Every NRL player has to ply their trade under pressure. Whether it be the pressure of their coach, their fans, or the players themselves, everyone expects the best out of every player across the competition.
That said, there are certain players who really need to shine in 2019.
That may sound silly, as every player needs to play well, but the below five players will enter the new year under increased scrutiny and pressure.
This list could be 100 players long, but as I see it right now, these five players are looking to have huge off-seasons so they can hit the ground running in 2019.
4. Shaun Johnson
Though no fault of his own, the New Zealand mega star enters 2019 as one of the most under pressure players. That said, pressure is nothing new for the man who was literally the face of the game in his native country.
Johnson joins a side under intense media scrutiny as the side's main play-maker. His arrival has shifted the Sharks biggest attacking threat from 2018 in Matt Moylan out of his preferred number six role.
The star number seven (or possibly six) will be expected to immediately head the ground running after becoming the Shire club's new great hope.
His kicking game will massively improve the side, while he will also take over the kicking duties. It will be his responsibility to provide another experienced head in a side that is sans Luke Lewis (retired) and Wade Graham (injury).
Unfairly, Johnson will also be compared to Valentine Holmes given that he has 'directly' replaced him.
Johnson can handle it but the media cameras very rarely leave Shark Park. He will need to perform well as the Sharks have signed him to deliver a premiership. Big ask in the current environment.
You keep pushing for Pearce to be the SOO halfback. You have also said when Cronk leaves , Pearce will be back at the Roosters.
So obviously you do love him as a player.
Even with Keary at 5/8th, the Roosters thought their best chance of winning the premiership was to buy Cronk & punt Pearce. So that proved to be correct.
As for the SOO results. Pearce has a dreadful record as halfback for NSW.
I didn’t say I thought Cleary played exceptionally well in attack.
Still NSW won the series. First time out with a rookie halfback. Winning 2-1 beats losing yet again.
Pearce has lost so many times playing for NSW , that losing has been conditioned into him . He expects to lose!
So again, you need to go with someone who doesn’t just expect to lose. Brad Fittler was right….
Get the picture!