Each NRL clubs best rookie prospect for 2016

January 8, 2016February 15, 2016 Granty

We’d like to introduce a new blogger to the team! Meet Granty – he’s a football nut. Even more so, he’s a fantasy football nut! So much so that he’s started his own blog called Fantasy Football Nuts (great name right?!). This year he’s going to be your eyes and ears on the ground to spot the next big thing so that you can draft them before your mates do.

This first article will focus on the best rookie prospects at each NRL club. You’ve heard of Latrell Mitchell and Tevita Pangai-Junior, but there is a sprinkling of gold amongst the rest of the squads below.

As always make sure you leave a comment to make Granty feel loved by the NRLCEO community and ask questions for future editions.

BRONCOS – JAI ARROW (Lock)

The 19-year old had 18 games where he ran for more then 150 metres in the National Youth Cup (NYC) in 2015. Arrow won Best Forward, Player’s Player and Player of the Year for the Broncos Under-20s team. With Dodds and Garbutt departing the club, it leaves room for Arrows on Brisbane’s bench. A rookie to keep your eye on.

BULLDOGS – MARCELLO MONTOYA (Wing)

Marcello is a lightning quick winger who broke the line 23 times in the NYC last season, scoring 14 tries in 17 games. Player to keep in mind if named for the Bulldogs in Rd.1 on the wing. Should get his opportunity in 2016.

COWBOYS – BRADEN UELE (Front-Row)

It will be a hard task to break into the reigning premiers forward pack, but the 20-year-old prop made close to 12 metres per run in the NYC, which ended up earning a spot in the Queensland Cup in 2015. Played Junior Kiwis this year and has headed north from the Sydney Roosters. One to watch.

DRAGONS – MATTHEW DUFTY (Fullback)

This kid will play first grade and will play it very soon. Very talented back who played in the pre-season trial match for the Dragons last year and impressed coaches. Didn’t manage to crack into the first grade side during regular season. Scored 11 tries in the NYC for the Dragons in 2015.

EELS – TYRELL FUIMAONO (Second-Row)

Named in the NSWRL Under-20s pathway squad, the high-powered and productive second-rower loves to bust through the line or hit the line and get away an offload. Fuimaoni averaged over 160 metres per game and threw 25 offloads. Still eligible for the under-20s, but expect opportunity in first grade to come his way in 2016.

KNIGHTS – LACHLAN FITZGIBBON (Second-Row)

Finally, Newcastle Knight fans have something to be excited about. Fitzgibbon dominated in the Knights NSW Cup-winning side last season, winning their Player of the Year award. Debuted with the Knights in Rounf 21 against the Dragons. Expect to get more playing time with new coach Nathan Brown taking the reins in 2016. Big future for this young kid.

PANTHERS – TYRONE MAY (Fullback/Five-Eighth)

Incoming Coach Anthony Griffin would be excited about having Tyrone May on his list. The kid prefers to play fullback, but unless there is an injury to Matt Moylan, that will not happen. Set up 21 tries and broke through 65 tackles in the NYC last season. The Panthers have to find somewhere in their back-line to utilize this kid as he is going to be a star.

RABBITOHS – DAMON GOOLAGONG (Centre/Wing)

By-passed the Under-20s and went straight into NSW Cup, scoring two tries on debut against Manly. Strong-running centre with a good build and plenty of pace. Goolagong scored 13 tries in 17 games last year, breaking the line 15 times. A rookie to keep a look out for in the 2016 NRL season.

RAIDERS – TEVITA PANGAI-JUNIOR (Back Row/Front Row)

Damaging back-rower who has the explosive power that enables him to bust the defensive line regularly. Represented the Junior Maroons and Kangaroos in 2015. With the Raiders looking for front-rowers to complement a young pack brimming with potential, they may have the answer in Tevita Pangai.

ROOSTERS – LATRELL MITCHELL (Fullback)

Considered one of the game’s biggest up-and-coming talents, the Roosters have pounced early and wrapped up his signature until the end of 2019. Tipped to eventually take Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s spot at fullback in 2016 and has been labeled `the next Greg Inglis‘. That’s big wraps. The No.1 rookie to watch in 2016.

SEA EAGLES – LIAM KNIGHT (Front Row)

Manly fans get excited, the 20-year-old averaged 35 tackles and over 190 metres per game. The hard working Knight won Manly’s under-20s Best and Fairest award. A pre-season injury (broke foot) may delay Knights NRL debut, but fantasy coaches get excited – this machine will play in 2016 for the Sea Eagles.

SHARKS – HARRISON MULLER (Front Row)

Muller took home the ‘Gavin Miller’ player of the year award for Cronulla in the NYC. The front-rower averaged 25 tackles a game last season and also averaged 10 metres per run. Injuries to Gallen or Fifita may open the door for their young work-horse.

STORM– NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA (Front Row)

The 20-year-old managed to play 11 games for the storm in 2015, his power, speed and raw potential already has the Storm excited. Asofa-Solomona finished the year strongly as he played a part in six out of Melbourne’s last seven games, including two finals. Played for the Junior Kiwis in 2014 and 2015, the youngster can seriously play the game. Asofa-Solomona should get a lot more opportunities in 2016, always handy to have a human wrecking ball coming off your bench.

TIGERS – JJ Felise (Front Row)

Felise has been tipped to be our rookie of the season for the West Tigers. On six occasions in the NYC season Felise ran at least 170 metres, including a massive 280-metre effort in Rd 23 against Newcastle – crazy! With the loss of Martin Taupau, Felise is ear-marked for his replacement and might be the forward the Tigers desperately need.

TITANS – GREG LELEISIUAO (Centre/Wing)

The 18-year-old only played eight matches for the Gold Coast under-20s team and scored seven tries. Leleisiuao has freakish speed and the ability to break lines. Has a big future, wouldn’t be surprised to see him debut this season for the Titans with the departure of James Roberts. Keep your eyes on this Kid.

WARRIORS – BUNTY AFOA (Front Row)

Winner of the Vodafone NYC Player of the Year and winner of the prestigious Sonny Fai Medal at the Vodafone Warriors’ 2015 NYC awards. Averaging 111 metres and 29 tackles a game Afoa is a raging bull. The 19-year-old is still eligible for the NYC next year after two impressive seasons in the competition, but Coach McFadden may call on him sooner.

NRLCEO