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.
3. Kalyn Ponga
Kalyn Ponga faces a make-or-break 2023 season. At 24 years of age, that sounds ridiculous, but he's at a crossroads next year.
Ponga was disappointing in 2022. He was in the headlines far too often for off-field reasons and missed a lot of time through injury. When he was on the field, he was ok. Ok isn't good enough.
The talk is he'll move into the halves again in 2023. The last time that was attempted, it failed in a big way. It can't fail this time.
The Knights went all in on Ponga in the face of the Dolphins' interest. Unfortunately, they've allowed Clifford to walk away without securing a replacement. Ponga must step up in the halves and perform at a far higher level to make his side relevant again.
