Players to watch - 5 from your side?

[Raider_69]

Sam Williams - halfback
Matt McIlwrick- hooker
Hayden Hodge - fullback
Cameron Breust - Half/five-eighth
Sami Sauiluma - Winger... big one too

 

[slammingsam]

You must be talking about Sam Sauilumas hair too

 

[roopy]

Talking of hair - Kalifi Fai Fai Loa from Saint George is a guy set for a huge year.

He came to the Knights in 2008 from NZ with stories saying he had broken try scoring records set by SBW. He didn't set the world on fire at the Knights, but was good enough to play most of the NYC season after Ball finished.
For some reason the Knights let him go, and Saints threw him a lifeline, and he repayed them by making the NYC team of the year in 2009, and i'd say he must be favourite to be top try scorer in NYC this season, because he knows how to find the tryline. A bit of a Nathan Blacklock type player.

 

[footy1]

I'll name 5 players from each side and also a SG Ball Cup player or Mal Meninga Cup player to keep an eye on. A lot of quality will be on display this year.

Brisbane Broncos

Gerard Beale - Fullback/Centre
Corey Norman - Five-Eighth
Kurtis Lingwoodock - Second Row
Aaron Whitechurch - Centre
Kurt Baptiste - Hooker

Mal Meninga Young Gun Watch: Jerome Leedy - Centre

Canberra Raiders

Drury Low - Centre/Wing/Fullback
Sam Williams - Halfback
Mark Nicholls - Second Row
Sam Mataora - Second Row
Hayden Hodge - Fullback

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Ben Picker - Hooker

Canterbury Bulldogs

Martin Taupau - Prop
Pakisonasi Afu - Prop/Second Row
Dale Finucane - Lock
Nathan Massey - Fullback
Lachlan Burr - Second Row

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Samisoni Langi - Five-Eighth/Centre

Cronulla Sharks

Elih Baillie - Fullback/Wing
Nathan Gardner - Fullback/Wing
Albert Kelly - Five-Eighth/Halfback
Jake Denford - Second Row
Stewart Mills - Centre/Wing/Fullback

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Rodney Moefaauo - Prop

Gold Coast Titans

Jordan Rankin - Five-Eighth
Lachlan Creighton - Centre/Wing
Josh Coyle - Prop
Dominic Walsh - Second Row
Ryan James - Second Row

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Damian Sironen - Prop/Second Row

Manly Sea Eagles

William Hopoate - Fullback
Gary Riccardi - Five-Eighth
Liam Higgins - Hooker
Dean Whare - Centre
James Cunningham - Prop

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Nathan Clarke - Second Row

Melbourne Storm

Justin O'Neill - Centre/Wing
Theodore Stuart - Second Row
Matt Duffie - Wing
Slade Griffin - Centre
Dane Chisholm - Five-Eighth

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Maipele Morseau - Fullback

Newcastle Knights

Peter Mata'utia - Fullback/Wing/Centre
Joshua Ailaomoi - Prop/Second Row
Zane Tetavano - Prop/Second Row
Neenan Simpson - Fullback
Ethan Cook - Lock

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Tyler Sullivan - Five-Eighth

New Zealand Warriors

Elijah Taylor - Lock
Shaun Johnson - Five-Eigth/Halfback
Suiatonga Likiliki - Centre
Bill Tupou - Wing
Alehana Mara - Hooker

Notable Mention: Ben Henry - Second Row

North Queensland Cowboys

Ray Thompson - Halfback
Will Tupou - Centre/Second Row
Moses Pangai - Centre
David Uhi - Second Row
Jason Taumalolo - Lock/Second Row

Mal Meninga Young Gun Watch: Jay Lobwein - Hooker

Parramatta Eels

Patrick O'Hanlon - Second Row/Lock
Royce Hura - Second Row
Peni Terepo - Prop
Mitchell Johnson - Prop
TK Amosa - Five-Eighth

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Jacob Gagan - Fullback/Wing

Penrith Panthers

Greg Waddell - Centre
Harry Seijka - Halfback
Evrett Vaurasi - Second Row/Lock/Prop
Kyle Fraser - Second Row
Blake Austin - Lock/Five-Eighth

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Vaipuna Tia Kilifi - Second Row

South Sydney Rabbitohs

Kane Morgan - Wing
Junior Vai Vai - Centre
Dylan Farrell - Centre
Adam Reynolds - Halfback
Malcolm Webster - Fullback

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Jack Lee-Hang - Second Row

St George Illawarra Dragons

Beau Henry - Halfback
Travis Roche - Fullback/Centre/Wing
Alex McKinnon - Second Row
Cameron King - Hooker
Kyle Stanley - Five-Eighth

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Jack Stockwell - Prop/Second Row/Lock

Sydney Roosters

Boyd Cordner - Second Row
Ryan Williamson - Centre
Fine Moeakiola - Wing
Joseph Leilua - Centre/Second Row/Lock
Cheyse Blair - Fullback

SG Ball Young Gun Watch - Jacob Miller - Five-Eighth/Halfback

Wests Tigers

Jake Mullaney - Fullback
Junior Roqica - Centre
Robert Lui - Five-Eighth
Aaron Woods - Prop
Matt Hyland - Lock

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Matthew Groat - Prop

 

[Lox]

Talking of hair - Kalifi Fai Fai Loa from Saint George is a guy set for a huge year.

He came to the Knights in 2008 from NZ with stories saying he had broken try scoring records set by SBW. He didn't set the world on fire at the Knights, but was good enough to play most of the NYC season after Ball finished.
For some reason the Knights let him go, and Saints threw him a lifeline, and he repayed them by making the NYC team of the year in 2009, and i'd say he must be favourite to be top try scorer in NYC this season, because he knows how to find the tryline. A bit of a Nathan Blacklock type player.

I don't recall seeing him in the team, weren't the wingers drury low and joe vickory and the centres likiliki and vaivai, so he couldn't have made it....

 

[Noa]

Melbourne Storm

Justin O'Neill - Centre/Wing
Theodore Stuart - Second Row
Matt Duffie - Wing
Slade Griffin - Centre
Dane Chisholm - Five-Eighth

SG Ball Young Gun Watch: Maipele Morseau - Fullback

Good list, would have said the same. keep an eye on Jorden Maclean too.

 

[The Colonel]

Parramatta Players to watch;

1. Jayden Tavita
2. Rory Brien
3. Pat O'Hanlon
4. Peni Terepo
5. PJ Asiata

 

[girvie]

I don't recall seeing him in the team, weren't the wingers drury low and joe vickory and the centres likiliki and vaivai, so he couldn't have made it....

2009 NYC team of the year was:

(bold players are young enough to play again in 2010

Malcolm Webster (South Sydney),
Joe Vickery (St George-Illawarra),
Taioalo Vaivai (South Sydney),
Siuatonga Likiliki (New Zealand Warriors),
Drury Low (Canberra Raiders),
Robert Lui (Wests Tigers),
Beau Henry (St George-Illawarra),
Jesse Bromwich (Melbourne Storm),
Travis Waddell (Canberra Raiders),
Trent Merrin (St George-Illawarra),
Jared Waerea-Hargreaves (Manly Sea Eagles),
Jake Marketo (St George-Illawarra),
Jamie Buhrer (Manly Sea Eagles).

Kieran Foran (Manly Sea Eagles),
Joel Romelo (Penrith Panthers),
Gareth Widdop (Melbourne Storm),
Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Sea Eagles).


2009 SG Ball team of the year was:
1. Nathan Massey - Canterbury
2. Faleula Finau - Balmain
3. Josh Portlock - Manly
4. Slade Griffin - Melbourne
5. Ashley Boney - St George
6. Tyrone Roberts - Newcastle
7. Chad Townsend - Cronulla
8. Magnus Stromquist - Manly
9. Chris Knight - Newcastle
10. Karl Silvano - Canberra
11. Boyd Cordner - Newtown - now with Roosters
12. Pat O'Hanlon - Parramatta
13. Dale Finucane - Canterbury

14. Scott England - North Sydney - now with Souths
15. Neil Begovich - Wests
16. Ava Seumanufagai - Parramatta
17. Joseph Leilua - St George - now with Roosters

 

[lifesgood]

Jake Mullaney with bells.
Patrick Politini
Liam Ayoub
Ben Murdoch will probably play front row and score forty tries.
Joel Jackson

also a guy like Robert Lui is a big start to the season away from usurping a first grade spot so he might go off like a rocket in the early rounds.

I hope i see him in the backrow, he would run an absolute muck on the edges, be more of a handful then shirnack was this year. Not taking anything away from shirnack top player, but Murdoch has alot more potential.

 

[lifesgood]

I like what footy1 did so im going to try n do my own version except without the sg ball players.

I will bold one of the top 5 who i expect to have a stand out season and either cement a good position in 20s at young age or push for a first grade spot.!!

Brisbane
Jordan Kahu
Gerard Beale
Corey Norman
Aaron Whitchurch
Dale Copley - First Grade winger!

Canberra
Hayden Hodge
Drury Low - I Think has more potential then Vidot.
Sam Williams
Sam Mataora
Paul Vaughn

Bulldogs (on the side, have such a great young side with a lot of prospects, very hard to pick a top 5, so many of their boys should look to hve big years)
Martin Taupau - I think is a much better option then Hickey
Lachlan Burr
Nathan Massey
Steven Azzi
Ratu Tagive

Sharks
Stewart Mills - Unfortunate year, good first half of 20s he will be on the wing in first grade.
Albery Kelly
Jake Denford
Chad Townsend
Nathan Gardner

Gold Coast
Jordan Rankin - In my opinion never deserved to play first grade, but has got the potential to become one.
Ryan James
Dom Walsh
Lachlan Creighton
Ricardo Parata

Manly
William Hopoate - Same as Stewart Mills, can play first grade this year.
Dean Whare
Lami Tasa
Magnus Stormquist
Josh Portlock

Melbourne
Slade Griffin
Justin O Neill - centre wing, height, strong & quick, A G.I in the making.
Theodore Stuart
Pita Maile
Dane Chisolm

Newcastle
Neenan Simpson
Peter Matautia - Has the buildup as a first grader coming through ranks, his time to show it now.
Adrian Davis
Jake Finn
Josh Ailomai

Warriors
Shaun Johnson - If Brett Seymour doesnt perform early, johnson is their to cover
Siutonga Likiliki
Elijah Taylor
Alehana Mara
Ben Henry

Cowboys
David Uhi
Moses Pangai
Joseph Taumalolo
Ray Thompson - Could be the answer to halves partner for thurston
James Segeyaro

Parramatta Eels
Patrick O Hanlon - a more threatening and younger version of Hindmarsh
Peni Terepo
TK Amosa
Royce Hura
Jorge Taufua

Penrith
Blake Austin
Kyle Fraser
Jake Seaton
Greg Waddel-had some bad runs with injury but if he can get back full fitness first grade aint to far away
Harry Sjieka

Rabbits
Josh Mansour
Kane Morgan
Dylan Farrel
Matt Mundine - Has always had the wraps, just needed to get fit, and if he does watch him go!
Junior Vai Vai

Dragons
Kyle Stanley - Has more potential then beau henry, will play first grade in the next two years.
Cameron King
Alex Mckinnon
Travis Roche
Shannon Wakeman

Roosters -another side that has so many potentials if they can get some form and no injuries they will be a major threat to win the comp
Boyd Cordner
Ryan Williamson
Joseph Leilua
Cheyse Blair
Brad Murray - bad run this year never recoverd from knee injury, if is given the chance he can shine!!!

Tigers
Jake Mullaney
Aaron Woods
Liam Ayoub
Ben Murdoch - Will be the most lethal back rower apart from Boyd Cordner, will damage edges!!
Patrick Politoni

 

[APRIL BELLE]

I like what footy1 did so im going to try n do my own version except without the sg ball players.

I will bold one of the top 5 who i expect to have a stand out season and either cement a good position in 20s at young age or push for a first grade spot.!!








Gold Coast
Jordan Rankin - In my opinion never deserved to play first grade, but has got the potential to become one.
Ryan James
Dom Walsh



Cowboys

Ray Thompson - Could be the answer to halves partner for thurston


Penrith

Jake Seaton

Rankin - tackles with his fingers - he is going backwards
James - played terrible last year - not living uop to the wraps
Walsh - Ditto

Walsh and Ryan could end up playing Colts if they don't aim up.

Thompson - your kidding - biggest statment I have ever heard

Seaton - Jake will struggle to be effective - 93kg is too small for a front rower with no footwork.

 

[footy1]

I like what footy1 did so im going to try n do my own version except without the sg ball players.

I will bold one of the top 5 who i expect to have a stand out season and either cement a good position in 20s at young age or push for a first grade spot.!!

Brisbane
Jordan Kahu
Gerard Beale
Corey Norman
Aaron Whitchurch
Dale Copley - First Grade winger!

Canberra
Hayden Hodge
Drury Low - I Think has more potential then Vidot.
Sam Williams
Sam Mataora
Paul Vaughn

Bulldogs (on the side, have such a great young side with a lot of prospects, very hard to pick a top 5, so many of their boys should look to hve big years)
Martin Taupau - I think is a much better option then Hickey
Lachlan Burr
Nathan Massey
Steven Azzi
Ratu Tagive

Sharks
Stewart Mills - Unfortunate year, good first half of 20s he will be on the wing in first grade.
Albery Kelly
Jake Denford
Chad Townsend
Nathan Gardner

Gold Coast
Jordan Rankin - In my opinion never deserved to play first grade, but has got the potential to become one.
Ryan James
Dom Walsh
Lachlan Creighton
Ricardo Parata

Manly
William Hopoate - Same as Stewart Mills, can play first grade this year.
Dean Whare
Lami Tasa
Magnus Stormquist
Josh Portlock

Melbourne
Slade Griffin
Justin O Neill - centre wing, height, strong & quick, A G.I in the making.
Theodore Stuart
Pita Maile
Dane Chisolm

Newcastle
Neenan Simpson
Peter Matautia - Has the buildup as a first grader coming through ranks, his time to show it now.
Adrian Davis
Jake Finn
Josh Ailomai

Warriors
Shaun Johnson - If Brett Seymour doesnt perform early, johnson is their to cover
Siutonga Likiliki
Elijah Taylor
Alehana Mara
Ben Henry

Cowboys
David Uhi
Moses Pangai
Joseph Taumalolo
Ray Thompson - Could be the answer to halves partner for thurston
James Segeyaro

Parramatta Eels
Patrick O Hanlon - a more threatening and younger version of Hindmarsh
Peni Terepo
TK Amosa
Royce Hura
Jorge Taufua

Penrith
Blake Austin
Kyle Fraser
Jake Seaton
Greg Waddel-had some bad runs with injury but if he can get back full fitness first grade aint to far away
Harry Sjieka

Rabbits
Josh Mansour
Kane Morgan
Dylan Farrel
Matt Mundine - Has always had the wraps, just needed to get fit, and if he does watch him go!
Junior Vai Vai

Dragons
Kyle Stanley - Has more potential then beau henry, will play first grade in the next two years.
Cameron King
Alex Mckinnon
Travis Roche
Shannon Wakeman

Roosters -another side that has so many potentials if they can get some form and no injuries they will be a major threat to win the comp
Boyd Cordner
Ryan Williamson
Joseph Leilua
Cheyse Blair
Brad Murray - bad run this year never recoverd from knee injury, if is given the chance he can shine!!!

Tigers
Jake Mullaney
Aaron Woods
Liam Ayoub
Ben Murdoch - Will be the most lethal back rower apart from Boyd Cordner, will damage edges!!
Patrick Politoni

I agree with a lot of that list.

Drury Low definitely has more potential than Daniel Vidot IMO. He has a lot of pace and skills although I think his best position would be fullback but Josh Dugan has made that position his own. Watch for him to debut at some stage throughout the year.

Stewart Mills was out injured all of last year but I've watched him in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and in the NYC in 2008 and he has a lot of potential. As you mentioned, if he performs in the first half of the year he will play first grade most certainly.

On Justin O'Neill, he is by far and away the best back in his age group IMO. Dale Copley might have made his NRL debut before him, but O'Neill is a direct replica of Greg Inglis. He just needs a bit more size on him and he will be ready to make the step up into the NRL.

Matthew Mundine didn't impress me last season. He didn't rate a mention in my post because I don't think he has the right mindset and attitude. If he watches his weight and trims down, he will be the most potent player in the competition but I have my doubts whether he will knuckle down and do the hard yards.

Brad Murray was inconsistent last season although I think he was returning from a serious injury. He has always had big wraps on him but has only shown his potential in glimpses. I think next year will be his year, although he will have some competition for places in Jacob Miller after the SG Ball season. If he can get right, he will be putting his hand up for NRL honours this year.

Ben Murdoch was very impressive in the Arrive Alice Cup last season and will be looking to have the same impact at the Tigers. He is very solidly built and it takes a few players to stop him. What I like about him is that he seems to be fit for a big kid and that will go a long way to helping him make the transition from schoolboys football to the NYC.

 

[sallymay]

I agree with a lot of that list.

Drury Low definitely has more potential than Daniel Vidot IMO. He has a lot of pace and skills although I think his best position would be fullback but Josh Dugan has made that position his own. Watch for him to debut at some stage throughout the year.

Stewart Mills was out injured all of last year but I've watched him in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and in the NYC in 2008 and he has a lot of potential. As you mentioned, if he performs in the first half of the year he will play first grade most certainly.

On Justin O'Neill, he is by far and away the best back in his age group IMO. Dale Copley might have made his NRL debut before him, but O'Neill is a direct replica of Greg Inglis. He just needs a bit more size on him and he will be ready to make the step up into the NRL.

Matthew Mundine didn't impress me last season. He didn't rate a mention in my post because I don't think he has the right mindset and attitude. If he watches his weight and trims down, he will be the most potent player in the competition but I have my doubts whether he will knuckle down and do the hard yards.

Brad Murray was inconsistent last season although I think he was returning from a serious injury. He has always had big wraps on him but has only shown his potential in glimpses. I think next year will be his year, although he will have some competition for places in Jacob Miller after the SG Ball season. If he can get right, he will be putting his hand up for NRL honours this year.

Ben Murdoch was very impressive in the Arrive Alice Cup last season and will be looking to have the same impact at the Tigers. He is very solidly built and it takes a few players to stop him. What I like about him is that he seems to be fit for a big kid and that will go a long way to helping him make the transition from schoolboys football to the NYC.

god i saw him at training b4 the holidays and he had but on size since the GF he was hugeeee

 

[APRIL BELLE]

I agree with a lot of that list.

On Justin O'Neill, he is by far and away the best back in his age group IMO. Dale Copley might have made his NRL debut before him, but O'Neill is a direct replica of Greg Inglis. He just needs a bit more size on him and he will be ready to make the step up into the NRL.

On Justin O'Neill - he has to harden up. If he gets a cork thigh he doesn't play or train for 3 weeks. He gets more injuries than feeds. NRL players need to be able to carry injuries.

 

[lifesgood]

Rankin - tackles with his fingers - he is going backwards
James - played terrible last year - not living uop to the wraps
Walsh - Ditto

Walsh and Ryan could end up playing Colts if they don't aim up.

Thompson - your kidding - biggest statment I have ever heard

Seaton - Jake will struggle to be effective - 93kg is too small for a front rower with no footwork.

I thought this was for our own opinion, and their mine!
Jake Seaton is very very tough! Good player. Will continue to grow.

And By the way im not talking about last year, im saying i think they will have bigger seasons this coming year, so i really dont give a sh*t how bad they played last year.

And im pretty sure i said thomson COULD be the halves solution, has the potential!

 

[lifesgood]

I agree with a lot of that list.

Drury Low definitely has more potential than Daniel Vidot IMO. He has a lot of pace and skills although I think his best position would be fullback but Josh Dugan has made that position his own. Watch for him to debut at some stage throughout the year.

Stewart Mills was out injured all of last year but I've watched him in the Harold Matthews, SG Ball and in the NYC in 2008 and he has a lot of potential. As you mentioned, if he performs in the first half of the year he will play first grade most certainly.

On Justin O'Neill, he is by far and away the best back in his age group IMO. Dale Copley might have made his NRL debut before him, but O'Neill is a direct replica of Greg Inglis. He just needs a bit more size on him and he will be ready to make the step up into the NRL.

Matthew Mundine didn't impress me last season. He didn't rate a mention in my post because I don't think he has the right mindset and attitude. If he watches his weight and trims down, he will be the most potent player in the competition but I have my doubts whether he will knuckle down and do the hard yards.

Brad Murray was inconsistent last season although I think he was returning from a serious injury. He has always had big wraps on him but has only shown his potential in glimpses. I think next year will be his year, although he will have some competition for places in Jacob Miller after the SG Ball season. If he can get right, he will be putting his hand up for NRL honours this year.

Ben Murdoch was very impressive in the Arrive Alice Cup last season and will be looking to have the same impact at the Tigers. He is very solidly built and it takes a few players to stop him. What I like about him is that he seems to be fit for a big kid and that will go a long way to helping him make the transition from schoolboys football to the NYC.

Completely agree with you on everything there.

Justin O Neill looks like a replica of Greg Inglis. The Storm should really work hard on him early like they did with G.I. I had said it since I saw him play during SG ball, it was like watching G.I against 18 year olds. Then he continued it on into the 20s.

Brad Murray as well, very incosistent year, but then again the whole roosters 20s side did as well. Should be a starter at the beginning, just to prove his worth. He was unfairly cut during SG ball at the dogs and then went to the roosters who were beat by 40 during a trial when he was at the dogs, ended up winning the comp, No doubt without Brad they did not have the halves to win the competition. If he were at the dogs they would have won the comp that year as well.

Jacob Miller will probably start the season in SG Ball. But my belief is that Brad and Jacob could form a good halves pairing for the roosters next year. Both I think will play first grade in the future.

Watching Ben Murdoch in the Arrive Alive, before I heard he had signed with the tigers, I thought to myself whoever can get this kid, don't let him go! What a sight he was, he dominated the competition, and I honestly thought was a very good chance to win the Peter Sterling Medal ahead of Jordan Kahu. Looks like he could trim down a bit and will be a headache for halves to tackle out on the edges.

 

[Noa]

Stop right now.

Justin O'Neill will NEVER be as good as GI, thats not a knock on him, but he will never have the gifts or size Greg has. Timan Tahu is a better and more realistic comparison, and of the level he may reach.

 

[slammingsam]

To be honest i watched O'Neil this year and didnt see anything really outstanding from him.

I dont know where all the comparisons are coming from and why everyone is going crazy about him.

Likiliki and Vaivai were the top centres this year in 20s.

 

[footynut1]

I thought this was for our own opinion, and their mine!
Jake Seaton is very very tough! Good player. Will continue to grow.

And By the way im not talking about last year, im saying i think they will have bigger seasons this coming year, so i really dont give a sh*t how bad they played last year.

And im pretty sure i said thomson COULD be the halves solution, has the potential!

you stick with Thompson lg... i reakon you are rite on the money... he will play more than a couple of nrl games

 

[Seagullsrock]

From the Broncos:
Jordan Kahu
Korbin Sims
Mitchell Frei
Aaron Whitechurch
Waita Setu

You clearly haven't seen any of these blokes play. You can't even spell Whitchurch properly.