When you're being paid to play rugby league, you're always under pressure. Whether that be on the training field, the game itself or in the pub, eyes are on you at all times.
In 2023, we have some huge name recruits switching clubs. We have an entirely new club making its NRL debut. We also have an extended, and bye-ridden draw.
Some players, though, will enter 2023 under immediate pressure. Whether that be due to a big money move, a change in position or a club's entire season on their shoulders, a series of players will walk into 2023 under the gun at kick-off.
Below are ten such players. The reasons vary, but the one thing every player below has in common is that they'll probably lose some sleep as the 2023 season approaches.
1. Apisai Koroisau and Isaiah Papali'i
I'm going to cheat here and group these two together. Koroisau and Papali'i are two massive recruits. Superstar players with grand final and World Cup pedigree.
The Tigers have been dire for many seasons now. Their fans are sick of missing out on the business end of the season and will look to their incoming stars to right that wrong.
Papali'i spent a large part of the 2022 season in the spotlight, failing to ever really commit to his new club. The Tigers will need big efforts early to truly take to their new recruit.
Both will improve the Tigers in a big way. That said, nothing short of a return to finals footy will do. These two will be crucial when it comes to turning around recent results. They're going to need to be close to their very best to deliver upon massive expectations.
