The one young gun all 16 NRL teams have to look forward to in the future

Penrith Panthers (Nathan Cleary) With the Penrith Panthers having a very disappointing and underwhelming start to the season, it’s hard to see which of their young player will emerge as a legitimate star. The likes of Nathan Cleary, Viliame Kikau and James Fisher-Harris have all underperformed in the first 10 rounds of the NRL season. Although there might be a lot of turmoil in the locker room this isn’t an excuse for a 2-10 start. So, my selection is Nathan Cleary. Cleary had a tremendous season last year, earning his first State of Origin Cap and led the Panthers to 5th spot on the ladder before being bounced out by the Sharks in the semi-finals. Although Clearly has taken a step back this year, I believe with the absence of Maloney this weekend and playing with his old halves partner Jarome Luai, Clearly will strike some form to put question in Fitler’s mind for Origin selection. [caption id="attachment_36860" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 31: Nathan Cleary of the Panthers warms up during the round 25 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Penrith Panthers at AAMI Park on August 31, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)[/caption] Gold Coast Titans: (AJ Brimson) The Gold Coast Titans have definitely been one of the most frustrating teams to watch in 2019. On paper they're not a bad side, with many players to look forward to emerging but this team just keeps finding a way to lose and blow big leads. With this in mind, the rookie speedster AJ Brimson has had his chance to shine. The young gun from the Gold Coast has been a bright spot for this struggling Titans team. His ability to create something out of nothing is up there with some of the best in the league, partnered with his blinding pace is something all Gold Coast fans should be looking forward to. When Gordon gets back, expect to see him on the bench. But as the years progress AJ Brimson will become a household name. [caption id="attachment_44382" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 09: AJ Brimson of the Titans scores a try during the round nine NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on May 09, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs: (Jack Cogger) The Bulldogs have a number of young pieces that scream star potential in the first ten rounds of the season. Whether it be mini Jamal Idris, Jayden Okunbor or there youngster fullback Nick Meaney, the cream of the crop is there newfound five-eight, Jack Cogger. Since coming into the side, Cogger, has had an immediate impact resulting in some promising signs for the Bulldogs. Cogger has been praised by all his teammates and coaching staff for his ability to direct the team around the paddock. The bulldogs have little expectation for this season but expect Cogger’s play to result in some wins for the blue and white. [caption id="attachment_31151" align="alignnone" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Jack Cogger of the Knights in action during the round 25 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Newcastle Knights at GIO Stadium on August 25, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys: (Gideon Gela-Mosby) So far in 2019, the Cowboys haven’t really had many young stars emerge as potential building blocks for their franchise. Mitchell Dunn off there bench has looked good in patches, Tom Opicic has looked promising starting at centre, Enari Tuala has been in and out of the side a lot, but I’m going to go with someone who is playing their first game of 2019 this weekend, fan favourite Gideon Gela-Mosby. Mosby was instrumental in their Auckland 9’s win back in 2014 but since then has struggled to get a start in top side. With the injury to Ben Hampton, Mosby is expected to have the winger position on lock for weeks to come, where he can really cement his spot in the top side. Expect Mosby to be very entertaining for North Queensland fans and spark this team who are beginning to find some form. [caption id="attachment_28960" align="alignnone" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Kalyn Ponga celebrates with Gideon Gela-Mosby of the Cowboys after scoring a try during the round four NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the North Queensland Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium on March 25, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] St. George Illawarra: (Blake Lawrie and Zac Lomax) With the Dragons having a mixed start to the beginning of the year, they are one win away from turning their season around. With injuries throughout the first 10 rounds it has given both young guns Blake Lawrie and Zac Lomax starting sports in the Red V. I couldn’t split the two and after watching them in the 2018 finals series, it has made me very confident in this decision. Lawrie is an extremely gutsy player who plays with a lot of heart and has started the season off very well and has earned his starting spot, pushing veterans like Korbin Sims and Jeremy Latimore to the bench. Lomax on the other hand has only found himself in the starting spot the last few weeks because of injuries. The 19-year-old has been showing off his ability, playing almost anywhere coach, Paul McGregor puts him. Lomax is finally been promoted to the starting fullback role this weekend after Matt Dufty has been dropped. With Lawrie putting pen to paper and resigning with the club as well as Lomax getting the starting one jersey, dragons fans have a lot to look forward to in the future. [caption id="attachment_43446" align="alignnone" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Zac Lomax of the Dragons watches on during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Brisbane Broncos: (Payne Haas) This choice was simple. Payne Haas has been a weapon of mass destruction for the Brisbane Broncos since returning to the side after suspension and has easily becoming one of the most promising young players in the NRL. Haas is currently averaging 160+ metres per game, to go along with 36 tackles and 3.4 tackle breaks. I love this kid and think he deserves his shot at Origin. The Broncos just need to ensure that this young man stays out of trouble off the field so that he can be maximised whilst playing. With Haas being the future of the Broncos and leading this young forward pack, expect to see many more wins coming the Broncos way in the back end of this season with Haas leading the charge. [caption id="attachment_44341" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 10: Payne Haas of the Broncos is tackled during the round nine NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on May 10, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors: (Patrick Herbert) With the emergence of Patrick Herbert, coach Steven Kearny has been forced to remove international star Solomona Kata out of the line-up. Herbert has only just made his way into the team this season and has not disappointed. Herbert has been a huge part of the Warriors success over the last few weeks and is forming a nice little combination with new teammate Kodi Nikorima. Expect Herbert to be a Kiwi international in the next few years and become one of the most dominate centres in the game with his outstanding ability in both aspects of the game. [caption id="attachment_44383" align="alignnone" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 29: Patrick Herbert runs through drills during a Warriors NRL training session at Mount Smart Stadium on April 29, 2019 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla sharks: (Briton Nikora) Much like Payne Haas for the Brisbane Broncos, this selection was very easy. Briton Nikora has bursted onto the scene in 2019 for the Sharks forming a lethal combination on the right edge with Shaun Johnson. The sharks started the season hot - with this pair leading the charge. Since Johnsons injury, Nikora hasn’t been playing his best footy, but when Johnson returns, every oppositions left edge should be extremely worried. I expect Nikora to keep having a tremendous rookie season, winning the rookie of the year award and become a Kiwi international possibly by the end of the year if not in years to come. This kid is destined for great things in the future and the sharkies have found a gem which will prove to play a big part in their finals campaign this season. [caption id="attachment_42612" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Briton Nikora of the Sharks scores a try during the round two NRL match between the Cronulla Sharks and the Gold Coast Titans at Shark Park on March 23, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)[/caption] Paramatta Eels: (Reed Mahoney) The Paramatta Eels have had a very up and down start to the season, luckily finding themselves in the top 8. This has been due to some tremendous play of young guns Mitchell Moses, Maika Sivo and Shaun Lane. But I believe the impact Reed Mahoney is having on this side is much more than anybody else. This young kid has a lot of potential and a bright future ahead with this club. Mahoney has added the perfect dynamic to this big Eels forward pack and complements both halves very well. His impact and role in the team was best represented when coach, Brad Arthur moved him to the bench for a game which resulted in the side getting beaten by 54 points. I expect the Eels to be a top 8 side this season, knocking off some heavy weights whilst getting there and for Mahoney to be in talk of the next young Queensland hooker. [caption id="attachment_43844" align="alignnone" width="1024"] PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Reed Mahoney of the Eels passes during the round one NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Parramatta Eels at Panthers Stadium on March 17, 2019 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] West Tigers: (Alex Twal) The West Tigers have had a very good start to 2019, one many didn’t expect coming. With old timers Robbie Farah leading the charge, he’s taking some very talent young forwards with him. Ryan Matterson, Luke Garner and Alex Twal have helped contribute heavily to the success of this Tigers team. These three young players have lead to the Tigers to the 5th best defensive rating in the competition and 9th best offensive efficiency in the league. It was a very hard choice to split these three and just choice one, but I have gone with the Lebanese international, Alex Twal. Twal is a big strong, hard nosed front rower who is always looking for work. Himself and Robbie Farah have created a dynamic duo in the middle of the field. Twal is an 80-minute player which is very uncommon in the modern game. I expect Twal to continue growing as a player and help the Tigers secure a top 8 finish. [caption id="attachment_41407" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 23: Alex Twal of the Tigers makes a break during the round 24 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Manly Sea Eagles at Campbelltown Sports Stadium on August 23, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Newcastle Knights: (Kalyn Ponga) Anybody who watches the Knights know how easy of a decision this is. Kalyn Ponga is quickly becoming one the most well-known players in the game and one of the game's best. With lightening speed and foot work that could break anybody ankles, Ponga is the best young gun on this list. The Knights have surrounding him with great talent and are letting him play his natural game. Ponga’s move to fullback was a genius decision after his experiment at five-eight wasn’t resulting in wins. The Knights are one of the most entertaining teams in the NRL at the moment and look destined for big things in the near future. [caption id="attachment_41459" align="alignnone" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 23: Kalyn Ponga of the Knights looks to pass during the NRL trail match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Newcastle Knights at WIN Stadium on February 23, 2019 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] Manly Sea Eagles: (Lachlan Croker) Manly have been the most surprising team so far in the NRL, knocking off heavyweights Canberra and South Sydney, plugging their way to 5th spot on the ladder. With injuries plaguing this side it has forced many players to step up and emerge themselves as NRL quality starters. Lachlan Croker and Kane Elgey have formed a great halves combination which has resulted in wins for the club. Unfortunately for Croker, once DCE comes back it will most likely force him out of the side. Croker has been a great inclusion from the club and will continue to fight for his spot and lead the team around the park successfully. Crocker is a name to watch out for in the future as he has a massive upside. [caption id="attachment_43471" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Lachlan Croker of the Sea Eagles celebrates scoring a try during the round 7 NRL match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders at Lottoland on April 28, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Canberra Raiders: (Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad) Wow! This is just how I feel when I watch this youngster go at it. The Warriors junior who has already represented the Cook Islands on an international level, has finally found his home down in Canberra. Nicoll-Klokstad just screams potential when you watch him play and reminds me of a young Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. And no not because of there long last names but because of their ability to create when the ball is in their hands. I believe Klokstad is a pivotal part in the success of this new look Canberra side who should finish in the top 4. This team will be hard to beat full strength and come finals time if Klokstad keeps on impressing they could have a deep run come September. [caption id="attachment_44384" align="alignnone" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad of the Raiders passes the ball during the round nine NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters: (Latrell Mitchell) The Sydney Roosters have some very impressive young backs that you could put in this conversation but none more impressive than Australian international Latrell Mitchell. Mitchell played a huge role last season in the Roosters grand final run and looks like he is on the same path this season. Watching Mitchell play says it all. Expect Mitchell, to continue growing as a player and become more of a threat than be already is! [caption id="attachment_32584" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters scores a try during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Sydney Roosters and the North Queensland Cowboys at Allianz Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm: (Ryan Papenhuyzen) After watching this kid get a chance the past two weeks, he has not disappointed one bit. It seems as though the Melbourne Storm have done it again and fostered there newest great young talent. Papenhuyzen started his first NRL game last weekend and played the game of his life scoring a full field try and being the spark Melbourne needed to win. Although Papenhuyzen has been moved back to the bench this week with the return of Jerome Hughes, I believe that he is the long-term solution for the fullback role down in Melbourne and has star potential written all over him. [caption id="attachment_44385" align="alignnone" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 16: Ryan Papenhuyzen of the Melbourne Storm runs with the ball during the round 10 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park on May 16, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] South Sydney Rabbitohs: (Tevita Tatola) South Sydney are currently the top team in the NRL and are the in-form side of the competition. With veterans leading the way to this success, it incredibly rare to see such a young player have such an impact. Tevita Tatola has added much needed youth to this South Sydney pack that is up there with the best of them. Tatola has bursted onto the scene out of nowhere and in my opinion is one of the best rotational props in the game. His ability to play with a Premiership winning forward pack and be one of their main go forwards men amazes me. All reports out of the club seem as though this youngster is loved and a great addition to the team. I expect Tatola to keep contributing to Souths success, push both Burgess twins for a starting spot as well as representing his native country in the near future. [caption id="attachment_36309" align="alignnone" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Tevita Tatola of the Rabbitohs is tackled during the round 18 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption]