it.
BA Sports
Guest
Don't know about Santi. If the Eels are to have a rookie shine it will be Edwards. Or if Peats proves to be a bust at hooker (which is more than likely), the U/20's half who is being groomed to be a hooker, Zack Docker-Clay could come up early and be a good impact player off the bench.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Oh, and Luke Brooks will win rookie of the year by the length of the straight.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
You should add James Gavet to your list. He's not technically a rookie as he played one game (I think) for the Bulldogs, but he's been very good in pre-season for the Tigers. Big and athletic and full of mongrel. He would have played first grade last year but suffered a season ending injury.
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
Tomkins played in the Super League for years which means he can't be labelled a rookie in the NRL. You can't have played over three games in either top grade competition. I thought Mbye was almost certain to spend the year in the lower grades despite his exceptional talent but after a strong preseason, he could become an important bench player. But that depends on if Des wants to bring him up that quickly.
Muzz
Guest
Highest paid rookie in the history of the game : ) Sound like young Moses Mbye had an impressive game for the Dogs today and by all reports has a lot of potential.
DMC
Guest
Isn't Sam Tompkins a rookie by definition? He might make an impact!
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
Though a few of their juniors were quite impressive during the Nines tournament, it was an entirely different style of gameplay. The Warriors did not take a full-strength side to the tournament. On a secondary point, most of the young players are outside backs who are behind Vatuvei, Nielsen, Locke, Fisiiahi and Laumape. For rookies to make an impact, they need to get into the top grade first, not just the Nines. At this point, Gubb looks to be the rookie who will make the biggest impact.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
"The Warriors don’t have many rookies who should make a significant impact on 2014" Really. did you not watch the nines? That team was half full of them.
llieno
Roar Rookie
It never ceases to amaze me how much talent the NRL churns out year after year. Incredible!
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
That was definitely good news for Kahu and the Broncos, but places pressure on the new five-eighth to keep the position. Nikorima should be the rookie to watch after Strasser had a fairly poor preseason. Though Strasser has the more traditional skill-set, the playmaking ability of Nikorima has definitely put him in position to be in Brisbane's halves at the start of the season. But if neither can perform well, Kahu can easily take the spot back when he returns.
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
Adding to what Illieno said, Feldt might even play in the weekend trial and should definitely be healthy for Round 1.
Daniel Albright
Roar Pro
At this point in time, I still think that Wighton and Campese is the likely Round 1 halves pairing. Stuart seems to be a fan of Wighton and Campese should maintain his spot for now. If they want to bring Cornish along slowly and ease him into the NRL, he'll probably start in the No. 14 jersey. But if either of the halves play poorly, or he shows he should be in the run-on squad, then he could quickly get into the starting halves.