With some players there are just unknowns going into a new season, whether it be due to injuries the previous season, moving to a new team or even the player coming off a down year.
If a player is considered to be Boom or Bust for the upcoming season it means that they have the potential to be stars for their teams but may also be complete duds for their sides.
Check out the list below and be sure to comment whether you think these players will boom or bust and also if any other players would also fit on this list.
One of the best players to ever take the field, Inglis is still battling knee issues and his 2019 season may start off slow. Inglis’ main focus to begin the season will be to get healthy again and gain match fitness in a season where the Rabbitohs will take aim at a spot in the top four again. Laurie Daley has called out Inglis and said that he hopes that he does not line up for Wayne Bennett’s Rabbitohs and take on Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters on Friday night. As hard as it is to say, I am leaning in the direction of bust in this situation.
Johnson made the big move across from the Warriors to the Sharks this season. When the former Golden Boot winner is in form there is nobody better to watch in the NRL, but for the five-eight to be successful with the Sharks he must find consistency with his performances. Johnson will have every opportunity to find this consistency with the Sharks as they have a much better roster than the Warriors. As long as he adjusts quickly and the Sharks are not bothered by more off the field issues, I will expect Shaun Johnson to boom in 2019.
Although still young, Nikorima needs to continue to improve and develop his game to convince new Broncos coach Anthony Seibold to keep him around as the Broncos future halfback. Nikorima shows flashes of his ability, but can go missing in games and is regularly targeted in defence. For Nikorima I will say bust, if Brisbane had a better option at halfback Nikorima would be ideally suited to a bench utility/impact player role where he would definitely boom.
Straight up bust again this season in my opinion, Foran has been a shell of himself since leaving the Sea Eagles. Unfortunately for Foran the main reason is injuries. Foran was a constant threat to defences when playing for the Sea Eagles and although a return to that kind of form would be great to see for fans of rugby league, it is very unlikely. Many predict the Bulldogs to win this seasons wooden spoon, Foran has a chance to help the Bulldogs avoid this and make a push for finals footy.
A hat-trick in the World Club Challenge has Brett Morris’ stock on the rise for season 2019. After four seasons at the Bulldogs, Morris has joined the loaded Roosters roster to replace Eels bound Blake Ferguson. With such a good team around Morris this season he is bound to boom but do not forget his main obstacle, he is now 32 years old and was noticeably a step slower last season. Morris’ journey with the Roosters this season is definitely one to watch but I am going with boom for the man who has scored 146 career tries in 237 games.