If rugby league’s fictitious pressure cooker became reality, there wouldn’t be much room inside as we head into the 2014 season.
Running my eyes over the NRL teams, I see a number of individuals who will be under the hammer from the first game to the last.
All of the players I’m about to mention have abundant football talent but as individuals they must aim up this year for their teams to succeed.
Sam Tomkins (Warriors):
Arrives in the NRL with the superstar tag from the English Super League and will be anxious to join the select band of English players who have starred in our competition.
The Warriors paid plenty of coin to secure his signature and are hoping he is the missing ingredient as the New Zealand team strives for maiden premiership honours.
Gareth Widdop (Dragons):
Was an important linkman for the Melbourne Storm but has joined St George Illawarra as the chief playmaker in his own right.
Will really feel the heat from the club’s demanding army of supporters if the team fails to kick well clear of the basement.
Didn’t need Josh Dugan’s four week absence through injury so early in the season.
Will Hopoate (Eels):
Had a phenomenal rise from the juniors to State of Origin representation and a first grade title at Manly before taking two years off in a Mormon missionary.
Has all of the skills but will need time to settle back into big time football, especially with a new club.
Parra fans will show Young Hoppa a degree of patience but how will they respond if the wooden spooners struggle again?
Sam Burgess (Rabbitohs):
Has announced he is off to rugby union at season’s end and will probably find himself in the spotlight more than ever in 2014. Will be desperate to help deliver the title for Souths after a drought of 40 years.
If Souths don’t aim up – or if Sam has a rotten run with injuries or suspension – the Rabbitoh fans will certainly let the big Englishman know their feelings.
Anthony Milford (Raiders):
Has signed with the Broncos for next season which ensures he will be under the gun every time he steps out for Canberra in 2014.
It doesn’t matter if Ricky Stuart uses him at fullback or in the halves – anything less than top form will leave this super-talented kid wide open for heavy criticism.
He is in a really difficult position and I wish him well.
Aaron Woods (Tigers):
Woods will be the most important player at the Wests Tigers this season. A State of Origin debutant last year, he was a standout in the Tigers pack and Robbie Farah will be sweating on every run he makes to send the ball to the right parts of the park.
He has incredible maturity for such a young forward and from the club’s point of view, the pressure will be on his broad shoulders to set an early standard of excellence and maintain it.
Jamie Soward (Panthers):
Was recruited by the Panthers to perform the main playmaker role and every move he makes will be closely monitored by the fans and the media.
Soward will need to be at his peak from Game 1 as he looks like ousting the classy Isaac John from the five-eighth position.
His kicking game will probably determine whether the re-built Penrith have a good or great season.
Tony Williams (Bulldogs):
Copped a fair bit of stick from all corners after he disappointed in Bulldogs’ colours last year.
T-Rex realises he is expected to produce much more in 2014 and after watching him train over the off-season; I can tell you he is very keen to atone.
Has everything needed to become one of the most damaging forwards in the comp and the Dogs badly need him to produce his Origin and Test form.
Tyrone Roberts (Knights):
I am a huge fan of this richly talented young halfback who will carry a mountain of burden for Newcastle this year.
To me, he gets better with every outing and will certainly need to produce plenty of special games with Jarrod Mullen missing several early-season games with injury.
The heat is on Roberts but I’m predicting he will revel in the responsibility.
Michael Morgan (Cowboys):
We are led to believe new coach Paul Green is leaning Morgan’s way to be Matty Bowen’s replacement at fullback. If that is the case, Morgan has huge shoes to fill – Bowen has been every bit as important to the Cowboys’ attack as Jonathan Thurston.
Can the former five-eighth handle the pressure week-in, week-out?
I’m not sure but the young man sure has loads of natural talent.
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