We have heard a lot about the boom rookies set to take the NRL by storm in 2019.
Names like Corey Allan, Bronson Xerri and Dylan Brown have been thrown around by rugby league fans and experts alike throughout this off-season.
But have we overlooked the already established first-graders that are set to stamp their mark on the competition with a break-out season?
Form slumps, injuries or inexperience may have prevented some players from reaching their full potential on the field, so its time dust off the crystal ball and predict which player at your NRL club is primed to hit best form in 2019.
Brisbane Broncos: Jack Bird
It’s no secret that the former NSW Origin star’s first season at Red Hill was not a happy one. Bird struggled with fitness issues and was shuffled around between centre and an unfamiliar position at halfback before having his season cut short through injury.
According to new coach Anthony Seibold, the “deceptively strong” former Shark has had an uninterrupted pre-season and looks set for a permanent shift to left centre. A settled role within an expansive Brisbane game plan under Seibold sees Jack Bird primed to be a big improver in 2019.
(Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
Canberra Raiders: Emre Guler
Although he will not feature in Round 1, the imposing 21 year-old front rower is set to build upon a promising debut season last year.
The Under-20s New South Wales and Australian representative will have added responsibility on his shoulders this year after the departures of experienced props Junior Paulo and Shannon Boyd.
Guler has all the talent to make the most of this opportunity and establish himself as a cornerstone of Canberra’s forward pack as the season progresses.
Canterbury Bulldogs: Kieran Foran
The 2011 premiership winner only managed 12 appearances in his first campaign at the Bulldogs after crossing the Tasman from the Warriors, until a toe injury drew curtains on his debut season in blue and white.
For the first time in four years, after a rotten run of persistent injuries, Foran has managed to get through a full pre-season, leaving him in his best physical condition since his days at the Sea Eagles.
With the emergence of Lachlan Lewis last season, Foran will also have a settled partner in the halves, leaving him primed for a much improved season in 2019.
Cronulla Sharks: Matt Moylan
Although the former Panther had a relatively successful debut season at the Sharks in 2018, a shift back to his more natural position of fullback could see him return to the form that catapulted him into the New South Wales Origin side in 2016.
The addition of Shaun Johnson, along with the steadiness of halfback Chad Townsend, will take pressure off Moylan to organise the side’s attack, allowing him to roam the field and inject himself into the game when he spots an opportunity.
(Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Gold Coast Titans: Ashley Taylor
The dynamic halfback is a player of immense ability that has somewhat lost his way in recent years.
Taylor has acquired the services of Matthew Johns over the off-season, who encouraged the 23-year-old to reignite the running game that saw him touted as a future representative star in his first season on the Glitter Strip.
The return of Tyrone Roberts and emergence of AJ Brimson will take pressure off Taylor and allow him to place more focus on his natural running game, while also playing behind a representative-calibre forward pack.
Manly Sea Eagles: Moses Suli
A full pre-season under a disciplinarian in Des Hasler will do the wayward young centre a world of good.
Poor attitude and application to training nearly cost the former teen prodigy his NRL career after being shown the door by the Tigers and Bulldogs.
After a strong preparation for season 2019, Suli is now in the best shape of his career. The suspension of Dylan Walker opens the door for the 20-year-old to stamp his mark on the NRL competition, as he looks set to turn heads this year.
Melbourne Storm: Brodie Croft
After being branded as a Cooper Cronk clone so early in his career, the crafty Melbourne No.7 was in and out of first grade in 2018.
Croft came into his own towards the back end of the season and was a standout player for Craig Bellamy throughout the finals series, showcasing a strong turn of pace and a willingness to take on the line.
Croft will be better for the experience in 2019 and you can expect him to cement his place at halfback and flourish for Melbourne this year.
Newcastle Knights: Connor Watson
The former Roosters live-wire will move to his preferred fullback position to start the season, after a much publicised positional switch with Newcastle whiz kid Kalyn Ponga.
There will be pressure for Watson to perform from the outset, after Ponga set the completion alight in the No.1 jersey last season.
However, the fullback role will complement Watson’s natural running game and will likely bring out his best form in 2019.
Stay tuned for Part 2 where we will run through the predictions for the most improved player for the remaining eight teams in the NRL.
Gray-Hand
Roar Rookie
If Kodi Nikorima steps up after his first year at halfback, the Broncos go from a bottom half of the 8 team to a genuine premiership contender.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I definitely agree with the last 2 on your list Albo (assuming of course that Seibold gives Fifita sufficient playing time). I think however that Cameron Murray will shade Campbell Graham for most improved player at Souths but I see them both coming a close first and second for the Rabbitohs. If Corey Allan was guaranteed more playing time under Bennett then it could be a dead heat trifecta.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Thanks Zac some interesting nominations listed there. My assessment of your choices: Jack Bird - in my opinion , he won't shine till he goes back into the backrow where he is best suited, otherwise he is a handy utility only. Emre Guler - Looks to have potential , but needs to get in the team first. He has a few pommies to get past. Kieran Foran - Too many question marks on his body & mentality to bet on him coming good again. Matt Moylan - Back to his best position at fullback should see him shine in 2019. Ash Taylor - Needs more than a great kicking game. Has to improve his running game and defensive work, especially with Roberts likely to be sharing the kicking and organisation. Moses Suli - Came good at the end of last season. Plenty of talent if head is finally right. Brodie Croft - Reckon he learnt a lot last year and came good late in the season. With Smith & Bellamy at the helm he is sure to get closer to the "Cronk type" prediction this year. Connor Watson - Handy attacking player from fullback or running 6 . Barring injury should have a big year now with Knights having plenty of attacking scope. I would throw a few others that I predict will have breakout years in 2019: Jack Hetherington Moeaki Fotuaika Jesse Ramien Campbell Graham David Fifita
BA Sports
Roar Guru
Not sure your Raiders choice really fits this category given he has only played in three games. For the Knights, Conner Watson is a fair choice. Levi is the interesting one for me. He has a former hooker for a coach and is now surrounded by experienced forwards. With all the added expectations on the Knights, he needs to deliver on his potential.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
Kieran Foran will never return to anything like his form at Manly. That ship has sailed. Too many problems off-field and too much time away from game along with a succession of different clubs have taken the wind out of the sails of Foran's once promising career. Mark my words, Lachlan Lewis will be the big improver at the Dogs in 2019 not Kieran Foran.
Paul
Roar Guru
Nice article Zac. You've identified a few guys who HAVE to improve, like Taylor, Foran and Croft as well as some guys who should have a big 2019. I look forward to part 2.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I think Shaun Johnson will be the big improver at the Sharks (particularly if he is moved to FB). FB may be Moylan's best position but IMO he runs hot and cold and has been overrated most of his career. With Chad Townsend set to take on the responsibility of taking on the kicking role and leading the Sharks around the field SJ will thrive being free to play his natural running game unfettered by the responsibilities that held him back at the Warriors. I think the change of scenery and the stronger work ethic will also help SJ tremendously as he had grown stale at the Warriors and lacked motivation. My tip for the big improvers at the Rabbitohs are Cameron Murray and Campbell Graham. The debutantes that should impress the most I think are Corey Allan and Tom Amone but I also expect big seasons for Sam Burgess, Greg Inglis, Adam Reynolds and Cody Walker.