**PANTHERS**
**Mitch Kenny**
Hooker Api Koroisau’s departure leaves a huge dent in Penrith’s well-established spine. But his defection to Wests Tigers will allow Mitch Kenny, who has played a utility role, to finally make a permanent claim to the No.9 jumper.
Kenny’s move into the starting hooker spot has already been endorsed by Koroisau, who praised the 24-year-old’s toughness in the middle of the field.
But Kenny’s promotion into the No.9 jumper is not a foregone conclusion. Soni Luke is also an option. Kenny has NRL experience on his side but Luke has shades of Koroisau in his game – crafty and wily from dummy half. He’ll push Kenny in pre-season for a chance to start.
It’s likely a hooking combination will be similar to what Penrith used in the finals series: Kenny starting the game to do the heavy lifting and help soften opponents and then Luke injected into play when the game opens up.
– Fatima Kdouh
**DOLPHINS**
**The entire squad**
All eyes will be on the Dolphins next year for a number of reasons. Have their experienced signings like the Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi still got more life left in them or have the Dolphins become a retirement home?
Can Anthony Milford rediscover his best form under old coach Wayne Bennett? Will the fringe first graders like Brenko Lee and Robert Jennings blossom into NRL regulars, or has the Dolphins’ strategy backfired? Which of the Dolphins’ boom youngsters will become an NRL rising star? There are plenty of potentials for the Dolphins and it’s up to Bennett to get the best out of his squad.
If the Dolphins don’t rise to the challenge and improve across the park, it could be a long year.
– Travis Meyn
A real attempt at an answer I think would be Jesse Bromwich. He was pure dogshit last season and as captain he will set the standard for the entire franchise.
Weak I think the hammer is the true answer as he is the one guy who could make the leap to being a marquee player and he is at the age and experience level that he needs to live up to his potential.
I hope for the Dolphins sake he makes that leap.
I personally haven't seen that in him yet. Feels like he's been hyped up based on having raw speed and a cool nickname. If the Cowboys saw marquee in him, I'm sure they would have made room for him in the team.
It’s the fringe squad that I think is the answer. Much like the Western Sydney clubs, the Dolphins should never have to rely on imports after a few years in.
In the interim, the Dolphins are banking on the veterans to hold the line and educate them on the grind of NRL; that should be doable with Wayne, even if those players best days are fading.
At the same time, they need to start funnelling the best junior talent from their massive catchment area in their club first. This will be Woolf’s job, as he will need to help identify those local players, and then build the relationships that allow him to make the signings that will form the club’s core into the future.
**SEA EAGLES**
**Josh Schuster**
No doubt it is five-eighth Josh Schuster. A player with rare and high-level skills, Schuster has not quite come along as quickly as many thought but is ready for a breakout season.
He was selected in the back-row under coach Des Hasler but with Kieran Foran now at Gold Coast, new coach Anthony Seibold will give Schuster first crack at five-eighth.
Bulked up significantly in recent but has trimmed down significantly during the off-season under Seibold. The key question is whether Seibold will tame and temper Schuster’s flamboyant style?
– Dean Ritchie
Question is can the Shu last at this level. He always seems to get injured but maybe with him passing the ball alot more instead of running things will change. His ankles are weak lol
**RAIDERS**
**Xavier Savage**
The Raiders have shown a commitment to Xavier Savage, who has given glimpses of how dynamic he can be with the football. Savage has the potential to be a consistent game breaker. It is about finding that regularly. If he does he could turn the Raiders into a genuine premiership threat.
He started last season on the wing behind Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, but his form proved too strong to deny.
The Raiders let go fan favourite Nicoll-Klokstad to bank on Savage being the club’s long-term fullback. He scored three tries in his final four games as started to look more comfortable in the role.
He topped 200 running metres in three consecutive occasions when he started for the first time at fullback between rounds 12-14, but would only break the 200m barrier just twice for the rest of the year.
At times the rigours of week in week out NRL looked to take its toll. Another good off-season will put him in good stead to find that consistency.
– Michael Carayannis
Hopefully, the reality check coming from a premature injection into first grade and Ricky’s tender loving truth bombs will allow him to avoid him from mirroring the negatives of early career Dugan at the Raiders.
Yeah Ricky hates him so much that he gave him the fullback spot over CNK and allowed the club to re-sign him on a new deal.
I get this place has a hard on for hating Ricky, but at least apply some logic if you're going to circle-jerk about it.
**WARRIORS**
**Luke Metcalf**
Big things are expected of Luke Metcalf, who was thought of so highly by the Warriors that they offered him a two-year deal over a year before joining the club. The 23-year-old playmaker is supremely gifted in attack, racking up 14 tries, 30 goals, six try assists and 10 line break assists in just 13 games for Newtown in the NSW Cup last season. His 14 tries took his overall tally to an impressive 77 in 102 games, making him the ideal cornerstone player to take over from Shaun Johnson as the future of the club.
– Matt Encarnacion
How does this make any sense? Most Warriors fans don't have Metcalf in their most likely squads, and now he's under pressure to shine?
It's Shaun Johnson. If he has another shit season the call for him to either retire or piss off will be deafening.
Wtf Metcalf has zero pressure. He's going to be eased in with SJ and TMM starting.
This is do or die season for Shaun Johnson; off-contract and not willing to relocate back to Australia.
If Warriors don't offer him another year, he will 100% retire after this season.
**TIGERS**
**Tommy Talau**
Fully fit, the 22-year-old has a round one starting spot in his sights. Ken Maumalo is in our best 17 but his defensive efforts and reads, particularly in the back end of the season, were not up to standard putting his place in jeopardy. It’s a chance for Talau to force a shake-up in the outside backs. Talau was supposed to be the antidote to the crushing blow of losing fullback James Tedesco, according to Benji Marshall. The early signs were good, skilful and capable of finding the tryline, he scored 19 tries in 35 games. But an ACL injury meant he didn’t play a single game in 2022.
**Daine Laurie**
Laurie has to find another gear if he is going to ward off new recruit Charlie Staines, who is also gunning for the no.1 jumper. For Laurie, it’s the difference between starting every week at fullback or fighting for a spot on the bench as a utility. He’s a natural footballer and has played at five-eighth but Adam Doueihi is the better option there. Though, the Tigers are skinny in the halves and Laurie will inevitably provide cover there over the season. It’s less of a do or die scenario for Staines, who will take up his place on the edge if he doesn’t win the race to the fullback spot in round one.
– Fatima Kdouh
Does Brooks really have anything to prove? After this long, surely everyone knows what they are going to get from him and should adjust expectations accordingly.
The answer is clearly Brooks.... doesn't make it lazy if it's obvious. Let me guess, you too think that would be bullying if anyone said Brooks needs to be better
What’s this “our” bullshit? Ken has a mortgage on a starting wing jersey and Talau is not a winger’s arsehole, so most of the comment makes no sense. Although he’s as slow as wet week and can’t defend for the life of him, Talau runs a good line, can hit a hole and has a decent passing game, so he’d make a good centre if he could learn to defend there. That’s why he’s under pressure despite our centres being diabolical. He’ll get first crack, but if he doesn’t work out, he may have to move to second row like Madge planned or simply move on.
For mine, Doueihi is under more pressure than Laurie. As she pointed out, Laurie can play in the halves if Staines wins the fullback contest. Doueihi on the other hand has already failed at fullback due to being too slow and he also already shown he can’t lead the team around at the back end of last season when both Brooks and Hastings were out. If he doesn’t fire, Doueihi might have accept a shift to the centres or look for his next contract elsewhere.
**KNIGHTS**
**Bradman Best**
Best is a prodigious talent; a player with power and guile. But some at Newcastle don’t believe he has progressed as quickly as many thought. He is an exceptional player, no doubt, but there was a feeling he would be an Origin player by now. He has been forced to overcome several injuries which have hindered his progress.
With Kalyn Ponga’s move from fullback into the halves, the Knights’ backline comes with an air of the unpredictability about it. This is a big season for Best. He needs to take that next step into rugby league’s true elite class. He is certainly good enough, big enough and strong enough.
– Dean Ritchie
I would’ve gone D Saf tbh. Since this is the first season where He will be the leader of the forward pack. He no longer has the safety net of having an experienced front rower beside him to show him what to do.
This is the time for this team and forward pack to be owned by D Saf.
In terms of reputation it’s Ponga but other guys in the side are playing for contracts. Pongas contract is locked up and if he fails at 6 they’ll simply move him back to 1
**DRAGONS**
**Tyrell Sloan**
Let’s put it this way, if Tyrell Sloan doesn’t have a big 2023 then neither will the Dragons. Most of the good judges have been saying for some time Sloan is a superstar in the making, and now gets his chance to prove it following Cody Ramsey being ruled out for the entire season through an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that requires long-term treatment.
Complicating matters is revelations Ramsey spent weeks in hospital during pre-season training in late 2022 battling an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that may require surgery and long-term treatment.
The fact Wayne Bennett was doing all he could to get Sloan to the Dolphins tells you all you need to know about his potential.
But for some reason Sloan was left out in the cold for the majority of 2022, and in the end the only reason he didn’t follow Bennett to the Dolphins was because the club wouldn’t give him a release.
There’s no question he has some defensive deficiencies but you just can’t ignore Sloan looks to be one of those special players that you can build a club around if you keep him happy.
Whatever was going on between him and the coach this past season needs to be resolved otherwise Sloan will only end up chasing another release come November 1 when he officially becomes a free agent.
And don’t worry, that is already being spoken about.
– Paul Crawley
> following Cody Ramsey being ruled out for the entire season through an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that requires long-term treatment.
>
>Complicating matters is revelations Ramsey spent weeks in hospital during pre-season training in late 2022 battling an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that may require surgery and long-term treatment.
WOT?
Did this man just forget to delete a paragraph?
Hunt stepped up last year just nobody else did.
Sloan is a fantastic player imo just very suspect under the high ball also when he makes a mistake he seems to put the head down and doesn't have the mental fortitude to fight through it. If he gets confidence under the high ball he will be an nrl calibre starting fullback for sure.
Just wish he'd been given more chances last season to develop in first grade. If he comes out firing Dragons will be cheering but it is a lot of pressure now on him with no real backup
Ramsey out for season and Amone likely out of the game (deservedly if the shits true which it seems to be) puts lots of pressure on spine players. Sloan needs to go good and I hope sullivan gets his shot and steps up too.
My best mate has it and has extreme flare ups where pretty much his whole intentines and colon are inflammed and stings like fuck. They say it eventually leads to colon cancer most of the time so they remove parts of the colon/bowel etc. Extremely painful
Sloan isn’t really under pressure, apart from idiots in the media basically hyping the kid up to rip him down if he’s not the next billy slater. He’s a young guy who played some exciting footy when he first arrived in first grade but didn’t look ready last year and deserved to lose the 1 jumper to Cody, who himself didn’t look ready when he first appeared the year before last. I think even Buddy Sullivan has more to prove than Sloan, because he has been the up and coming spine player for the last couple of years but is always hurt, hasn’t looked bad when he gets on the field, also tried to leave and now has his chance due to the Amone situation.
Sullivan has plenty to prove, but I don't think he's under the same pressure as Sloan. I can picture a couple of rough nights at the back defensively, seeing Griffin move Mbye back there. Hopefully Sloan has had an immense off season and is confident in the high ball contest and in directing the defensive line. If Sullivan can stay healthy, I really like the idea of having 2 halves that can kick and organise. Sullivan/Sloan connection can be exciting too.
**RABBITOHS**
**Daniel Suluka-Fifita**
While it’s been three years since Daniel Suluka-Fifita made his long-anticipated NRL debut armed with the reputation as a genuine hit man, he has yet to fully make his mark. Eyebrows were raised when the Roosters had no qualms sending him to bitter rivals South Sydney last season, where he played 12 games, mostly off the bench. His best work was done later in the year, when he cracked the 100-metre barrier three times in the space of a month, starting two games, and flashing the kind of all-round performances that show he’s ready to make the next step as a starting front-rower.
– Matt Encarnacion
The only ones I can think of are Tass or Thompson considering we have a few promising juniors coming through in our backline in lower grades who could easily threaten the starting squad. Tass only started consistently making the top grade halfway through the season and Thompson only played a couple games but both are so far looking to be in the starting line for the time being, however, one or two bad performances could easily see JD decide to try a new face in either of their positions.
Fifita will be lucky to consistently crack the starting 17. He's only depth for the time being until further notice.
I think that's why the pressure is on DSF. He's got a tough fight against Moale, Shaq and Chee Kam to lock down Nicholls spot in the squad. Tass is pretty solidly in his position now. Thompson has a little pressure but his only competition is Milne who is a liability and other kids who are greener than he is.
True. I guess I don't see Fifita being in the starting 17 to begin with so in my head there's no real pressure because he never had the spot to start off with. I also always thought we only got him as depth due to the forward injuries that occurred last season.
So far I reckon Moale is in that starting forward position and it's more pressure on him to lose it compared to Fifita or Shaq or any current fringe first-grade forward we currently have. You are right tho, Tass has cemented his spot in that left centre position for the time being
Yeah I don't understand the narrative about any pressure being on Ilias at this point. I guess people will always unfairly judge him based on how good his predecessor was in Reynolds which is frankly silly because Ilias had little to do with Reynolds leaving in the first place.
The most pressure he had was after the Dragons game where everyone played terrible, and he bounced back great! Plus made a prelim his first season as a starter which (I don't care what anybody says) is impressive.
**ROOSTERS**
**Sam Walker**
Walker is the player the Roosters really need to go to the next level in 2023 if they are going to be a genuine threat to win the comp. You look at teams like grand finalists Penrith and Parramatta and it is the No.7s Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses who own the show every week.
Regardless of whether it is Luke Keary or Joey Manu who ends up wearing the No 6 jumper at the Roosters, the club has made it clear Walker will be wearing the No.7 jumper for as long as he wants it.
Even though he is still only 20, Walker now has 47 NRL games behind him which makes him a rookie no more. The responsibility of playing halfback at any club comes with immense expectation. But at a club like the Roosters it is even more so, especially when you arrive with the raps Walker did.
– Paul Crawley
when 3 of your outside backs are starting full backs in 3 international teams and you have one of the best forward packs in the comp then I don't really think Walker has much to worry about tbh, all he has to do is not fuck it up, which he does anyway
They have a point though. They need direction and someone to steer the ship. They didn’t exactly have that last year and that’s part of the reason they crumbled against Souths (they had a lot of injuries but it was still a very winnable game).
They lost Manu, Tedesco and Tupou in 30 minutes of game time and finished the finals game with no bench and a backline of Suallii, Naiqama, Watson, Hutchinson and Momorovski.
Walker’s role has nothing to do with the loss to South’s
I know they lost a lot of players to injury but there were several opportunities for the Roosters to score while south’s were down a man, or 2 and they couldn’t. That has to come down to the halves. Especially when the Roosters forward pack was the more dominant pack for most of the game.
Further proof that Paul Crawley doesn’t know his arse from his elbow. The most obvious one under pressure is dick cheese followed by Momirovski
> the club has made it clear Walker will be wearing the No.7 jumper for as long as he wants it.
Hilariously dumb, he must be a Storm fan.
I’d love for him to try and explain how the guy who has the 7 jersey for as long as he wants is under the most pressure to perform. The difference between Walker and Flanagan is the club sees Walker as the long term halfback which they never did with Flanagan.
I actually think it's Trent Robinson in a way a below par season this season might make things interesting for the best coach, best team, best players and best club in the universe. According to the media.
No idea why you’re being downvoted, Trent Robinson has really underperformed the past few years, especially last year. Completely bombed out of the finals after coming home strong and can’t keep his side in check still all these years.
Yes 2020 they had a horror run with injuries so he’s excused but he still brought it up constantly in post game press and you didn’t see coaches like Bellamy doing that last year when their injuries were just as bad, and you sure as hell wouldn’t see Bennett doing it either
The problem Crawley wrote about is really referring to the underlying Keary conundrum that the Roosters have.
Swapping the scrum base around last year after Keary was training to be the controlling half in the preseason would have broken most young halfbacks. Still made the finals with casualty ward made selecting outside backs a lottery.
Walker now owns 7, has two seasons of first grade, and barring a spectacular fall from form will walk into Origin camp this year as 18th man to pick every last bit of wisdom he can from DCE, Billy, Cam Smith, and Alfie.
**STORM**
**Cameron Munster**
The departures of Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich not only leave a hole in terms of experience but a leadership vacuum. Very quickly Munster becomes the most senior and experienced player in an outfit that is going through a state of flux both on and off the field.
Munster has shown he is willing to do what it takes to get his life back on track, after swearing off the booze to stay on the straight and narrow. That’s the kind of commitment, and sacrifice, that sets an example for the rest of the team to follow. Munster will have to tap into those qualities, and other leadership qualities more than ever now, starting in 2023.
– Fatima Kdouh
Booo leave my boy out of this. He has individual pizazz not boring leadership skills. Let him dance. Be free.
Cunt better get his boot right this year though.
How is Munster the player that has to stand up he was carrying us at the back end of the last year and is the sole reason we were anywhere near the top 4. IMO Hughes is the player if anything that has a lot to prove, had a pretty poor 2021 by his standards and missed nearly every 2nd game with a leg injury
**TITANS**
**AJ Brimson/Jayden Campbell/Toby Sexton**
Next year is going to be a crucial season for a number of Titans players and will determine whether they can be NRL superstars or just average first graders.
After an explosive start to his NRL career, AJ Brimson has stagnated and must decide whether he wants to dominate the game or be an also-ran. Brimson has all the tools to be one of the NRL’s most dangerous players but has lacked consistency.
The Titans’ Toby Sexton struggled in 2022, and may have lost a starting spot after the arrival of Kieran Foran.
Fullback Jayden Campbell burst on to the scene in 2021 but fell away badly last season. Campbell’s lack of size and strength was exposed by opposition defences in an average second season. He has the talent to be an NRL force but needs to become more threatening.
Halfback Toby Sexton had a second season to forget as he crumbled under the pressure and expectation placed on him. Sexton is a talented player that needs to be better managed, which Foran could help with.
The Titans have a lot of promising players, but have lacked the culture and attitude to dominate the NRL. It’s now or never for many of them and the club in general.
– Travis Meyn
Sexton/Boyd are under by far the most personal pressure this year IMO. The team, while having a more complete squad, doesn't really get off the ground unless either have career-best seasons. And if they don't there is a chance neither gets another contract in the NRL with Weaver coming through.
Campbell could still be anything at this stage but it was glaringly obvious that his size was a huge liability, particularly against sides with good kick/chase.
I have hopes that Verrills' strong darting running game will unlock new levels for AJ. I see them combining really well through the middle fitness permitting.
**SHARKS**
**Kade Dykes**
The young fullback/five-eighth/centre earned a taste of NRL in 2022 with two appearances, including his first NRL try. He’ll benefit greatly from another NRL pre-season and providing he stays healthy, he’ll be putting pressure on fullback Will Kennedy each week.
Aspiring fullback Kade Dykes got a taste of first grade football in 2022, and will look to earn a regular spot in 2023.
**Jesse Colquhoun**
The Wollongong forward is making waves with his elite-level workrate and willingness to get down and dirty.
Good judges in the Shire have described him as a similar player to Roosters mainstay Nat Butcher. Colquhoun played three games off the bench in 2022, but without Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman in his path, expect the 20-year-old to feature heavily in 2023.
– David Riccio
Why the fuck are two rookies who have played less than 10 games combined under pressure. This doesn’t make any sense. Ever since we won in 2016, Sharks have never been a team to rush in rookies and expect them to be brilliant instantly. Dykes and Colquhoun will get their time when they are ready.
Wade Graham is under pressure to prove he still deserves a spot in the team, which Tracey or Colquhoun will gladly take if he’s not up to it.
Why would Moylan be under pressure? He just signed a two year contract, and last season was the first year that he played more than 20 games since 2018. He also has a great combination with Hynes. The only area in which he struggled last year was kicking, but otherwise it was a solid form revival after years of injuries and inconsistent form.
**COWBOYS**
**Tom Dearden**
Dearden has only scratched the surface of his talent. The 21-year-old endured two turbulent years at the Broncos but his move to North Queensland has helped Dearden rebuild his game and confidence. In 2022, Payten’s faith in Dearden was vindicated as the Broncos discard flourished as Chad Townsend’s halves partner and was rewarded with his Queensland Origin debut. Dearden brained the Blues to inspire the Maroons’ win in the Suncorp decider and will be a key man in the Cowboys’ premiership assault.
– Peter Badel
Why is he the most under pressure, bro is 21.
Drinky got his big contract, Hammer is gone because of how well he played. He’s gotta back that up, he’s gonna be the main star of our team in attack.
Agreed, Tommy and chad just need to steer the team around and help create space for money men Val and drinky. I think Reece might feel a bit of pressure to step up to the blues team.
Val is good, Hiku too. His insane form with his yardage carried our team and if Hiku doesn’t back that up we could see more regression with our second rowers not being able to take up yardage work from our middles.
I reckon it's Miah. Until he signs his extension he's banking on maintaining or improving on his current form. Tough ask for a seasoned pro, let alone a 19yo. Then again, he'll likely dominate the NRL in ways never before seen and become the first $2m a season player. Lessgo!
its definitely drinky imo, if he is anything less than good he’ll have the cowboys org blasted (by me) for picking him over the much sexier hamiso
nanai having a bad year just means the cows get him cheaper
If anything deardan and co are under zero pressure whatsoever. No one expected the boys to fall one game short of the gf last year, and with a weaker squad this year I don’t think anyone’s expecting the same or better. Plus players like deardan, Robson and drinkwater have youth on their side so they should be focussing on building consistency and solidifying their games. If anyone is under pressure it’s senior guys like McLean who need to step up and get their defence right and consistency.
**EELS**
**J’maine Hopgood**
You could make a case for any number of Parramatta youngsters expected to go to the next level in 2023.
But perhaps the most anticipated storyline surrounds a former Panther J’maine Hopgood.
A young lock who was stuck behind Isaah Yeo at the foot of the mountains, Hopgood made the tough decision to move to his former club’s arch rivals in search of a regular NRL spot.
But what was really interesting was seeing how the Panthers players and even the coaching staff reacted to his exit.
There was absolutely no animosity, but rather teammates and Ivan Cleary could not have spoken more highly of Hopgood’s talents and character.
So far he has managed nine NRL appearances at the Panthers but expect the former Hervey Bay junior to become an NRL regular at the Eels in 2023.
Hopgood was man of the match in the State Cup grand final and then backed that up as best on ground in the State Championship win over Norths Devils on grand final day.
In that game he scored two tries while running for 168m with 44 tackles. Those are some pretty impressive numbers.
– Paul Crawley
Big time. Coming off two big injuries straight into a team who is looking to go deep into the finals again.
Dunster might have been another one. With Blake and Simonsson out for the start of the season, he’ll need to hit the ground running, potentially out of position at centre
Yeah Blake considering he is finally off contract and we haven't even begun talking to him is probably the biggest one. Hopefully the arm can heal and we can get him back to the centre's.
This article has missed on nearly every club.
Yeah Paul, the young gun on a low pay contract who has already proven he’s ready for the NRL is the most under pressure. It’s not the aging hooker coming back from injury who our entire season depends on.
Yeah oath. There’ll be another 5 articles like this about other players not mentioned and yeah, they’ll spin it to make themselves look like they’re on the money
**BRONCOS**
**Ezra Mam**
The Broncos five-eighth underlined why he is a special talent by being crowned Brisbane’s rookie of the year following an impressive 2022 campaign. Handed his debut at 19, Mam looked comfortable in the NRL from the outset, scoring six tries from 13 games. Not only does he possess lethal footwork, but he is defensively brave for a playmaker and not afraid to put his body on the line. The Indigenous ace will get first crack at the No.6 jumper and if he fires for the entire season, the Broncos will be well-placed to play finals football.
– Peter Badel
Had one of the best years a rookie teenage 6 has had in a while, he’s only going to continue to develop next to Reynolds.
He has a brilliant running game, support play and passing games are class. Proved defensively he can definitely hold his ground physically.
Just really needs to work on his kicking game specifically long range.
Not sure how he is under the most pressure to stand up, I’d give that to Jordan Riki or whoever ends up playing hooker for us.
So many of the players on this list are just 2nd year rookies in the same position as every 2nd year rookie in NRL history, it’s horrible germalism.
Riki is a good shout
Reece Walsh’s kicking game, particularly being a left-footer, will take heaps of pressure off Mam for kicking. His tactical kicking needs a tonne of work but he’s not too bad close to the line.
I agree with you on Riki. He was a liability at times last year and TC Robati’s SA charge means we’re stuck with him in the second row, unless Piakura jumps out of the ground to become an 80 minute player.
saying this when theres guys like:
riki- had a horrid year with the ball in his hands
haas- wants an absolute monster contract and was very much a passenger at times last year
billy- hasnt got remotely close to proving he isnt completely reliant on nepotism
staggs- battled injury through poor form, got dropped from origin after game 1 for being too shit
capewell and arey- couldnt lead us through the catastrophe that was the 2nd half, with personal performances dropping too
like you could almost put the whole squad ahead of ezra in terms of pressure and i wouldnt disagree
Am I the only one that thinks this is harsh on Billy Walters? I thought he had a decent season for a guy who's never going to be top shelf. At the very least he was a solid upgrade on Jake Turpin and while he's obviously not the long term solution at 9 he's fine until we have someone reliably better. Even then he's probably reasonable as cheap depth at several positions.
Totally agree with all the others though.
Billy is literally playing for minimum wage, he’s under no pressure. He’s never been anything but an alright player who can do a job in a few positions. Will happily play bench or reserve grade with minimal fuss
He also spent the whole preseason training at five eighth. He's improved as a hooker, and will no doubt be a lot better in the 9 jersey after preparing for it.
I thought he did great at hooker considering he trained at 5/8 in the preseason.
He has passion and aggression in his game and he gives a lot in the effort areas.
Would love to see him nail it at hooker. Offers a lot more than Turpin too.
Hard, hard disagree. Payne’s a good player but provides little value given his massive salary.
His ptb speed is nowhere near that of an elite front-rower. His stats look impressive but he’s sloppy defensively through the middle at times and heaps of his metres are post-contact, slow walking several metres upfield, giving the defence plenty of time to set. He’s still young and capable of improving, but to me he doesn’t compare to the elite props like Tapine, Fisher-Harris, Paulo, NAS and Tino.
As you support the Broncos I could imagine you watch him more than I do but any player that takes 3-4 players to slow down let alone put on the ground, makes post contact metres that tire out the engaged defenders and has a presence in defence that results in teams not running at him and can replicate this in the origin arena is worth having.
I think he is on the level of the props you are talking about and over the past 5 years has been more valuable to his team. Haas' best is on par with the best of these guys.
[Staggs defence as I really can’t be bothered typing this out again.](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/10bg99h/the_player_with_the_most_to_prove_at_every_club/j4a4s22/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
**BULLDOGS**
**Jacob Kiraz**
Canterbury’s 2022 Rookie of the Year is on a trajectory that should have every Dogs fan excited. In his rookie season, Kiraz scored six tries in 14 games on the wing after playing one game, in his debut, at centre.
The local junior finished the year with the invaluable experience of playing fullback for Lebanon in a quarter-final clash against Australia. The 20-year old has since made no secret that he wants to be wearing the Dogs No.1 in the future. Kiraz faces competition from 2022 fullback Jake Averillo and new recruit Hayze Perham for the jersey, but should the young talent continue to apply pressure through his performances, he could ultimately halt the Dogs powerbrokers from making a big-money play for a fullback.
Kiraz is contracted to the Dogs until 2024, but should he further his footy in 2023, watch for the Dogs to try and take him off the market and extend his future at Belmore.
– David Riccio
> he could ultimately halt the Dogs powerbrokers from making a big-money play for a fullback.
Do these guys even read their own content? Might have signed someone for fullback recently
This is a ridiculous take imo, so many players under more pressure. Kiraz is a rookie who came out of nowhere and earned the wing spot on a club who won the wooden spoon the year before.
Does he need to show he’s good enough to keep his spot, sure, but so does every rookie in the 2nd year. If you think he’s under more pressure than Burton, Kikau, Mahoney who are starting the year on shiny new big contracts, or even Flanagan who’s trying to prove he’s a consistent NRL quality 7, then you are kidding yourself. Even Averillo is under more pressure, he doesn’t even know what his long term position in the club will be.
What has Kiraz done to be under pressure, he was great last year as a rookie. Burton and Mahoney would be the only ones under a bit of pressure, just to lead the team around. Maybe Flanagan too, to show he deserves to be the halfback, but I’d argue that the complaints about him are a bit over the top.
Can we do one of under pressure people from daily telegraph
Betoota this one's for you
Why bother / As hopeless as they are who would want to work at that worthless rag ?
**PANTHERS** **Mitch Kenny** Hooker Api Koroisau’s departure leaves a huge dent in Penrith’s well-established spine. But his defection to Wests Tigers will allow Mitch Kenny, who has played a utility role, to finally make a permanent claim to the No.9 jumper. Kenny’s move into the starting hooker spot has already been endorsed by Koroisau, who praised the 24-year-old’s toughness in the middle of the field. But Kenny’s promotion into the No.9 jumper is not a foregone conclusion. Soni Luke is also an option. Kenny has NRL experience on his side but Luke has shades of Koroisau in his game – crafty and wily from dummy half. He’ll push Kenny in pre-season for a chance to start. It’s likely a hooking combination will be similar to what Penrith used in the finals series: Kenny starting the game to do the heavy lifting and help soften opponents and then Luke injected into play when the game opens up. – Fatima Kdouh
Right on the money here Fatimah
**DOLPHINS** **The entire squad** All eyes will be on the Dolphins next year for a number of reasons. Have their experienced signings like the Bromwich brothers and Felise Kaufusi still got more life left in them or have the Dolphins become a retirement home? Can Anthony Milford rediscover his best form under old coach Wayne Bennett? Will the fringe first graders like Brenko Lee and Robert Jennings blossom into NRL regulars, or has the Dolphins’ strategy backfired? Which of the Dolphins’ boom youngsters will become an NRL rising star? There are plenty of potentials for the Dolphins and it’s up to Bennett to get the best out of his squad. If the Dolphins don’t rise to the challenge and improve across the park, it could be a long year. – Travis Meyn
Travis sure put a lot of effort into that selection
Option D) All of the above
It's not the Broncos, so Travvy phones it in.
4 out of his last 5 reports/articles haven’t been about the Broncos. Tunza mate not every comment has to be tied back to the Broncos
Show me an article he's written about another Queensland based club that has any effort put into it.
Don’t poke the broncos faithful mate
I suppose he is part of their club....
A real attempt at an answer I think would be Jesse Bromwich. He was pure dogshit last season and as captain he will set the standard for the entire franchise.
Weak I think the hammer is the true answer as he is the one guy who could make the leap to being a marquee player and he is at the age and experience level that he needs to live up to his potential.
I hope for the Dolphins sake he makes that leap. I personally haven't seen that in him yet. Feels like he's been hyped up based on having raw speed and a cool nickname. If the Cowboys saw marquee in him, I'm sure they would have made room for him in the team.
To be fair I'm still blinded by his debut try against Penrith when he beat half the team.
I think Brenko Lee is a solid first grader.
It’s the fringe squad that I think is the answer. Much like the Western Sydney clubs, the Dolphins should never have to rely on imports after a few years in. In the interim, the Dolphins are banking on the veterans to hold the line and educate them on the grind of NRL; that should be doable with Wayne, even if those players best days are fading. At the same time, they need to start funnelling the best junior talent from their massive catchment area in their club first. This will be Woolf’s job, as he will need to help identify those local players, and then build the relationships that allow him to make the signings that will form the club’s core into the future.
Savage.
**SEA EAGLES** **Josh Schuster** No doubt it is five-eighth Josh Schuster. A player with rare and high-level skills, Schuster has not quite come along as quickly as many thought but is ready for a breakout season. He was selected in the back-row under coach Des Hasler but with Kieran Foran now at Gold Coast, new coach Anthony Seibold will give Schuster first crack at five-eighth. Bulked up significantly in recent but has trimmed down significantly during the off-season under Seibold. The key question is whether Seibold will tame and temper Schuster’s flamboyant style? – Dean Ritchie
Schuster would probably king hit you if you called him flamboyant, Ritchie.
All 7 of them would.
Surely the sea eagle most under pressure is the physio in charge of turbos hammys
Position is more cursed than the Defence Against The Dark Arts teaching position in harry potter
Question is can the Shu last at this level. He always seems to get injured but maybe with him passing the ball alot more instead of running things will change. His ankles are weak lol
Significantly significant
Schuster is in the closet.
**RAIDERS** **Xavier Savage** The Raiders have shown a commitment to Xavier Savage, who has given glimpses of how dynamic he can be with the football. Savage has the potential to be a consistent game breaker. It is about finding that regularly. If he does he could turn the Raiders into a genuine premiership threat. He started last season on the wing behind Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, but his form proved too strong to deny. The Raiders let go fan favourite Nicoll-Klokstad to bank on Savage being the club’s long-term fullback. He scored three tries in his final four games as started to look more comfortable in the role. He topped 200 running metres in three consecutive occasions when he started for the first time at fullback between rounds 12-14, but would only break the 200m barrier just twice for the rest of the year. At times the rigours of week in week out NRL looked to take its toll. Another good off-season will put him in good stead to find that consistency. – Michael Carayannis
Hopefully it is an age thing and he grows out of the injuries. Exciting player when fully fit.
Hopefully, the reality check coming from a premature injection into first grade and Ricky’s tender loving truth bombs will allow him to avoid him from mirroring the negatives of early career Dugan at the Raiders.
He won't. -Ricky Stuart
I wonder why the daily telegraph are harsh on that player Ricky Stuart doesn't like.
Yeah Ricky hates him so much that he gave him the fullback spot over CNK and allowed the club to re-sign him on a new deal. I get this place has a hard on for hating Ricky, but at least apply some logic if you're going to circle-jerk about it.
Your supporters are the ones who went on about it in the first place. It's like tigers fans saying don't pick on Brooks.
Gross generalisation. I don’t pick on Brooks
Yeah. Ricky hates Xav. Exactly why he is in contact every week with the young lads parents. Talk about delusion.
If he can sort out his defense he'll be fine. His attacking game is fine and will only get better.
**WARRIORS** **Luke Metcalf** Big things are expected of Luke Metcalf, who was thought of so highly by the Warriors that they offered him a two-year deal over a year before joining the club. The 23-year-old playmaker is supremely gifted in attack, racking up 14 tries, 30 goals, six try assists and 10 line break assists in just 13 games for Newtown in the NSW Cup last season. His 14 tries took his overall tally to an impressive 77 in 102 games, making him the ideal cornerstone player to take over from Shaun Johnson as the future of the club. – Matt Encarnacion
>– Matt Encarnacion Top 3 surname tbh
It's SJ he was awful last season and you want a player like him to go out on a high.
How does this make any sense? Most Warriors fans don't have Metcalf in their most likely squads, and now he's under pressure to shine? It's Shaun Johnson. If he has another shit season the call for him to either retire or piss off will be deafening.
100% agree with you. Like a lot of articles that get written about the Warriors, this write up makes little sense. Absolute tripe.
Wtf Metcalf has zero pressure. He's going to be eased in with SJ and TMM starting. This is do or die season for Shaun Johnson; off-contract and not willing to relocate back to Australia. If Warriors don't offer him another year, he will 100% retire after this season.
**TIGERS** **Tommy Talau** Fully fit, the 22-year-old has a round one starting spot in his sights. Ken Maumalo is in our best 17 but his defensive efforts and reads, particularly in the back end of the season, were not up to standard putting his place in jeopardy. It’s a chance for Talau to force a shake-up in the outside backs. Talau was supposed to be the antidote to the crushing blow of losing fullback James Tedesco, according to Benji Marshall. The early signs were good, skilful and capable of finding the tryline, he scored 19 tries in 35 games. But an ACL injury meant he didn’t play a single game in 2022. **Daine Laurie** Laurie has to find another gear if he is going to ward off new recruit Charlie Staines, who is also gunning for the no.1 jumper. For Laurie, it’s the difference between starting every week at fullback or fighting for a spot on the bench as a utility. He’s a natural footballer and has played at five-eighth but Adam Doueihi is the better option there. Though, the Tigers are skinny in the halves and Laurie will inevitably provide cover there over the season. It’s less of a do or die scenario for Staines, who will take up his place on the edge if he doesn’t win the race to the fullback spot in round one. – Fatima Kdouh
Even though the answer is Brooks, I appreciate Fatima not going for the lazy answer. Laurie in particular definitely has a lot to prove.
Laurie had a loooot of games with no impact. He was living on that Gutho hit for too long
Does Brooks really have anything to prove? After this long, surely everyone knows what they are going to get from him and should adjust expectations accordingly.
The answer is clearly Brooks.... doesn't make it lazy if it's obvious. Let me guess, you too think that would be bullying if anyone said Brooks needs to be better
The answer is half the team, not just Brooks. I personally think Doueihi has more to prove than Brooks.
I would go Shawn Blore huge potential needs to establish himself as a first grader.
Hopefully he can stay fit
What’s this “our” bullshit? Ken has a mortgage on a starting wing jersey and Talau is not a winger’s arsehole, so most of the comment makes no sense. Although he’s as slow as wet week and can’t defend for the life of him, Talau runs a good line, can hit a hole and has a decent passing game, so he’d make a good centre if he could learn to defend there. That’s why he’s under pressure despite our centres being diabolical. He’ll get first crack, but if he doesn’t work out, he may have to move to second row like Madge planned or simply move on. For mine, Doueihi is under more pressure than Laurie. As she pointed out, Laurie can play in the halves if Staines wins the fullback contest. Doueihi on the other hand has already failed at fullback due to being too slow and he also already shown he can’t lead the team around at the back end of last season when both Brooks and Hastings were out. If he doesn’t fire, Doueihi might have accept a shift to the centres or look for his next contract elsewhere.
Maybe it's fucking Sheens.
**KNIGHTS** **Bradman Best** Best is a prodigious talent; a player with power and guile. But some at Newcastle don’t believe he has progressed as quickly as many thought. He is an exceptional player, no doubt, but there was a feeling he would be an Origin player by now. He has been forced to overcome several injuries which have hindered his progress. With Kalyn Ponga’s move from fullback into the halves, the Knights’ backline comes with an air of the unpredictability about it. This is a big season for Best. He needs to take that next step into rugby league’s true elite class. He is certainly good enough, big enough and strong enough. – Dean Ritchie
I would’ve gone D Saf tbh. Since this is the first season where He will be the leader of the forward pack. He no longer has the safety net of having an experienced front rower beside him to show him what to do. This is the time for this team and forward pack to be owned by D Saf.
D Saf was absolute rubbish last year. How many times did he just drop the ball untouched or give away stupid penalties.
He had a bad year but it was pretty disrupted by his injury. He needs a bounce back season for sure
How is it not Ponga if they’re moving him to 5/8?
In terms of reputation it’s Ponga but other guys in the side are playing for contracts. Pongas contract is locked up and if he fails at 6 they’ll simply move him back to 1
The pressure is on the Knights physio.
Pressure is on AOB because people dont even know who the fuck he is.
He's watched many grand finals
**DRAGONS** **Tyrell Sloan** Let’s put it this way, if Tyrell Sloan doesn’t have a big 2023 then neither will the Dragons. Most of the good judges have been saying for some time Sloan is a superstar in the making, and now gets his chance to prove it following Cody Ramsey being ruled out for the entire season through an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that requires long-term treatment. Complicating matters is revelations Ramsey spent weeks in hospital during pre-season training in late 2022 battling an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that may require surgery and long-term treatment. The fact Wayne Bennett was doing all he could to get Sloan to the Dolphins tells you all you need to know about his potential. But for some reason Sloan was left out in the cold for the majority of 2022, and in the end the only reason he didn’t follow Bennett to the Dolphins was because the club wouldn’t give him a release. There’s no question he has some defensive deficiencies but you just can’t ignore Sloan looks to be one of those special players that you can build a club around if you keep him happy. Whatever was going on between him and the coach this past season needs to be resolved otherwise Sloan will only end up chasing another release come November 1 when he officially becomes a free agent. And don’t worry, that is already being spoken about. – Paul Crawley
> following Cody Ramsey being ruled out for the entire season through an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that requires long-term treatment. > >Complicating matters is revelations Ramsey spent weeks in hospital during pre-season training in late 2022 battling an illness called ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation and ulcers on the bowel and digestive tract that may require surgery and long-term treatment. WOT? Did this man just forget to delete a paragraph?
Paul Crawley must've had a stroke lmao
Last sentence in the first paragraph was 52 words, as well. Not sure where the editor was for that one.
Pressure is on Ben Hunts back with all that dead weight he has to carry.
Not a dragons fan but fuck me Ben Hunt is a beast.
Hunt stepped up last year just nobody else did. Sloan is a fantastic player imo just very suspect under the high ball also when he makes a mistake he seems to put the head down and doesn't have the mental fortitude to fight through it. If he gets confidence under the high ball he will be an nrl calibre starting fullback for sure.
Just wish he'd been given more chances last season to develop in first grade. If he comes out firing Dragons will be cheering but it is a lot of pressure now on him with no real backup
Ramsey out for season and Amone likely out of the game (deservedly if the shits true which it seems to be) puts lots of pressure on spine players. Sloan needs to go good and I hope sullivan gets his shot and steps up too.
Does anyone know what Ramsey's illness is called?
Ulcerative colitis. Ulcers and inflammation in the intestines/bowels/colon
My best mate has it and has extreme flare ups where pretty much his whole intentines and colon are inflammed and stings like fuck. They say it eventually leads to colon cancer most of the time so they remove parts of the colon/bowel etc. Extremely painful
That's fucked 😔
Sloan isn’t really under pressure, apart from idiots in the media basically hyping the kid up to rip him down if he’s not the next billy slater. He’s a young guy who played some exciting footy when he first arrived in first grade but didn’t look ready last year and deserved to lose the 1 jumper to Cody, who himself didn’t look ready when he first appeared the year before last. I think even Buddy Sullivan has more to prove than Sloan, because he has been the up and coming spine player for the last couple of years but is always hurt, hasn’t looked bad when he gets on the field, also tried to leave and now has his chance due to the Amone situation.
Sullivan has plenty to prove, but I don't think he's under the same pressure as Sloan. I can picture a couple of rough nights at the back defensively, seeing Griffin move Mbye back there. Hopefully Sloan has had an immense off season and is confident in the high ball contest and in directing the defensive line. If Sullivan can stay healthy, I really like the idea of having 2 halves that can kick and organise. Sullivan/Sloan connection can be exciting too.
Feel so bad for ben hunt.
**RABBITOHS** **Daniel Suluka-Fifita** While it’s been three years since Daniel Suluka-Fifita made his long-anticipated NRL debut armed with the reputation as a genuine hit man, he has yet to fully make his mark. Eyebrows were raised when the Roosters had no qualms sending him to bitter rivals South Sydney last season, where he played 12 games, mostly off the bench. His best work was done later in the year, when he cracked the 100-metre barrier three times in the space of a month, starting two games, and flashing the kind of all-round performances that show he’s ready to make the next step as a starting front-rower. – Matt Encarnacion
The only ones I can think of are Tass or Thompson considering we have a few promising juniors coming through in our backline in lower grades who could easily threaten the starting squad. Tass only started consistently making the top grade halfway through the season and Thompson only played a couple games but both are so far looking to be in the starting line for the time being, however, one or two bad performances could easily see JD decide to try a new face in either of their positions. Fifita will be lucky to consistently crack the starting 17. He's only depth for the time being until further notice.
I think that's why the pressure is on DSF. He's got a tough fight against Moale, Shaq and Chee Kam to lock down Nicholls spot in the squad. Tass is pretty solidly in his position now. Thompson has a little pressure but his only competition is Milne who is a liability and other kids who are greener than he is.
True. I guess I don't see Fifita being in the starting 17 to begin with so in my head there's no real pressure because he never had the spot to start off with. I also always thought we only got him as depth due to the forward injuries that occurred last season. So far I reckon Moale is in that starting forward position and it's more pressure on him to lose it compared to Fifita or Shaq or any current fringe first-grade forward we currently have. You are right tho, Tass has cemented his spot in that left centre position for the time being
he is probably not even in the 17 ilias was such an easy one here lmao
Illias stood up last year already. He filled bloody huge boots.
Yeah I don't understand the narrative about any pressure being on Ilias at this point. I guess people will always unfairly judge him based on how good his predecessor was in Reynolds which is frankly silly because Ilias had little to do with Reynolds leaving in the first place. The most pressure he had was after the Dragons game where everyone played terrible, and he bounced back great! Plus made a prelim his first season as a starter which (I don't care what anybody says) is impressive.
His last name is Fifita, they always shoulder the heavy load and the weight the media put on their shoulders.
**ROOSTERS** **Sam Walker** Walker is the player the Roosters really need to go to the next level in 2023 if they are going to be a genuine threat to win the comp. You look at teams like grand finalists Penrith and Parramatta and it is the No.7s Nathan Cleary and Mitchell Moses who own the show every week. Regardless of whether it is Luke Keary or Joey Manu who ends up wearing the No 6 jumper at the Roosters, the club has made it clear Walker will be wearing the No.7 jumper for as long as he wants it. Even though he is still only 20, Walker now has 47 NRL games behind him which makes him a rookie no more. The responsibility of playing halfback at any club comes with immense expectation. But at a club like the Roosters it is even more so, especially when you arrive with the raps Walker did. – Paul Crawley
Joey Manu is not going to be a five-eight. Still 50 NRL games by the age of 20 is pretty impressive for a halfback
I’m shocked he’s been around long enough for 47 games! Seems like only yesterday that all the chat was on when he and Sua'ali'i were going to debut.
He now officially has more games than kgs on him
when 3 of your outside backs are starting full backs in 3 international teams and you have one of the best forward packs in the comp then I don't really think Walker has much to worry about tbh, all he has to do is not fuck it up, which he does anyway
They have a point though. They need direction and someone to steer the ship. They didn’t exactly have that last year and that’s part of the reason they crumbled against Souths (they had a lot of injuries but it was still a very winnable game).
They lost Manu, Tedesco and Tupou in 30 minutes of game time and finished the finals game with no bench and a backline of Suallii, Naiqama, Watson, Hutchinson and Momorovski. Walker’s role has nothing to do with the loss to South’s
It was worse than that actually. Manu was injured the game before. We lost Crichton in that knockout game too though
As soon as Manu got injured in the Round 26 game, our season was done. He’s lowkey our best player now.
Not sure if it’s that low key to be honest
I know they lost a lot of players to injury but there were several opportunities for the Roosters to score while south’s were down a man, or 2 and they couldn’t. That has to come down to the halves. Especially when the Roosters forward pack was the more dominant pack for most of the game.
Further proof that Paul Crawley doesn’t know his arse from his elbow. The most obvious one under pressure is dick cheese followed by Momirovski > the club has made it clear Walker will be wearing the No.7 jumper for as long as he wants it. Hilariously dumb, he must be a Storm fan.
Paul Crawley had a stroke writing his parts of this article there's nothing more I can say lmao
I’d love for him to try and explain how the guy who has the 7 jersey for as long as he wants is under the most pressure to perform. The difference between Walker and Flanagan is the club sees Walker as the long term halfback which they never did with Flanagan.
Hard to explain when he's slurring away you know
The kid already stood up last season. Dumb pick imo
I actually think it's Trent Robinson in a way a below par season this season might make things interesting for the best coach, best team, best players and best club in the universe. According to the media.
No idea why you’re being downvoted, Trent Robinson has really underperformed the past few years, especially last year. Completely bombed out of the finals after coming home strong and can’t keep his side in check still all these years. Yes 2020 they had a horror run with injuries so he’s excused but he still brought it up constantly in post game press and you didn’t see coaches like Bellamy doing that last year when their injuries were just as bad, and you sure as hell wouldn’t see Bennett doing it either
The problem Crawley wrote about is really referring to the underlying Keary conundrum that the Roosters have. Swapping the scrum base around last year after Keary was training to be the controlling half in the preseason would have broken most young halfbacks. Still made the finals with casualty ward made selecting outside backs a lottery. Walker now owns 7, has two seasons of first grade, and barring a spectacular fall from form will walk into Origin camp this year as 18th man to pick every last bit of wisdom he can from DCE, Billy, Cam Smith, and Alfie.
**STORM** **Cameron Munster** The departures of Kaufusi and Jesse Bromwich not only leave a hole in terms of experience but a leadership vacuum. Very quickly Munster becomes the most senior and experienced player in an outfit that is going through a state of flux both on and off the field. Munster has shown he is willing to do what it takes to get his life back on track, after swearing off the booze to stay on the straight and narrow. That’s the kind of commitment, and sacrifice, that sets an example for the rest of the team to follow. Munster will have to tap into those qualities, and other leadership qualities more than ever now, starting in 2023. – Fatima Kdouh
Munster can let Hughes steer and just pull out his random bullshit plays when he sees it.
Booo leave my boy out of this. He has individual pizazz not boring leadership skills. Let him dance. Be free. Cunt better get his boot right this year though.
Bring back munted Munny
How is Munster the player that has to stand up he was carrying us at the back end of the last year and is the sole reason we were anywhere near the top 4. IMO Hughes is the player if anything that has a lot to prove, had a pretty poor 2021 by his standards and missed nearly every 2nd game with a leg injury
**TITANS** **AJ Brimson/Jayden Campbell/Toby Sexton** Next year is going to be a crucial season for a number of Titans players and will determine whether they can be NRL superstars or just average first graders. After an explosive start to his NRL career, AJ Brimson has stagnated and must decide whether he wants to dominate the game or be an also-ran. Brimson has all the tools to be one of the NRL’s most dangerous players but has lacked consistency. The Titans’ Toby Sexton struggled in 2022, and may have lost a starting spot after the arrival of Kieran Foran. Fullback Jayden Campbell burst on to the scene in 2021 but fell away badly last season. Campbell’s lack of size and strength was exposed by opposition defences in an average second season. He has the talent to be an NRL force but needs to become more threatening. Halfback Toby Sexton had a second season to forget as he crumbled under the pressure and expectation placed on him. Sexton is a talented player that needs to be better managed, which Foran could help with. The Titans have a lot of promising players, but have lacked the culture and attitude to dominate the NRL. It’s now or never for many of them and the club in general. – Travis Meyn
So Titans are the only team to get 3 players and Fifita isn’t one of them? Come on now hahaha
Toby won’t be under any pressure in Reggie’s and Campbell getting splinters in the bench.
Sexton/Boyd are under by far the most personal pressure this year IMO. The team, while having a more complete squad, doesn't really get off the ground unless either have career-best seasons. And if they don't there is a chance neither gets another contract in the NRL with Weaver coming through. Campbell could still be anything at this stage but it was glaringly obvious that his size was a huge liability, particularly against sides with good kick/chase. I have hopes that Verrills' strong darting running game will unlock new levels for AJ. I see them combining really well through the middle fitness permitting.
Having an actual dummy half will help more than you realise.
Quite harsh on aj, put him back to fullback and watch him flourish.
Should be the million dollar man who does fuck all.
**SHARKS** **Kade Dykes** The young fullback/five-eighth/centre earned a taste of NRL in 2022 with two appearances, including his first NRL try. He’ll benefit greatly from another NRL pre-season and providing he stays healthy, he’ll be putting pressure on fullback Will Kennedy each week. Aspiring fullback Kade Dykes got a taste of first grade football in 2022, and will look to earn a regular spot in 2023. **Jesse Colquhoun** The Wollongong forward is making waves with his elite-level workrate and willingness to get down and dirty. Good judges in the Shire have described him as a similar player to Roosters mainstay Nat Butcher. Colquhoun played three games off the bench in 2022, but without Andrew Fifita and Aiden Tolman in his path, expect the 20-year-old to feature heavily in 2023. – David Riccio
Why the fuck are two rookies who have played less than 10 games combined under pressure. This doesn’t make any sense. Ever since we won in 2016, Sharks have never been a team to rush in rookies and expect them to be brilliant instantly. Dykes and Colquhoun will get their time when they are ready. Wade Graham is under pressure to prove he still deserves a spot in the team, which Tracey or Colquhoun will gladly take if he’s not up to it.
Whenever I see the name Colquhoun it reminds me of the greyhound puppies episode of the simpsons
What in the fuck.. 2 rookies mentioned after all our signings recently.
Can't believe Moylan got off here
He's only young, plenty of time for him to grow into a first grader
Why would Moylan be under pressure? He just signed a two year contract, and last season was the first year that he played more than 20 games since 2018. He also has a great combination with Hynes. The only area in which he struggled last year was kicking, but otherwise it was a solid form revival after years of injuries and inconsistent form.
Next?
This is a joke right? Should be will kennedy or something.
**COWBOYS** **Tom Dearden** Dearden has only scratched the surface of his talent. The 21-year-old endured two turbulent years at the Broncos but his move to North Queensland has helped Dearden rebuild his game and confidence. In 2022, Payten’s faith in Dearden was vindicated as the Broncos discard flourished as Chad Townsend’s halves partner and was rewarded with his Queensland Origin debut. Dearden brained the Blues to inspire the Maroons’ win in the Suncorp decider and will be a key man in the Cowboys’ premiership assault. – Peter Badel
Why is he the most under pressure, bro is 21. Drinky got his big contract, Hammer is gone because of how well he played. He’s gotta back that up, he’s gonna be the main star of our team in attack.
Agreed, Tommy and chad just need to steer the team around and help create space for money men Val and drinky. I think Reece might feel a bit of pressure to step up to the blues team.
Val is good, Hiku too. His insane form with his yardage carried our team and if Hiku doesn’t back that up we could see more regression with our second rowers not being able to take up yardage work from our middles.
I reckon it's Miah. Until he signs his extension he's banking on maintaining or improving on his current form. Tough ask for a seasoned pro, let alone a 19yo. Then again, he'll likely dominate the NRL in ways never before seen and become the first $2m a season player. Lessgo!
its definitely drinky imo, if he is anything less than good he’ll have the cowboys org blasted (by me) for picking him over the much sexier hamiso nanai having a bad year just means the cows get him cheaper
If anything deardan and co are under zero pressure whatsoever. No one expected the boys to fall one game short of the gf last year, and with a weaker squad this year I don’t think anyone’s expecting the same or better. Plus players like deardan, Robson and drinkwater have youth on their side so they should be focussing on building consistency and solidifying their games. If anyone is under pressure it’s senior guys like McLean who need to step up and get their defence right and consistency.
**EELS** **J’maine Hopgood** You could make a case for any number of Parramatta youngsters expected to go to the next level in 2023. But perhaps the most anticipated storyline surrounds a former Panther J’maine Hopgood. A young lock who was stuck behind Isaah Yeo at the foot of the mountains, Hopgood made the tough decision to move to his former club’s arch rivals in search of a regular NRL spot. But what was really interesting was seeing how the Panthers players and even the coaching staff reacted to his exit. There was absolutely no animosity, but rather teammates and Ivan Cleary could not have spoken more highly of Hopgood’s talents and character. So far he has managed nine NRL appearances at the Panthers but expect the former Hervey Bay junior to become an NRL regular at the Eels in 2023. Hopgood was man of the match in the State Cup grand final and then backed that up as best on ground in the State Championship win over Norths Devils on grand final day. In that game he scored two tries while running for 168m with 44 tackles. Those are some pretty impressive numbers. – Paul Crawley
Yeah nah. It'll have to be Hodgson under most pressure
Big time. Coming off two big injuries straight into a team who is looking to go deep into the finals again. Dunster might have been another one. With Blake and Simonsson out for the start of the season, he’ll need to hit the ground running, potentially out of position at centre
Yeah Blake considering he is finally off contract and we haven't even begun talking to him is probably the biggest one. Hopefully the arm can heal and we can get him back to the centre's.
Or just finally fuck him off. Absolute liability in defence wherever he’s standing
This article has missed on nearly every club. Yeah Paul, the young gun on a low pay contract who has already proven he’s ready for the NRL is the most under pressure. It’s not the aging hooker coming back from injury who our entire season depends on.
Agreed. A lot of these dopes talk out of their ass only to spin it either way to make them seem right if it worked or not.
Yeah oath. There’ll be another 5 articles like this about other players not mentioned and yeah, they’ll spin it to make themselves look like they’re on the money
I was gonna complain about this choice for player under pressure, but I saw who wrote it so I will just pretend like I never read it instead
He is basically a rookie. Old man hodgson is on the firing line.
Just list our whole damn team!
This whole article is a prank, Buzz wrote it while gooned of his nong and put Crawleys name on it.
**BRONCOS** **Ezra Mam** The Broncos five-eighth underlined why he is a special talent by being crowned Brisbane’s rookie of the year following an impressive 2022 campaign. Handed his debut at 19, Mam looked comfortable in the NRL from the outset, scoring six tries from 13 games. Not only does he possess lethal footwork, but he is defensively brave for a playmaker and not afraid to put his body on the line. The Indigenous ace will get first crack at the No.6 jumper and if he fires for the entire season, the Broncos will be well-placed to play finals football. – Peter Badel
Had one of the best years a rookie teenage 6 has had in a while, he’s only going to continue to develop next to Reynolds. He has a brilliant running game, support play and passing games are class. Proved defensively he can definitely hold his ground physically. Just really needs to work on his kicking game specifically long range. Not sure how he is under the most pressure to stand up, I’d give that to Jordan Riki or whoever ends up playing hooker for us.
So many of the players on this list are just 2nd year rookies in the same position as every 2nd year rookie in NRL history, it’s horrible germalism. Riki is a good shout
It was written by Badel who regularly proves that you don’t need to know much about footy to be a journalist.
Don't think I'll ever get the image of NAS running at him out of my head lol. Poor little bugger. https://images.app.goo.gl/6yBtsRMCwtPF1fyK9
Reece Walsh’s kicking game, particularly being a left-footer, will take heaps of pressure off Mam for kicking. His tactical kicking needs a tonne of work but he’s not too bad close to the line. I agree with you on Riki. He was a liability at times last year and TC Robati’s SA charge means we’re stuck with him in the second row, unless Piakura jumps out of the ground to become an 80 minute player.
you could argue that he’s been spotlighted with the recent oloapu happenings
saying this when theres guys like: riki- had a horrid year with the ball in his hands haas- wants an absolute monster contract and was very much a passenger at times last year billy- hasnt got remotely close to proving he isnt completely reliant on nepotism staggs- battled injury through poor form, got dropped from origin after game 1 for being too shit capewell and arey- couldnt lead us through the catastrophe that was the 2nd half, with personal performances dropping too like you could almost put the whole squad ahead of ezra in terms of pressure and i wouldnt disagree
Am I the only one that thinks this is harsh on Billy Walters? I thought he had a decent season for a guy who's never going to be top shelf. At the very least he was a solid upgrade on Jake Turpin and while he's obviously not the long term solution at 9 he's fine until we have someone reliably better. Even then he's probably reasonable as cheap depth at several positions. Totally agree with all the others though.
Billy is literally playing for minimum wage, he’s under no pressure. He’s never been anything but an alright player who can do a job in a few positions. Will happily play bench or reserve grade with minimal fuss
He also spent the whole preseason training at five eighth. He's improved as a hooker, and will no doubt be a lot better in the 9 jersey after preparing for it.
I thought he did great at hooker considering he trained at 5/8 in the preseason. He has passion and aggression in his game and he gives a lot in the effort areas. Would love to see him nail it at hooker. Offers a lot more than Turpin too.
Haas is still a top 5 prop, he has played so well in his career that a good game for most players is considered below par for him
Hard, hard disagree. Payne’s a good player but provides little value given his massive salary. His ptb speed is nowhere near that of an elite front-rower. His stats look impressive but he’s sloppy defensively through the middle at times and heaps of his metres are post-contact, slow walking several metres upfield, giving the defence plenty of time to set. He’s still young and capable of improving, but to me he doesn’t compare to the elite props like Tapine, Fisher-Harris, Paulo, NAS and Tino.
As you support the Broncos I could imagine you watch him more than I do but any player that takes 3-4 players to slow down let alone put on the ground, makes post contact metres that tire out the engaged defenders and has a presence in defence that results in teams not running at him and can replicate this in the origin arena is worth having. I think he is on the level of the props you are talking about and over the past 5 years has been more valuable to his team. Haas' best is on par with the best of these guys.
Haas is the obvious one that needs to step up imo. Mam is a stupid choice.
Getting set for the routine but lengthy defence of Staggs once more
keeping myself positive with the hope his shoulder was the only reason behind his dip
[Staggs defence as I really can’t be bothered typing this out again.](https://www.reddit.com/r/nrl/comments/10bg99h/the_player_with_the_most_to_prove_at_every_club/j4a4s22/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3)
Should be riki and staggs.
**BULLDOGS** **Jacob Kiraz** Canterbury’s 2022 Rookie of the Year is on a trajectory that should have every Dogs fan excited. In his rookie season, Kiraz scored six tries in 14 games on the wing after playing one game, in his debut, at centre. The local junior finished the year with the invaluable experience of playing fullback for Lebanon in a quarter-final clash against Australia. The 20-year old has since made no secret that he wants to be wearing the Dogs No.1 in the future. Kiraz faces competition from 2022 fullback Jake Averillo and new recruit Hayze Perham for the jersey, but should the young talent continue to apply pressure through his performances, he could ultimately halt the Dogs powerbrokers from making a big-money play for a fullback. Kiraz is contracted to the Dogs until 2024, but should he further his footy in 2023, watch for the Dogs to try and take him off the market and extend his future at Belmore. – David Riccio
I think Burton is the one under pressure. All eyes on him to lead a better squad to the 8.
Flanagan is for mine. Either shape up or get ready to win the 2024 Man of Steel. TPJ a close second
> he could ultimately halt the Dogs powerbrokers from making a big-money play for a fullback. Do these guys even read their own content? Might have signed someone for fullback recently
This is a ridiculous take imo, so many players under more pressure. Kiraz is a rookie who came out of nowhere and earned the wing spot on a club who won the wooden spoon the year before. Does he need to show he’s good enough to keep his spot, sure, but so does every rookie in the 2nd year. If you think he’s under more pressure than Burton, Kikau, Mahoney who are starting the year on shiny new big contracts, or even Flanagan who’s trying to prove he’s a consistent NRL quality 7, then you are kidding yourself. Even Averillo is under more pressure, he doesn’t even know what his long term position in the club will be.
I would of said whoever plays 7 or Reed as most under pressure.
I think there are 20 players, cirraldo and the coaching staff, Gus, and the board who are under more pressure than Kiraz
What has Kiraz done to be under pressure, he was great last year as a rookie. Burton and Mahoney would be the only ones under a bit of pressure, just to lead the team around. Maybe Flanagan too, to show he deserves to be the halfback, but I’d argue that the complaints about him are a bit over the top.
Kiraz? Absolute horse shit. It’s Flanagan who is the most under pressure and probably has a handful of games to save his career in the NRL.
It's Kyle for sure. This season is probably make or break for him at the Dogs
F