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.
Newcastle Knights
Dominic Young
This young Englishman has dreadlocks that would make Jamal Idris proud, and a play style to match. A Huddersfield Giants junior, Young is just 19, yet weighs in at a whopping 106kg for a centre, and a towering 198cm to boot.
⚔️ @NRLKnights have confirmed the signing of #EnglandRL youngster Dominic Young!
💪 He made his @SuperLeague debut for @GiantsRL in 2019...
👇 ....and, was a key part of Yorkshire's Academy Origin side! pic.twitter.com/ftGesDN1d3
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) August 7, 2020
With Tautau Moga off to Redfern and question marks over Enari Tuala and Gehamat Shibasaki, Young coupled with Bradman Best could be the NRL's strongest centre pairing.
























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