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.
2. James Maloney
James Maloney didn't have a bad 2018 season by any stretch but the simple fact that the man he replaced in Matt Moylan aced him in the semi finals last season means big pressure on Maloney.
The multiple time premiership winner was brought to the foot of the mountains to deliver a title to the Panthers.
He fell well short in 2018. Although it is very unfair to say he was the one responsible for the side not lifting the trophy, the fact remains the Panthers walked the much younger Moylan looking for instant success.
Maloney had his pants pulled down in that semi final and was very much outplayed by all three halves on the field. That's not what he was brought in to do (obviously).
The Panthers have a genuine title-winning squad but they need Maloney at his very best.
The Sharks won the title on the back of Maloney brilliance. His follow up season was below par and the side looked nothing like their 2016 selves.
He is arguably the most important player to any sides fortunes. Pressure.
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!