We are just around the corner from the opening game of the 2017 NRL season, with reigning premiers Cronulla hosting Brisbane, and the NRL is set to provide us with another batch of rookies.
Jai Field (St George Illawarra Dragons)
With Dragons halfback Drew Hutchison suffering an ACL injury at the back-end of last year, there is a vacant spot in the halves alongside England international Gareth Widdop.
Jai Field, a 20-year-old five-eighth from Shellharbour, will be right in the mix for the vacant No.7 jersey alongside fringe first-graders Josh McCrone and Shaun Nona.
Field was prominent for the Dragons U20s last year, appearing in all 26 games and top-scoring off the back of his goal-kicking prowess. The youngster in his first year took charge, steering his side to a preliminary final, where they fell to the Roosters, and he ended 2016 as runner-up for NYC Player of the Year.
He possesses the attacking flair St George Illawarra are missing and proved to be good with the boot, both in general play and in converting tries. Although he is unlikely to start 2017 in Paul McGregor’s 17, if Field can prove himself for the Illawarra Cutters in the NSW Cup, he may well end the year in top flight.
Brock Gray (Sydney Roosters)
The Roosters have scored a major coup over archrivals South Sydney, signing front row enforcer Brock Gray, brother of Rabbitohs centre Aaron, on a two-year deal.
In his three seasons in Souths’ NYC side, Gray made 33 appearances, proving himself as a valuable forward with brilliant footwork and a drive to find the line.
Gray made his way to the chalk on four occasions in 2016 from 14 appearances, making six line breaks, averaging almost ten runs and 27 tackles a game. He got a taste in the senior ranks early in the year, making a handful of appearances for the North Sydney Bears in the NSW Cup opening rounds.
The Mascot junior will have to work hard to secure a spot in Trent Robinson’s 17, however, with spots likely to become available during the Origin period, Gray is a chance of establishing himself in first grade.
Ofahiki Ogden (New Zealand Warriors)
Another big forward set to come through the Warriors’ junior ranks.
Ogden has been a staple of the Auckland club’s U20s side since making his debut back in 2014, starring in their incredible premiership charge from eighth position on the ladder. The Mangere East junior established himself as a senior player of the NYC squad in 2015, appearing in 25 of 27 games in what was a breakout season for the prop.
He came of age in 2016, making his Intrust Super Premiership debut, while also making a number of appearances in the U20s. Ogden made a total of 56 appearances over his three seasons in NYC, collecting caps for the New Zealand Residents in both U16s and U18s.
Stephen Kearney’s side boasts a plethora of youngsters and Ogden will be keen to impress over the pre-season and throughout the year in reserve grade.
Esan Marsters (Wests Tigers)
One of the best young forwards in rugby league, Esan Marsters will be looking to play regular first grade for the Tigers in 2016 and terrorise his opponents with his bulldozing runs and clever footwork.
The second rower has already represented the Cook Islands, in a Rugby League World Cup qualifier against Tonga, having spent two seasons in Wests Tigers’ Holden Cup team, playing 39 matches and scoring a monstrous 24 tries, and making an appearance in the Junior Kiwis’ 34-20 loss to the Kangaroos last year.
He graduates to the NRL squad alongside a host of NYC teammates including JJ Felise and Jacob Liddle, who made their debut last season.
Roarers, who are you most looking forward to seeing in 2017? Who’s your early tip for the Rookie of the Year Award?
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
I also made a recommendation to the staff member that on the NRL Website under Salary Cap that this issue of Transfer fees be made transparent so that everyone can see and to read the facts on this issue. As I wrote in that other post, there is NO mention of transfer fees and/or Education Grants whatsoever in that section. Note: Only because an inept Journo writes that Transfer fees are included, this doesn't make it a fact. Journos and bloggers write CRAP all the time! I mentioned why didn't the NRL come out with a press release concerning the Journos inaccurate article. His answer was there aren't enough hours in the day to reply to ALL of these journos. He also said that there is so much misinformation floating around that it is very difficult keeping pace with all of the inaccuracies. I also mentioned the Sam Burgess situation from last season and the $1M transfer fee and how back then other Journos also wrote about Salary Cap Ramifications which was all rubbish. Note: that was my main point in debunking this Segyaro Cap situation His reply was because Sam Burgess is a Marquee player and Souths are such a high profile club the NRL had to come out and correct that Journo.
kk
Roar Pro
Many Thanks, 3 Hats
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
Yes Max, YES, I did ring the NRL about this issue! I have been told by a member of staff in the Salary Cap Section at the NRL that any transfer fee for James Segeyaro or for any other player would NOT be included into the Salary Cap. As previously written on that other post. I have also been told that... NO Transfer Fee has EVER been included into any clubs Salary Cap in the History of the Salary Cap era from 1990 to now. ALSO, now this is very important. I was also informed that a 50% loading of any transfer fee would be paid directly to the NRL and be used in the NRLs Education Programs Expenses. The NRL run education programs for mainly U20s players. SO James Segyaro possible transfer fee of £250,000 or $425,000 plus an additional 50% Education loading of $212,500 will NOT be included on Cronulla's Salary CAP. THESE ARE THE 100% FACTS. CASE CLOSED!
Aem
Guest
Come on mate, the Warriors have a better edge forward prospect... Bunty - unless you're using the actual version of rookie, rather than the Dally M definition (5 games or less in previous season = still a rookie)? The Og-monster is a fine player... but is also an edge forward stuck behind Hoffman (perhaps Harris in this spot from 2018), Mannering (playing middle right now because the squad has too many edge guys), Bodene and Bunty. Hingano is the obvious #1 overall youngster, but again, played some minutes in 2016. Personally I'd go with Isaiah Papalii - came through the NZ Rugby school system in the back row, played some prop in NYC last year (but spent much of it injured)... the best prospect who hasn't yet played NRL at the club, but is also not that likely to make a debut in '17. Marsters, on the other hand, looks well placed for a run at first grade. Looks like it will be himself, young Sironen and Aloai competing for 1 starting spot (and possibly an extra spot on the bench). Shame about his defence, though.
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
My comment Riley was only based on that 1 line that you wrote: The Roosters have scored a major coup over arch-rivals South Sydney, signing front row enforcer Brock Gray And as I just commented to the detractors to "ME PERSONALLY" TO ME and many others this sounds like the youngster had “Jumped Ship” and “chose” to defect to the Rorts. NOT TRUE! He did NOT.
Paul
Guest
Gareth Widdop won't see out the season in first grade. Field will prove himself in the NSW Cup and come in for Widdop when the Dragons are out of contention for the semis. Probably in the first half of the season. The irony is that except for the halves and hooker, the Dragons are actually a very strong team. Widdop is not only the worst half but probably the worst regular first grader in the competition.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
3 Hats, I don't think I'll ever get tired of your passion for Souths. You always seem to amuse me. The Rabbitohs have some solid players coming through Murray, Fuimaono, Rudolf and Musgrove. Best of luck to the cardinal and myrtle in the upcoming season. Just because Gray was unable to secure a spot doesn't he won't be able to find one at Easts. The Roosters are pretty thin when it comes to the front row, given a couple of injuries and representative selections, Gray will be fighting it out with Poasa Faamausili and Eloni Vunakece for a spot in the first grade side. If he is able to put in the hard yards for Wyong, I have no doubt he has the potential to make his NRL debut for the tricolours.
Riley Pettigrew
Roar Guru
It'll be a good day of footy MAX, I'll be there at Gosford and am also looking forward to the annual Back to Belmore fixture vs Panthers with five games (including Tarsha Gale Cup). There's plenty of trials on, it's always good to see how the new recruits have gone over the preseason. I agree that Vete is a key player for the Warriors although I've heard that the Titans are hoping to lure him to the strip.
kk
Roar Pro
3 Hats, we appreciate your take on how things really are at Redfern and on any matter concerning the GGoA. BTW, have you any conformation of date and wording of the enactment of transfer fees being included in the salary cap? Maybe it was a ruling on the run not yet formally gazetted? Did you have a chance to confirm it with Richo?
The Barry
Roar Guru
plus the coach and GM...
andrew
Guest
Only 3Hats could get the names of 14 Souths players into a story about a Dragon, a Rooster, a Tiger and a Warrior.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Always good for a few laughs 3Hats... Appreciate It!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Don't confuse anti-3 Hats with anti-Souths...
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
Well Riley, with Brock Gray you should have really done better homework, did you speak with Madge and/or Richo at all? The simple truth is that he was told by Madge in Mid July that if he wanted to play First Grade then it would have to be at another club. He signed for the Roosters in early August and it was made public on August the 14th. Many other players were also told of their fate at the same time. Brock was given a golden opportunity by being included in Souths Full Time Squad for 2016 even though he still qualified for the U20s. Brock played a handful of games up with the Men at Norths but unfortunately, he was well out of his depth and had to be dropped back to the 20s. Young Souths Junior Cameron Murray was also promoted to the Bears in 2016 and did very well. These young juniors Cameron Murray and Toby Rudolf were chosen in the Souths Full-Time Squad for 2017. Brock missed out! SO, it is as simple as that so don't any of you anti-Souths biased bloggers on here think that Brock left for money or that the Rorts stole him or that he "wanted to leave" because that would be incorrect. Brock Gray is a "Middle Player" a Prop or Lock, so how could he ever hope to get the chance at Souths in First Grade? It is unfortunate for him as he wanted to stay but this happens at ALL Clubs! Sam Burgess, Tom Burgess, George Burgess, Robbie Rochow, Jason Clark, Zane Musgrove, David Tyrrell, Cameron Murray and Toby Rudolf are ALL in front of Brock Gray. Even Brett Greinke a Second Row/Centre was selected in front of him in 2016 and also not to mention some players at Norths Jokatama Dokonivalu, Fred Junior Mauala, Piki Rogers and Clayton Williams. So all in all that is 14 middle players. I wish Brock well but not the club he chose to join.
kk
Roar Pro
Hello Riley, my wish list is full but pleased to kick of with an exciting trial game. On SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18TH, 2017 @ 6:30 pm @ CC STADIUM GOSFORD SEA EAGLES v ROOSTERS This will allow fans to view live FOUR of the best young players in the game @ minimal cost. Latrell Mitchell, Connor Watson and the Brothers Turbo. My autograph book @ the ready. Across the Tasman, there is one player who is the foundation stone of the Warrior's maiden premiership between now and 2020. His name is Albert Vete, future stats chart topper.