I read a somewhat interesting article on Zerotackle that predicts 5 players to have breakout seasons (they reckon Corey Norman, Josh Mansour, Jack Wighton, Jason Taumalolo and Nathan Peats)...while I've gotta disagree with some of these, it begs the question as to which Dragons will have a 'breakout season' - not just in our eyes, but will reach the upper echelon of players in their position across the NRL. The sort of season that Merrin had in 2013, where he became a player that the other team were wary of..
This is my prediction (not my hopes):
Joel Thompson: He's young, tough and very athletic, but he's been stuck in the shadow of Fensom and Papali at the Raiders. I reckon he will unleash running off our new halves and we will hear his name thrown around come SOO.
Gareth Widdop: He's already an international player and a premiership winner, but he's now away from the Big 3 and structure of Bellamy and he's looking to cement himself as a dominant playmaker, and based on what I've seen of him I reckon it'll happen, and then some.
Jack deBelin: NYC player of the year a few years back and with a few seasons under his belt I reckon he's set to explode. He's got one of the best front on tackling styles in the league and by the end of the year I'd say the thought of running at him will give a few opponents nightmares.
Ben Geragh: He's already played and excelled at every level but this year is Bennys year to shine as the captain. He struggled with the C last year but after going through the worst season in recent memory, and with a younger team behind him, Creagh will prove to be a great club captain from 2014 for years to come.
I have other hopes for the likes of Stockwell, Friz, Beale, etc but these are the ones that will stand out. Any other predictions on our players stepping up?
This is my prediction (not my hopes):
Joel Thompson: He's young, tough and very athletic, but he's been stuck in the shadow of Fensom and Papali at the Raiders. I reckon he will unleash running off our new halves and we will hear his name thrown around come SOO.
Gareth Widdop: He's already an international player and a premiership winner, but he's now away from the Big 3 and structure of Bellamy and he's looking to cement himself as a dominant playmaker, and based on what I've seen of him I reckon it'll happen, and then some.
Jack deBelin: NYC player of the year a few years back and with a few seasons under his belt I reckon he's set to explode. He's got one of the best front on tackling styles in the league and by the end of the year I'd say the thought of running at him will give a few opponents nightmares.
Ben Geragh: He's already played and excelled at every level but this year is Bennys year to shine as the captain. He struggled with the C last year but after going through the worst season in recent memory, and with a younger team behind him, Creagh will prove to be a great club captain from 2014 for years to come.
I have other hopes for the likes of Stockwell, Friz, Beale, etc but these are the ones that will stand out. Any other predictions on our players stepping up?