We spend the off-season yammering away about the stars of our game and their potential contract moves and off-field dramas, but now is the time that the unknowns of each NRL roster are ploughing through pre-season, working their butts off to ensure that the next season is their year.

And while not all make it, we are blessed with a host of breakout talents year after year, youngsters ready to make their mark and begin their rugby league career as others draw close, and the cycle goes on.

Every club has their own stars ready to make a name for themselves, and here's each club's star on the rise ahead of the 2021 season.

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Wests Tigers

Stefano Utoikamanu

The Tigers have shelled out big dollars for this Parramatta junior, but if the wraps on him ring true, he'll be worth it.

Compared to Payne Haas' style of play, Utoikamanu was given small minutes of NRL in 2020, but will be given a much bigger role for the club next year. Utoikamanu, Alex Twal and Shawn Blore are viewed as the future of their forward pack and will all be given big roles in an overall lacklustre roster for the Tigers.

Expect to see his name on the bench for Michael Maguire's Tigers in Round 1.

Get set for the footy with the FREE Zero Tackle 2026 NRL Season Guide! Packed with 130+ pages of player profiles, team previews, insights and analysis, the 2026 NRL Season Guide is built for fans who want the full picture. Download your free Season Guide HERE.

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