One of my favourite aspects of every new season are the seeing which players will make their debut and hit the ground running.
Last year we saw Jacob Preston provide hope to an entire fanbase.
We saw Sunia Turuva emerge as the Rookie of the Year after being called in to replace Tyrone May after a season-ending injury looked like it may weaken the Penrith backline.
Jahream Bula showed signs of possessing talent that could be a major contributing factor in his side finally ending a decade long finals drought.
Who will step up in 2024 and provide similar stories?
Below is a look at 10 rookies I would certainly be keeping an eye on in 2024.
Of course I can't name all the players I believe will mak their debut. Nor can I promise the ten below even will. They're just players I expect to make a big impact, one way or another in the coming season.
Please note: To qualify for this list you need to have played five games or less in the top grade. So the likes of Tallis Duncan and Tom Jenkins won't appear.
Super League players won't be considered, if they've played more than five games in the Super League.
With that said, below are ten of the best rookies to look out for in 2024:
7. Aitasi James (Manly Sea Eagles)
After making the move from the Wests Tigers in the off-season, Aitasi James is very much in the running for a bench spot in round one for his new side Manly.
Having run out five times in the NRL, the nerves should be gone and with a full pre-season under his belt, his confidence high.
He is listed as a lock but at 188cm and over 110kilos could very easily make the slightest of shifts into the prop engine room.
Manly have some exciting middle forwards and I would certainly include Aitasi's name in that list.
Look for him to make an immediate impact if selected for his new club. Manly pinched a good one here from the Tigers.
