Looking at the off contract list, there is some amazing talent still on the market. Everyone is well aware of the likes of Matt Gillett and Luke Lewis but for a bit of fun we have decided to build a 13 of players, with a look to the future.
For the purpose of this we have overlooked the really big named signings like Moses Mbye and David Klemmer, while trying to include players who most fans would know.
There are some amazing young talents off contract who are yet to play NRL, but as most fans don’t have access to regular NYC game broadcasts, we’ve only included those who would be known to the majority of fans.
1. Nathan Davis - Titans
20 year-old Nathan Davis has made quite an impact in his short time in first grade for the Gold Coast. Although playing mostly at centre or on the wing, Davis spent the majority of his junior career in the number one. He has shown in his four games, which included a scoring a try, that he has the speed, size and power to worry defences. At six foot four and over 100kgs, it’s scary to think how big this kid will be in a few years. The Titans need to act quickly to secure his future at the club.
2. Richard Kennar - Storm
21 year-old Richard Kennar has already played nine games, scoring two tries, in a Storm backline not struggling for talent. Already weighing 104kgs at just 21, Kennar is likely to cause plenty of nightmares in potential opponents in the future. With news that Koroibete is on his way to rugby, Kennar looks like he has a long future in the Storm outside backs.
3. Javid Bowen - Cowboys
23 year-old Javid Bowen enjoyed a brilliant start to his NRL career scoring two tries in as many games. Unfortunately for young Bowen, he may have trouble cracking a brilliant Cowboys backline especially with young superstar Gideon Gela-Mosby in the mix. Bowen has incredible speed and looked right at home in the top grade. He has a huge future ahead of him no matter what decision he makes regarding his contract.
4. Brenko Lee - Raiders
20 year-old Brenko Lee seems to have been the next big thing in the nation’s capital for years now, but is yet to nail down a regular starting spot. I would not be surprised to see him re-sign in Canberra, however other sides looking for a young centre could be on high alert. He has five tries in eight appearances and is now at the age where he will be looking for a regular gig. Another outside back who is already over 100kgs at age 20, he’s going to be damaging for many years to come.
5. Jacob Gagan - Sharks
23 year-old Jacob Gagan’s career has been stunted due to injuries, however his time in the top grade at the Sharks will have other teams looking at his status. He has scored five tries in seven games for a heavily depleted and quite honestly awful Cronulla side, and provided a rare highlight in 2014 for fans in the Shire. Stuck behind Holmes and Feki, Gagan could be on the lookout for a new club.
6. Will Smith - Panthers
At 23 year of age, Panthers utility Will Smith probably should have more than just the 20 games in his NRL career. He has become Mr Fix It at the foot of the mountains, filling in where needed, usually at fullback, but also in the halves. With a regular gig, Smith could prove himself at the top level.
7. Kodi Nikorima - Broncos
22 year-old Kodi Nikorima has 30 NRL games to his name as well as three New Zealand caps. His talents are well known and I’m surprised his name has not been linked to many clubs struggling at six, seven or nine. I have no doubt he has a future at the Broncos, however with McCullough, Hunt and Milford ahead of him, I can’t see him starting any time soon unless there is an injury.
8. Patrick Kaufusi - Cowboys
The Cowboys big man, at 22, has only played the five NRL games after being stuck behind one of the true elite forward packs. His chance may come with the likely departure of James Tamou to the Panthers, however no matter what decision Kaufusi makes with his upcoming contract, I expect his games at NRL level to rocket over the next few seasons. I would also not be surprised to see him add to his single cap for Tonga. The former Junior Kiwi isn’t so junior anymore.
9. Manaia Cherrington - Tigers
Manaia Cherrington looked as though he was going to be the Tigers number nine going forward, however the decision to keep Farah and sign Ballin has seen him slip down the pecking order. At 21 years of age, Cherrington has plenty of footy ahead of him, and may look to move away from the Tigers to secure a regular spot. With 16 games at NRL level he has experience yet plenty of improvement left in him.
10. Nelson Asofa-Solomona - Storm
Standing two metres tall and tipping the scales at over 115kgs, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 20, is an absolute giant of a man, with plenty of talent to match. Having played 18 games for the Storm, he has shown he can match it with the more developed forwards. He has represented the Junior Kiwis, although I believe he has bigger honours in his future. I’d be very surprised if the Storm allow him to leave.
11. Abraham Papalii - Roosters
22 year-old Abraham Papalii made his debut for the Roosters earlier this season and although he has returned to NSW cup following the return of Cordner and co. he has a huge NRL future ahead. Another physical monster, Papalii looks like a wrecking ball. Those who saw young Papalii in NSW cup for the Warriors will remember his hattrick against Manly. This kid can play.
12. Shaun Lane - Warriors
21 year-old giant Shaun Lane looked as though he had nailed down a regular spot in a brilliant Dogs pack. Unfortunately his form let him down but he now has a big opportunity at the Warriors after signing recently. At almost two metres tall and weighing well over 110kgs, Lane could cause some serious damage to forward packs across the league. He has a long way to go, but he has all the talent.
13. Sauaso Sue - Tigers
Tiger's big man Sauaso Sue just turned 24 yet already has 66 NRL games under his belt, as well as wining eight caps for Samoa. Sue is probably not the undiscovered diamond that some on this list could prove, however he has been consistent in a Tigers pack that is unfortunately on the wrong end of many contests. Reports have linked him away from the club, however given his efforts for the Tigers, I can’t see them letting him leave without a fight.