While the 2018 season has featured fewer rookies than many previous years, there have been a number of standout players. These 10 rookies have been the best of the 2018 season.
Adam Doueihi (Rabbitohs)
Adam Doueihi has been one of the players that has helped turn the Rabbitohs into a premiership force. With his ability to play almost anywhere in the backs with ease, Doueihi is a great utility option for Anthony Seibold.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 17: Adam Doueihi of the Rabbitohs attempts a conversion during the NRL trial match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Wigan at ANZ Stadium on February 17, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Jack Hetherington (Panthers)
Jack Hetherington was handed his debut in Round 7 this season, and has quickly become a quality forward for the Panthers. The young prop looks at home in the team’s quality forward pack and makes an effort in both offense and defence.
PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: Jack Hetherington of the Panthers makes a break during the round 17 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the New Zealand Warriors at Panthers Stadium on July 6, 2018 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Lachlan Lewis (Bulldogs)
Young Bulldogs half Lachlan Lewis was handed his debut in Round 16 against the Knights and has quickly improved as a player. Lewis will be crucial for the Bulldogs in coming years and could be an excellent player if he continues to improve.
Lachlan Lewis Source: Twitter @FOXNRL
Sione Katoa (Sharks)
Promising winger Sione Katoa was unfortunately injured in the first round of the season by has returned strongly. Katoa’s game is developing quickly and he has played each game since his return in Round 13.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 16: Sione Katoa of the Sharks makes a break during the round 15 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Brisbane Broncos at Southern Cross Group Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Tevita Tatola
Tevita Tatola has been a very important part of the Rabbitohs team in 2018. The prop has provided impact off the bench for South Sydney and was rewarded with a spot in the Tonga side.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Tevita Tatola of the Rabbitohs is tackled during the round three NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Manly Sea Eagles at ANZ Stadium on March 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
AJ Brimson (Titans)
AJ Brimson replaced Kane Elgey in the Titans starting team and the side has looked much better for it. Brimson is clearly still developing as a player but has shown many signs of brilliance both with his playmaking and kicking game.
Image: Twitter/Intrust Super Cup
Brandon Smith (Storm)
Though he is known as a hooker, Brandon Smith has been a strong performer off the bench for the Storm. Smith is willing to take tough runs and is a quality defender, as most hookers are.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Brandon Smith of the Storm runs with the ball during the round 13 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Knights at AAMI Park on June 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Rhyse Martin (Bulldogs)
Rhyse Martin has only played 10 games in his career but already looks close to a complete first grader. Martin averages more than 120 running metres, has scored four tries and boasts an incredibly goal-kicking percentage of over 95%.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 07: Rhyse Martin of the Bulldogs converts a try during the round 17 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Canberra Raiders at Belmore Sports Ground on July 7, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
Jesse Ramien (Sharks)
Sharks centre Jesse Ramien has shown that he is deadly with the ball in hand, already scoring 10 tries in his 16 games this season. The Knights will be extremely happy to have signed him for 2019.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 10: Jesse Ramien of the Sharks watches on during the round 14 NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Wests Tigers at Southern Cross Group Stadium on June 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Jamayne Isaako
By far the favourite to be named rookie of the year, Jamayne Isaako has looked comfortable at NRL level, scoring nine tries and taking over the goal kicking duties for the club. Isaako could be the Broncos long-term fullback as he has already played a number of games at the back.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Jamayne Isaako kicks a penalty to win the game for the Broncos in golden point extra time during the round three NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Brisbane Broncos at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on March 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)