As we enter 2017, let’s take a peek at the next batch of talent set to make their mark on the NRL.
Tyronne Roberts-Davis (Gold Coast Titans)
A Kempsey Dragons junior, Tyronne Roberts-Davis will be hoping to crack the Titans’ NRL side in 2017.
The 19-year-old fullback represented Queensland and Australian Schoolboys in 2015 before making the under 20s in 2016.
Despite only making 15 appearances throughout the year, he managed to score more points and kick more goals than any of his teammates, with 110 and 45 respectively.
He is unlikely to make his NRL debut until the State of Origin period, joining his namesake second cousin – Tyrone Roberts – on the fringe of Neil Henry’s 17.
Brian Kelly (Manly Sea Eagles)
The Sea Eagles signed Brian Kelly from the Titans as they continue to build with an eye to the future.
The Ballina Seagulls junior starred for the Titans at last year’s Auckland Nines, having spent three seasons in their NYC squad.
During his time on the Gold Coast, he set a number of records for the club making 54 appearances (fifth), scoring a total of 35 tries (first) as well as 158 points (third).
Kelly has played two games for New South Wales U20s, scoring four tries in 2015, before returning in 2016. He also represented the Junior Kangaroos last year, grabbing a try in their win over the Kiwis.
With Steve Matai and Brett Stewart expected to retire before the season starts, Kelly will make his way up the pecking order, which could lead to him making his debut early in 2017.
Brandon Smith (Melbourne Storm)
The Storm are developing the perfect succession plan for their skipper, Cameron Smith, with highly touted hooker Brandon Smith joining from the Cowboys.
Smith has signed until the end of 2019, having played 44 games for North Queensland over two seasons.
In 2016, Smith represented the Junior Kiwis and also won Club NYC Player of the Year after securing his place in the NYC Team of the Year.
With Cam Smith to be unavailable during the State of Origin period, Brandon will likely be gifted the opportunity take on his old team in Round 15.
The young hooker will ensure that the Storm’s No.9 jersey remains in the hands of a Smith for many years to come.
Braden Robson (Newcastle Knights)
A backrower or centre, Braden Robson has spent three years in the Knights’ NYC ranks.
Robson represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2014, alongside Newcastle halves Brock Lamb and Jack Cogger, before breaking into the NYC side in 2015, playing a total of 17 games.
Robson once again made regular appearances for the Newcastle U20s team in 2016, making 18 appearances.
He has cemented himself as one of the most experienced Knights NYC players, playing a total of 48 games across his three seasons, the ninth most of any player.
With Nathan Brown’s side lacking depth, Robson will be hoping to make his NRL debut either in the backline or forward pack once the Origin period rolls around and the Knights’ key players are absent.
Roarers, who are you most looking forward to seeing in 2017? Who’s your early tip for the Rookie of the Year Award?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Stanley Cotric has a big challenge with his defence
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Hi Joe I caught up with Brandon this week in Geelong at the Storm camp and he has settled in well. he was the best player in NYC IMO in 2016. (others Ponga and Butcher) Built like a tank (93k) as he is a former lock, but has the speed off a standing start like a halfback and almost impossible to contain with any space. Hurtful tackler who hits under the ribs and often jolts the ball out. Does a lot of grunt work like kick pressure, decoys etc. Given the vice captaincy and a real leader who plays 80 mins if required.. He is so good and so strong that he could easily play NRL in 2017. Would offer huge impact off the bench with his ability to score tries, set tries up and hard defence. Hookers do not normally have figures like this; he should be the Kiwi hooker long term. Similar style to Isaac Luke but much stronger runner and better defender. To create 23 line break assists and 21 try assists, as well as 26 line breaks and 18 tries is astonishing in a season. He will blossom in the Storm system.
andrew
Guest
Fair. But there are plenty of players in each of those years top 10 lists who we haven't heard of or heard much of again. Kelly has a good return 35 tries in 53 games, but they score more tries in NYC, so he should have a good return. Omar Slaimankhel, 47 tries, Zac Santo 49 tries, Drury Low 54 tries, Wayne Ulugia 51 tries, Jack Goodsell - former Australian schoolboy from the Gold Coast - 45 NYC tries - did he ever play a first grade game? Jonathon Reuben, 46 tries in 48 NYC matches - how many NRL games? There isn't 15 NRL games between that lot (and i didn't put in Michael Parker Walshe because to be fair he chose not to sign with an NRL club). Kelly may (and i hope he is) better than all of those guys, but given the nature of NYC football, try scoring feets isn't a measure i would be too interested in.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
If you have a look at the top 10 try scorers from each year you are in for a pretty solid list, especially the early years but it sort of goes downhill! 2008 contained Barba, Yow Yeh, Hunt, Coote 2009: Linnett, Widdop, DCE, Johnson 2010: Fai Fai Loa, Millner-Skudder, JSeggy, Sam Williams 2011: Copley 2012: Keary, 2013: DWZ, Mamo, Brenko Lee, Javid Bowen, Mbye
andrew
Guest
What are his times? I am not saying he is slow and the kid has talent but he has already had some injuries including a foot injury. Maybe he gets all his speed back, maybe 85% of his speed will still be fast enough for the next few years while he is young. I just think siting stats about how many NYC tries he has scored is fools gold. You look at the top 10 try scorers all time from that competition and they literally haven't played 20 games of first grade between them.
Joe
Roar Rookie
I thought McDonalds game went to another level last year. I'd rate him much better than Faifailoa. He's got speed and good aerial ability. I think his fitness last year is what made the difference. Not sure whether that will be the same this year though. He could potentially be a great winger.
Officer59
Guest
You're kidding right? Kelly doesn't have speed?? Check out his times over 40m & 100m as well as his ability to score a try! He's not in the NSW & Aussie teams for his looks!
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
You would have Copley over Knnie Hurrell?
GC Dave
Guest
McDonald is certainly a good role player, but won't win you games with anything special. Happy to see him go and Sarason and (hopefully) Copley in the centres. St George need strike players and Nene isn't one of those. I wish him all the best at his new club. St george seem to buy these types of players....look at Fai Fai Loa. Same deal, good role player solid but won't win a game for you. I would have thought that players like Mitch Rein would have a bigger priority that Mc Donald. Nene will fit well into St George game plan though.....just play footy and see if it goes anywhere
andrew
Guest
I think he had all the talent in the world. He has had a couple of serious injuries and it seems to have cost him some pace. Also as a centre/winger he doesn't go looking for the ball just waits for things to come to him. Just lacks killer instinct or drive or something - at least that is how it appears to me.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I think McDonald is really under rated.
KenW
Guest
McDonald as dead weight? Interested as a Dragons fan, wasn't watching him closely but he looked fast and strong in the bit I saw of him. A genuine complaint about his play or just a bit of a jibe at a player who left?
Stanley Campbell
Roar Rookie
Nick Cotric has huge wraps on him at the raiders as outside back quickly being fast tracked through juniors
Joe
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to seeing Brandon Smith play in the Storm system. He seems to have a lot of skill and smarts going by the footage I've seen of him. I don't think though that he is a lock to play when Cam is on rep footy, there's a couple of guys in the Storm system already that might have first crack. B.Smith I think is the long term hooker potentially.
andrew
Guest
Tyronne Roberts-Davis : Has potential, Might get a look at the wing with injuries now that they have culled some of the dead/dying weight they had out wide.- i.e McDonald and Hoffman. Brian Kelly: mmm I hope he goes well, but I don't think this guy will reach superstar level. He is big enough to start in first grade now but he doesn't really have the speed or x-factor. Brandon Smith: I don't know enough about him so will watch for him. Braden Robson : Again. No x-factor. He is a toiling type player with some skill level at the junior age bracket, but at first grade level, he doesn't offer a lot of impact or variety. Happy to be proven wrong, but if I am, it won't be in 2017.