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:
3. Sam Stonestreet (Cronulla Sharks)
In the surface this may look a strange entry as if all goes well for the Sharks this year, Stonestreet may not even get a game.
That said, once he enters the side, it's going to be near on impossible to drop him. Especially if an injury allows him a month to showcase his talents.
Stonestreet is lightning fast, something the Sharks have lacked out wide for a few seasons now.
The then 20 year-old made easy work is his first season in NSW Cup crossing for 13 tries in his 16 games. I expect that strike-rate to further improve in the early rounds this year.
Most importantly of all this youngster has a calm and smart head on his shoulders. Sharks fans should be very excited.