Following some standout performances in the first week of the pre-season challenge, a host of rookies have put their hands up for an NRL debut in 2023.
While some youngsters like five-eighth Dion Teaupa shone for South Sydney, his path is blocked by Cody Walker and looks unlikely to earn a first-grade berth, however others have a clear lane to their maiden NRL game.
It's going to be a competitive race for this year's Dally M Rookie of the Year award with so much talent on the verge of being released into the NRL.
4. Taine Tuaupiki (New Zealand Warriors) - fullback
A fullback hailing from the Gold Coast system, the Warriors upgraded Taine Tuaupiki to a top 30 deal on the weekend after a stellar showing against the Wests Tigers on Thursday night.
The fullback picked up the Petero Civoniceva medal last year as the Queensland Cup's best and fairest - in his maiden season. The custodian also picked up the rookie of the year gong, unsurprisingly.
Tuaupiki averaged almost 150 metres per game in reserve grade, as well as crossing for 14 tries, 22 try-assists, 105 tackle breaks and 25 line breaks in just 22 games.
Having lost Reece Walsh to Brisbane, don't be surprised if replacement signing Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad shifts to the centres to make room for the young star.
Fullback Taine Tuaupiki has been upgraded to a fulltime NRL contract 🔒✍🏽https://t.co/yqsQiNlEkT pic.twitter.com/1AwowXh0CZ
— One NZ Warriors (@NZWarriors) February 12, 2023
