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.

3. Michael Morgan

Michael Morgan is a wonderful player but he returns from injury as the club's main man following the retirement of Johnathan Thurston.

Morgan was absolutely magnificent in 2017 while Thurston was out through injury so he has it in him, but the side in 2019 will be vastly different to that he took a Grand Final.

He has lost plenty of experience in front of him and out wide, although he does have a pretty handy weapon wearing number one in Ben Barba coming in.

Given his 2018 season ended early through injury it will be a long and slow return to the game for the super star number six.

That said, he will need to return at almost full tilt given he is now, undisputed as the Cowboys number one attacking weapon.

I love watching Morgan play and have no doubt he will handle it, but a few early losses could see some serious chatter up north.

BATHURST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Michael Morgan of the Cowboys warms up before the round nine NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the North Queensland Cowboys at Carrington Park on May 4, 2018 in Bathurst, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

41 COMMENTS

  1. 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!