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.
6. Ben Hunt
This entry isn't fair. Ben Hunt was magnificent in an otherwise dire Dragons side in 2022. If anyone has earned a reprieve, it is the Red V superstar.
But unfortunately, the pressure will once again be on Hunt in 2023. The simple fact is that unless he is at his very best, the Dragons' hopes of finals footy are almost zero.
Jacob Liddle, Talatau Amone and Cody Ramsey are all talented players but don't provide a lot of experience. You can't even guarantee their place in the Round 1 line-up.
The Dragons' 2023 season relies almost entirely on Ben Hunt. That is a copy and paste across many seasons. So many futures rely on Hunt next year, especially in the case of Anthony Griffin.
