NRL has once again outdone itself by producing another great young batch of talent.
Last year the like the Tui Lolohea, Jack Bird and Cameron Munster were some the great rookies to emerge. This year two rookies finished in the top three for leading try scorer. This the best of the rookies for 2016.
1. Cody Walker
A seasoned rookie at 26 , Walker showed he belonged in the NRL after many years trying to crack first grade. With Adam Reynolds injured and Greg Inglis struggling with form, Walker was the most dangerous player on a poor Souths team, he was rewarded with two-year extension.
2. Suliasi Vunivalu
Put your hand if you though Suliasi Vunivalu will be the NRL’s leading try scorer at the start of the season? A no name to most Storm fans, ‘Suli’ barnstormed his way to 22 tries for the season.
The Fijian flyer was such handful to defend and was a great aerial threat – this guy could be easily the next Semi Radradra.
3. Latrell Mitchell
He did play some centre at the start of the year and this was only spot left to put him in.
His ability to run over anyone at just 19 demonstrates the future this kid has. He isn’t the most skilful but imagine him when he is 25 and fully grown. He could the most damaging ball runner ever seen.
4. Javid Bowen
The nephew of Matthew, Javid really impressed whenever he was given the chance and never looked out of place. He should be playing more first grade.
5. Bevan French
Probably the only shining light in a miserable year for the Eels. The heir apparent to Jarryd Hayne, French scored 19 tries from 13 games. With plenty of speed to burn and just a great sense to be around the ball, he seemed to always be in the right place at the right time.
He saved some certain tries and was ease at taking bombs under pressure. This should see him as a star of the future
6. Nathan Cleary
A 19-year-old who has led and directed his team all the way to the finals, he really has no glaring weakness in his game. He is a great goal kicker, a smart last-tackle option and is tough in defence.
Cleary already looks like a seasoned first grader.
7. Ashley Taylor (c)
The main reason why the Titans not only didn’t come last like most people predicted.
His best assets are his passing game and decision making. For a rookie to be the driving force of a team is something only special players can do.
8. Tevita Pangai Jr
Pinched from the Raiders this year, Pangai Jr has been a real force whenever he has touched the ball. He is very skilfull for his size and joins Anthony Milford as another talented player that left Canberra for Brisbane.
9. Jacob Liddle
Perhaps the missing piece in the Tigers’ young spine, he had his year cut short by injury.
Liddle didn’t play much but showed his potential with nice runs from dummy half big shoes to fill.
10. Daniel Saifiti and 11. Jacob Saifiti
Identical twins, the Safiti were probably only rookies from Newcastle to make any impact this year.
They will form a great combo for the future and are perhaps one of the few glimmers of hope for the Knights.
12. Elliott Whitehead
The ‘Head’ pushed Shaun Fensom out of first grade. Whitehead has been a key for the Raiders on the edge and the great line running of Aiden Sezer made him one of the buys of the year.
13. James Fisher-Harris
He is a very aggressive young forward who didn’t let and injury stop him from being a key to Panther’s pack.
Bench
14. Leivaha Pulu
15. Luciano Leiluia
16. Josh Aloiai
17. Connor Watson
dean james
Guest
Yes Leilani latu played a good brand of football in 2016 very underated player has a very good passing game for a frontrower and then theres sitaleki akoula very aggressive player I watched this guy closely last year he and suia matagi ran harder and straighter than any other forwards in the nrl it was brutal if you get a chance watch the broncos vs panthers game on youtube to see pangai junior get run over by sitaleki akoula
dean james
Guest
Thts a good strong team by any means and they are only rookies hats off to the coaches at these clubs for giving these young men a chance at top level panthers coach Anthony griffin has the right idea if you don't perform you will be replaced regardless of your salary or reputation which is why gould replaced ivan cleary as coach and it paid off Nathan cleary admitted if his dad was still coach he would not of made his nrl debut in 2016 I think that goes for te maire martin ,james fisher-harris and moses leota so good on griffin taking that gamble
andrew
Guest
correct. Liddle isn't injured, just played the majority of the year in NYC and NSW Cup. I think he only played two games, so not sure he should get a start despite his talent. Conner Watson looks the goods to me. Lighting fast. I would have Matthison in a back row role ahead of the Saifiti's. I don't think they have done anything to right home about. Does Latu qualify as a rookie? he played only one maybe two games last year and has out performed Pangai
Matth
Guest
There's a young fellow up north showing some promise that might be worth keeping an eye on. I think his name is Thurston?
Stuart McLennan
Expert
Don't believe injury played so a big part in Liddle playing so few NRL games. More 2nd tier salary cap. He will line up in the NYC finals this week and has played a number of ISP games. Future NRL hooker but I think he needs an experienced partner in 2017. Not sure if Ballin will be fit.
Albo
Guest
Yep ! Opacic is a star in the making ! Looks a ready made replacement for Justin Hodges ! I'd have him well in front of the nominated 3 & 4 ( Mitchell & Bowen) here.
Ken
Guest
Can't argue with Taylor, over the course of the season he has had a massive impact taking charge and driving his team to the finals, when most thought a wooden spoon playoff was more likely. I think Cleary will be the bigger star of the future though.
P.Marlowe
Guest
From a Broncos perpsective, Opacic has been reasonably impressive - just a no nonsense hard running back - not going to be a superstar but I think he can fill a role. Agree with alot of the suggestions. Watson for the Roosters looks good. Luciano (sp?) Leilua at the Dragons looked very promising as well.
Terminator
Guest
Parra dodged a bullet , instead of paying 1.2M for Hayne they get to now play a Feench for a tenth of his salary.
The eye
Guest
Where do you find the official 'requirements' ? Does A.Taylor even qualify ?
Robbo
Guest
Technically he is an NRL rookie, but you're right, he doesn't meet the requirements for the official ROTY award.
The eye
Guest
Milne,Musgrove and Bunty didnt have enough game time to make your side...but you'd love them at your club...good stuff Boss.
Josh
Guest
As a tigers fan Josh Aloia has been really impressive. To play every game in not only the forwards but in one of the weaker forward packs and coming off hip surgery leading into last year is massive and he is one i think u will see make massive strides next year after a full off season
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Taylor takes ROTY in a canter. But if Cleary had the whole season he would easily clean it out. Very impressed with Watson too. Mitchell up and down year as rookies have, but had huge moments
Peeeko
Guest
Really good side but I don't think you can include Whitehead