If you needed a reason to check out this year’s Four Nations, it’s to see some of these guys in action.
Most of the guys I’ve identified on this list are fairly young, and for good reason should be looking to make it in the NRL soon, if they haven’t already.
Shannon Boyd – Australia
The hulking Canberra Raiders front rower had a breakout year in 2016, helping the Green Machine to the preliminary finals.
One of the absolute monsters of the competition, Boyd stands at 194cm and weighs 122kg, towering over some of his fellow front rowers.
His ability to not only play as a workhorse but also bend the line and put on big hits makes him a valuable asset for the Aussies, and he showed what he’s capable of in the trans-Tasman Test just last week.
George Williams – England
The next big thing coming from the Old Dart comes in the form of Wigan five-eighth George Williams.
Blessed with size, pace and evasiveness, Williams reminds me a lot of a young Brad Fittler. He has all the great attributes to become a great player and was a standout in Wigan’s run to claim their 21st Super League title.
Look out for his elusive running game to flourish behind a big English forward pack.
Dan Sarginson – England
Titans bound Dan Sarginson is another Pommy to check out this tournament. With the ability to play anywhere in the backline, his utility will be on show for England, considering their numerous injuries in the backs.
The centre-cum-fullback helped Wigan this year in the Super League with the injury to Sam Tomkins, and added a new dimension to his game with the extra responsibility, providing some great ball-playing and kicking to his repertoire.
With a lack of depth in the outside backs, look for England to test out Sarginson’s utility throughout the tournament.
Lewis Tierney – Scotland
The third and final Wigan Warrior is youngster Lewis Tierney. While Tierney didn’t light the world on fire this year, he did show the Super League his ability and potential.
With the injury crisis Wigan sustained during this season, Tierney was thrown into the deep end and as the season went on, his game developed more and more, culminating in a try in their grand final win over Warrington. His speed, determination and safety under the ball all became more evident with each game he played.
With Scotland’s solid backline consisting of Lachlan Coote, Euan Aitken and Kane Linnett, look for Tierney to grow throughout the Four Nations tournament as the weeks go on.
Solomone Kata – New Zealand
Another player who has grown throughout the season is Warriors centre Kata.
One of the most improved players in the NRL, Kata terrorised opposition defences with his hard running style, coupled with his dummy and soft hands.
The thing that Kata has fixed since his NRL debut last year is his defence, and decision making without the ball, which was evident last weekend against the Kangaroos when he shut down multiple tries. Look for the young Kiwi to cement a spot in the New Zealand backline for years to come.
Do you agree with my list? Are there other guys to look out for? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Aem
Guest
Should be good to see him go against Inglis & Kata. Real big, quick fella if it's the same guy I'm remembering. Those will be some very physical battles.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Honestly Sleiman, dont wast your time... Am yet to see a positive comment from this so called fan.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
And?
correct sometimes
Guest
especially since both were born in australia
Ozzie Bob
Roar Rookie
I wish Peter Wallace was running around for the Scots, It will also be interesting to see how Coote goes for Scotland!
Tripehound
Guest
George Williams is a fantastic prospect, his international debut last year probably came a tad early but I think if he can continue the form he's shown at Wigan, especially the second half of the season, he's in a position to catapult himself onto the international stage big style. Not sure I'm as enthusiastic of Dan Sarginson as Andrew appears to be, he certainly fits the utility billing but for my money he hasn't progressed as well as I would have expected after a really good first season at Wigan, joining them from the London Broncos a couple of years back, though the Gold Coast have obviously seen enough promise. It's a pity that the young Warrington second row Ben Currie is missing the tournament through injury that lad is a definite star of the future. The young St Helens centre, Mark Percival could show up well if given a chance, he has a fair turn of pace and is a well balanced runner and looks class, if a little prone to injury. A word on Lewis Tierney, although lacking in experience he is a very lively, fast and elusive player with a running style not dissimilar to his famous dual code international dad, Jason Robinson.
Mike
Guest
George Williams has got to fire for the Poms to have any chance. They haven't had a top line half for a generation. Their forward pack is right up to international standard but if Williams doesn't prove himself near or equal to the Roos and Kiwi's halves it's goodnight Pommies.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I am enjoying this build up to the 4N. I think missing out on Internationals lastvyear has helped hype it up. Its been too long since we saw the Poms and Roos go at it.... These games may not be the greatest we have seen but a good step to help build hype fpr next year.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
I'm a big fan of Watkins. I've seen him materialise behind defensive lines and it is just magical to watch. I don't call him the Nightcrawler just for fun. Well, that's not really true.
Nick weston
Guest
Kallum Watkins. Brett Delaney told me a few years back he was the best player he'd ever played with or seen in training. Has been quiet this year but I know Bennett rates him.