NEWCASTLE KNIGHTS
He may have snuck in one NRL game late in season 2022 but rising star Oryn Keeley is primed to become Newcastle’s Next Big Thing.
Keeley, 19, is a powerful second rower who was named this year’s under 19s NSW State of Origin player of the year.
He has been forced to overcome a fractured neck and knee problems to set up a future which most believe will be grand.
Keely played one NRL match this year – a 28-22 loss to Canberra in round 23. He has already taken the eye of several NSW stars who watched his performances against Queensland this year.
NEW ZEALAND WARRIORS
Keep an eye on Valingi Kepu, who has been stashed on a development contract and helped Redcliffe to a lower-grade grand final in Queensland last year. But the Warriors are high on the six-foot front-rower, who has officially been promoted into the club’s top 30 for 2023. In what is a fairly experienced forward pack, coach Webster could opt to inject some raw talent when the opportunity arises.
NORTH QUEENSLAND COWBOYS
Riley Price and Taniela Sadrugu - The Cowboys blooded a host of young guns last season and there is more to roll off the production line in Price and Sadrugu. The former is the son of Queensland Origin and Bulldogs legend Steve Price and like his old man, the 21-year-old Riley has impressed with his work ethic and ability to play prop or second row. Sadrugu is a powerfully-built centre or winger who joined the Cowboys last year after defecting from Fijian rugby union. He turned out for Fiji at the World Cup and after scoring seven tries from 15 games for feeder-club Townsville in the Queensland Cup this year, the 24-year-old is keen to make his mark in the NRL.
Who takes the next step: Tom Dearden has only scratched the surface of his talent. The 21-year-old endured two turbulent years at the Broncos but his move to North Queensland has helped Dearden rebuild his game and confidence. In 2022, Payten’s faith in Dearden was vindicated as the Broncos discard flourished as Chad Townsend’s halves partner and was rewarded with his Queensland Origin debut. Dearden brained the Blues to inspire the Maroons’ win in the Suncorp decider and will be a key man in the Cowboys’ premiership assault.
Barnstorming back-rower Taniela Sadrugu had a strong World Cup for Fiji and looks ready for a crack at NRL level. (Photo by Ashley Allen/Getty Images)
PARRAMATTA EELS
Toni Mataele - This should come as music to the ears of Parramatta fans still digesting the loss of rampaging forwards Isaiah Papali’i and Marata Niukore.
Young forward Toni Mataele is now tipped to be the next big thing on the horizon.
An edge back-rower who plays a similar style to Souths’ wrecking ball Keaon Koloamatangi, Mataele’s background is that he went to school at Patrician Brothers Blacktown and was a gun coming through Harold Matthews and SG Ball competitions.
He is now tipped to make his NRL debut at some stage in 2023 after recently signing a new deal to keep him at the club until the end of 2025.
Samuel Loizou - The young centre is another who could make his presence felt in the coming season. While Loizou has played one NRL game back in 2021, it should be pointed out that he is still a teenager and has by no means missed his shot.
Toni Mataele is one to watch for Parramatta. Picture: NRL Photos
PENRITH PANTHERS
Centre Thomas Jenkins, forward Liam Henry and playmaker Jack Cole were handed their debuts in Penrith‘s final game of the season, giving Panthers fans a glimpse of the future.
Penrith’s 1 to 17 is pretty settled. But there is competition for places, especially from Jenkins and Sunia Turuva in the backs.
A fullback, Turuva has shown plenty in NSW Cup and for Fiji at the Rugby League World Cup, where he was named in the team of the tournament.
Versatile and safe under the high ball, he played three NRL games last year and will keep the incumbent back-five on their toes.
So will Jenkins, who scored 20 tries from 22 matches playing on the wing and at centre in the NSW Cup.
Mavrik Geyer (below), the son of Panthers great Mark, was 18th man in round 25 last year and has continued to edge closer to making an NRL debut.
Ativalu Lisati is making all the right moves in the lower grades, but a debut appears further down the track. Lisati will be upgraded to the top 30 in 2024.
Mavrik Geyer will be one to watch at the Panthers in 2023. Picture: NRL Photos
