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.
Gold Coast Titans
Tanah Boyd
The utility has notched 15 NRL games since his 2019 debut for the Titans, and is set to receive more minutes next year following the departure of Nathan Peats.
While naturally a halfback, the surprising strength of the Ash Taylor-Jamal Fogarty halves combination means Boyd will spend his time at rake splitting the workload with Mitch Rein.
TITAN #150 - TANAH BOYD
We planted a number of cameras in the office when Tanah Boyd was told he'd be making his NRL debut.
Boyd will come off the interchange bench today against the @NRLKnights.
📰🎥➡️ https://t.co/cCdq3cOvxP #NRLKnightsTitans #debut #whatthegamesabout pic.twitter.com/S01cHNUS7P
— Gold Coast Titans (@GCTitans) August 30, 2019
Don't be surprised if Boyd is in the starting side come Round 25, especially with the strength of the Gold Coast's forward pack.
























I predicted this kid to be a regular first-grader 3 years ago.
Yes, on the edge to boot.
Kolomatangi from Souths, that is!