While club rosters continue to change by the day in one of the craziest off-season player markets in recent memory, each NRL club still has players heading into 2015 wondering whether their coach will deem them surplus to requirements.
Here is a club-by-club guide to the players under the most pressure in 2015.
Brisbane: David Stagg
Stagg has played over 200 first-grade games, is a premiership winner and a State of Origin player, but that counts for nothing.
The Broncos have the likes of Adam Blair, Corey Oates and Todd Lowrie on the books, and with a star-studded starting back row, Stagg could struggle to see much game time in 2015.
Canberra: Josh McCrone
Is he a half or is he a hooker? Even with the departure of Terry Campese, Josh McCrone still faces a mighty fight to nail a spot in the 17.
In the halves he faces stiff competition from recruit Blake Austin, Mitchell Cornish and Sam Williams, while in the hooking role he contends with English international Josh Hodgson, Glen Buttriss and Kurt Baptiste.
Canterbury: Sam Kasiano
Des Hasler will be pressured to ensure wunderkind Moses Mbye is given a spot in the 17 as new hooking recruit, the promising Michael Lichaa, finds his way in the NRL. This places pressure on an extensive bench chock-full of of front row talent and given the Bulldogs were able to storm their way into this year’s grand final without the towering 133 kilogram prop, Kasiano’s spot may well come under threat.
Des played Kasiano in the NSW Cup before and won’t be afraid to do so again. With 2015 an off-contract year, a move to a rival club such as the Dragons may well be on the cards.
Cronulla: Michael Gordon
The Sharks have recruited heavily in the backs, with Gerard Beale, Mitch Brown and Jack Bird vying for spots alongside Ricky Leutele, Sosaia Feki and Valentine Holmes.
Veteran fullback Michael Gordon has been the Sharks’ best player in the past two years but now in his 30s and in an off-contract year may struggle to hold down a spot as the Sharks look to the future.
Gold Coast: Matt Srama
Had a horror 2014 with injuries and now faces a situation where the club is questioning his two-year deal after a move to the Roosters collapsed. Faces stiff competition not only from Beau Falloon and Paul Carter but new recruit, Queensland under-20s hooker Kierran Moseley, who impressed in his first-grade debut for Penrith against Manly late in 2014.
Manly: Jorge Taufua
Had an indifferent season which culminating in the winger being dropped for Manly’s season-ending loss to the Bulldogs. The powerhouse winger is under intense pressure from boom rookie Clinton Gutherson.
Melbourne: Tom Learoyd-Lahrs
The one-time Australian Test and NSW State of Origin prop finds himself at the last chance saloon with renowned career-saving coach Craig Bellamy after spending all of 2014 either out injured or playing in the NSW Cup for Raiders’ feeder side Mounties.
Can he recapture former glories or will he lose out to the likes of Kenny Bromwich, Dayne Weston plus up-and-coming props Felise Kaufusi and Nelson Asofa-Solomona?
Newcastle: Akuila Uate
Hard to believe the Knights’ record all time try-scorer and one-time Australia and NSW winger Uate could be facing more time in the NSW Cup in 2015, but the emergence of the brilliant Mata’utia brothers Sione and Chanel – with the former selected for Australian Test honours in the recent Four Nations series – suggests that he and James McManus could be vying for one wing spot in 2015.
New Zealand: Chad Townsend
The former Shark was hailed as the perfect foil to the brilliant Shaun Johnston, but struggled to hold his spot in 2014. With the likes of Tuimoala Lolohea and new recruit Api Pewhairangi joining the battle for that five-eighth spot, Townsend will need to be at his best.
North Queensland: Lachlan Coote
The prize recruit from Penrith has barely seen any NRL action in the past two years and the fullback role originally ear-marked for him has been filled by former half Michael Morgan.
The Cowboys may be forced into a decision between Robert Lui and Coote as to who will partner Johnathan Thurston in 2015.
Parramatta: Will Hopoate
Will be the man to replace Jarryd Hayne at fullback. While he might not have Hayne’s match-winning talents, his form at fullback while at Manly suggests he will do better than most expect.
But will success-starved Parra fans be patient with a player who can play the role but hasn’t done so in over three years?
Penrith: Sika Manu
With the rise of Bryce Cartwright and Isaah Yeo, and the continued promise of Tyrone Peachey, Penrith probably have more back-row talent than any other NRL side. Manu managed to play more games than any other Panther back-rower in 2014, but this was due to others’ injuries rather than Manu’s form.
A move to the front row could be on the cards, but it has been speculated that Manly – having sacked Zane Tetevano – are in the market for Manu.
Souths: Glenn Stewart
Missed virtually all of 2014 with a serious ankle injury and will be under the spotlight to at least partly offset the loss of Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o. Souths will be hoping for an injury-free Stewart, otherwise their depth in the back row will be sorely tested.
St George-Illawarra: Dan Hunt
Former State of Origin prop candidate Hunt finds himself on the outer at the Dragons as they look to bolster their existing front-row stocks with the likes of Russell Packer (NRL permission permitting).
A pre-season play for Sam Kasiano may yet eventuate, placing further pressure on Hunt.
Sydney: Shaun Kenny-Dowell
Blake Ferguson’s NRL return appears imminent, which means the centre known as ‘SKD’ may well be on the outer at Bondi Junction. Has been linked with a pre-season move with Cronulla, Wests Tigers and Canberra. Watch this space.
Wests Tigers: Chris Lawrence
The former golden boy centre has endured his fair share of injuries in recent times and has lost his potency out wide to the point where the back row beckons, especially if the Tigers manage to recruit Kenny-Dowell. Mind you, a spot in the back row isn’t guaranteed despite losing Adam Blair to the Broncos.
There you have it, some players who may need to take action to put their careers back on track, while for some it’s just a matter of being out on the field and the rest will take of care of itself.
Jacksyd
Guest
James Maloney was ordinary for the most part of 2014, especially in the finals games when the pressure was on. Will need a sharp turnaround if the rooster are to succeed.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Saving grace for Browne may be that he seems happy to do his best from anywhere -- bench, prop, second row, whatever, I can't imagine Finucane will want to shut himself out of rep football by being on the bench for much longer but it's very hard to imagine him displacing Eastwood at Lock or any of Graham, Tolman, Kasiano, and Klemmer at Prop.
Stewart Moses
Guest
Pressure can indeed take many forms - whether under pressure to maintain spot or meet expectations placed on some or replacing players who have been there done that such as Will Hopoate's job at Parra for instance - besides I don't get a day on the final headline chosen either btw ;)
The eye
Guest
True,doesn't seem to be a fullback or a 5/8.. But still love to see him have a run at lock..and Rapana some more time at the back..
Gareth Davies
Guest
Jack Wighton is a great young player and will be fine now that he's past that moment in every player's life where Ricky Stuart decides in all his ultimate wisdom that their "true position" is something other than what they're good at and tries to shoehorn them into it.
fiver
Guest
Jack Wighton will be under pressure at the Raiders. Had a mixed season this year but showed some good signs when he was moved to fullback. I think the pressure is off McCrone as no one expects too much from him now - he will be lucky to hold a bench spot at the Raiders.
Old School
Roar Rookie
Would be good to see him get back to his best but he was just too injury prone at Canberra. 2013 was marred by a foot injury, this year he was stuck in NSW cup and dislocated his knee cap! He provided some good service and memories for Raiders fans...top bloke too.
Casper
Guest
have to agree in retrospect, Norman is under the pump at Parra. Never challenges the line & he'll feel the pressure without the Hayne Plane swooping in from the back. Reckon Hopoate will do well but he's more of a Darius Boyd type than a Hayne game changer. The Eels front row will also be expected to aim up this year, Tim Mannah has been very one-dimensional for a few years now. Hannant will also be under the pump at the Cowboys if his early form is not near origin standard. Robbie Farah seems to have a get out of jail card every season, has hardly ever justified the money they spend on him. Ben Hunt will be expected to step up again with consistent form after his good displays in the recent international series, he was one of the few positives to come out of Tim Sheens selection debacle.
The Barry
Roar Guru
True Alex. Browne is someone I think could do well at another club but it doesn't look like there'll be room for him at the Dogs. He's the poster boy for someone giving 100% at every opportunity and he seems like a great club man. With Tolman, Graham, Kasiano, Klemmer, Perrett, Kasiano, Finucane and Eastwood playing in the middle third it's hard to see him getting much game time unless there's serious injury concerns.
Casper
Guest
didn't even realise Stagg was still on the books, great servant to the game but probably had his day unless they have a horror injury run. Can't see Milford being under pressure, he'll be given plenty of time to learn the role. Seem to recall Lockyer being bagged for his defence in his early days as a 5/8 & he turned out ok. Alex Glenn does appear to be the one to lose his spot with the backrow strength at Brisbane, more's the pity. Bennett should tell him to trim down & get his speed back as a backup centre, he'd give Jack Reed a run for his money. From your list, Chris Lawrence would have to rate as the serial underachiever. looked like being anything 3 years back & has done nothing since.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah - I think you're right. Hodko seems like a pretty cool customer - he ices match winning field goals at a very high % and stepped up to score the game 1 winning origin try. He needs to work on his attacking kicking game. He does those across field not quite bombs but doesn't get his direction or weighting on them right as often as he should. It will be an interesting year for Reynolds. He started last year in great form and deserved his Origin jersey but he went off the rails after origin with poor form and a couple of 'brain explosions'. He needs to balance his naturally aggressive style with some composure and maturity. He also goes for the low % plays at times - usually from doing too much and trying to make something out of nothing. I don't think they're walk up starts for origin. A shame because you'd like to think that the series winning incumbents would be given another shot. From a purely selfish point of view I'd be happy for the blues to look elsewhere. Having Reynolds and Hodkinson picked unexpectedly meant the dogs had no contingency plan and it really derailed our season.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yeah - it's all potential for Lichaa so far based on what he's done in U20's. There will be questions about him all year. He may start the season on fire - but how will he be going after round 19 in his first full season. I think Mbye will play a role for the dogs this year, either off the bench relieving Lichaa at times or as a back up half. Morris had shoulder surgery pretty much as soon as the NRL season finished. With no post season rep commitments he'll start very fresh and there's plenty of time for Des and Tony Grimaldi to get plenty of miles into his legs. While Brett has filled in at 1 before this is the first time that he's been aimed to start (and hopefully finish) a season at fullback. His training will be specific to the requirements of that role.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I think the history of the jumper does add a fair bit of pressure, although realistically there have probably been very good players in every jersey from every team. Maybe not some of the newer teams/positions.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Hard to say really, not sure if the history of the jumper adds a lot of pressure. I'd say 7 for the Broncos, arguably the key position at what's most likely the biggest club.
The eye
Guest
In the opening paragraph RIFS says those starting the season wondering if the coach is deeming them surplus...so how would G.Stewart or Will Hopoate be in that basket ? Using that criteria,Corey Norman would be wearing adult diapers,the entire Dragons squad except Widdop,Jack Reed...and with the crap he's given the club in recent years Tigers must be tossing up if Robbie Farah is really worth it..
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Baz I rate Lichaa a better hooker than Ennis, but you are correct, he still has to do it in the top grade for a full season. The Bulldog under pressure is Brett Morris for mine if he has to play fullback. I doubt that he will be fit enough to play fullback early, but if Des makes the move he has shown in the past that the extra running involved is a concern for him. He has recognized that also, but there is no denying that his pace is what has been missing with the doggies.
Jay C
Roar Guru
As an interesting side story, what do you think is the highest pressure club/position in the competition? for instance I would say the Broncos number Six or Maybe the Rabbits Number 1 because of who has played those positions in the past.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Understood what you meant, I just think Hodkinson isn't going to feel much pressure to do anything but get the body right at this point, having come back from knee surgery once already.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
True, but with the way the Bulldogs play I wouldn't say any one player has to carry the hopes of the side though if we were to pick one out it would surely be James Graham.
Jay C
Roar Guru
Again it's the interpretation of under pressure. Under pressure to keep a spot is one thing, but under pressure to carry a sides hopes is another entirely.