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Titans
Alofiana Khan-Pereira: A flying winger from Keebra Park who has a similar physique to Josh Addo-Carr and also blinding speed. Said to have clocked the fastest time of any Titans player, ever. Played for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup and is now in the Titans’ top-30 squad, embarking on his third NRL pre-season.
Jojo Fifita: David Fifita’s cousin who was a schoolboy sprint champion that the Titans poached from rugby. Stands about 190cm, 100kg and can really motor. Had a few shoulder issues that limited his game-time in 2021 but is expected to push for his opportunity from here on if he can get through a full pre-season.
Shallin Fuller: Hails from Beaudesert and has really made a name for himself playing for Burleigh Bears in the halves. Put simply, he is electric. Actually played a lot of footy with Jayden Campbell coming through and after his outstanding form in 2021 the Titans have handed him an NRL development contract to make sure he gets every opportunity to fulfil his phenomenal talent.
Tom Weaver: The 2021 Australian Schoolboys halfback who is following in the footsteps of another former Palm Beach Currimbin graduate, Toby Sexton. Originally came from the Northern Rivers of NSW but has been contracted at the Titans since he was 15 and just continues to develop his game. Might be a few years off but remember the name.
Isaac Matalavea-Booth: A towering young Kiwi prop who looks like a clone of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, just bigger. Seriously, the 19-year-old is listed at 201cm (1cm taller than Asofa-Solomona) and 123kg (Asofa-Solomona is 115kg on the Melbourne Storm website). Started out in the Warriors’ junior development system before he moved to Gold Coast to attend Keebra Park. Still very raw but massive potential.
Sea Eagles
Kaeo Weekes: A real speed machine with good skill who has been a standout coming through the grades. Can play in the halves but is making his way at fullback. A prolific try scorer with a knack of just bobbing up in the right place at the right time.
Alec Tuitavake: The nephew of former powerhouse Solomon Haumono, this young prop grew up in Redfern but has really impressed during his rise through the grades at the Sea Eagles, having played NSW under 18s and Australian Schoolboys.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong: Yet another who cut his teeth under Wayne Lambkin at Westfields Sports High who was the captain of the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team and then went up to Jersey Flegg and skippered that side as well, so he certainly seems to have some good leadership qualities. This kid’s a real livewire dummy half with good speed and rock solid defence.
James Uesele: A hard running lock who also went to school at Westfields. Has worked hard on his fitness and it is really benefiting his game.
Jamie Humphreys: Son of club chief executive Stephen who plays in the halves and good judges reckon has a big future in years to come. Electric on his feet and a real sharp shooter.
Storm
Tyran Wishart: Son of Illawarra Steelers legend Rod who will genuinely challenge for that bench utility role left vacant by Nicho Hynes. Frank Ponissi reckons the Storm couldn’t have been more impressed with how Wishart fitted in after his mid-season transfer from the Dragons. Coming through the grades he’s played in the halves, fullback, dummy half and at lock, so versatility will be his strength.
Jack Howarth: Can play in the centres or as an edge backrower, this is the young Queenslander who knocked back a shot at the Wallabies to sign with the Storm last year. Has had his progress stalled by a lack of game time but the word is Howarth presented himself really well on his return to training and if he stays fit, he is a strong chance of playing NRL.
William Warbrick: All Blacks Olympic silver medallist in Rugby Sevens who could potentially take over Josh Addo-Carr’s wing spot or earn a crack in the centres. Physically he’s ready in terms of his strength, power and speed. A Xavier Coates type build, just more developed. But it will now depend on how quick he gets up to speed playing rugby league after coming from Rugby Sevens.
Jonah Pezet: Boom teenage playmaker the Storm signed from Newcastle with a bit of a Sam Walker-type hype about him who Brad Fittler already has in the NSW Emerging Pathways program. Again, needs some games under his belt so he’ll be heading to the Queensland Cup in 2022. But that’s not to say he won’t get a chance at some stage later in the season, or maybe even around Origin time.
Bronson Garlick: Another famous name, but this bloke’s story is not about the kid that was always destined for the big time. It’s about a now 25-year-old utility whose dedication and perseverance has finally won him a shot at the game’s benchmark club after playing lower grades at the Bulldogs and Newtown. Sean Garlick’s son has already won over the Storm with his attitude and recruitment chief Paul Bunn, who knows a thing or two about spotting mature age talent and thinks he can really develop into an NRL player.
Knights
Krystian Mapapalangi: It won’t be too far down the track before this young five-eighth is banging on the door for NRL. Rated one of the hottest emerging talents who could end up something very special. Similar frame and style to Kieran Foran with a bit more height but loves to run the ball and very aggressive. Went to school in the Tigers’ nursery at Holy Cross and played SG Ball for Manly before the Knights recruited him.
Bailey Hodgson: Big things were expected of this young Englishman in 2021, but missed the start of the season after knee surgery. Following that he only played a handful of NSW Cup games. Probably needs more time in lower grades before he’s ready to challenge for a permanent NRL spot. But make no mistake, the Knights see Hodgson as a long term NRL player capable of replacing Kalyn Ponga at fullback if/when Ponga switches to the halves.
Chris Veaila: An 18-year-old outside back from New Zealand who has impressed the right people with a terrific attitude. Great hands, good skills and it won’t be long before he’s challenging for a spot in the top grade on the wing.
Cooper Jenkins: Big raw-boned backrower who came through in the same junior team at the Knights as Bradman Best and if he gets a good pre-season could end up pushing his way into the top team. At 21 the former Australian Schoolboy went back and played for Maitland when the NSW Cup comp was cancelled and it has apparently really benefited his development. Not yet in the top 30 but keep an eye out for him at some stage later in 2022.
Jirah Momoisea: Big prop with speed, power and a good offload. Initially came through the Melbourne system and finally got his crack in the top grade towards the back end of 2021. Is 23 but just coming of age. While Newcastle boasts one of the strongest packs the expectation is that Momoisea will hold onto a top-17 spot in 2022.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira: A flying winger from Keebra Park who has a similar physique to Josh Addo-Carr and also blinding speed. Said to have clocked the fastest time of any Titans player, ever. Played for Burleigh in the Queensland Cup and is now in the Titans’ top-30 squad, embarking on his third NRL pre-season.
Jojo Fifita: David Fifita’s cousin who was a schoolboy sprint champion that the Titans poached from rugby. Stands about 190cm, 100kg and can really motor. Had a few shoulder issues that limited his game-time in 2021 but is expected to push for his opportunity from here on if he can get through a full pre-season.
Shallin Fuller: Hails from Beaudesert and has really made a name for himself playing for Burleigh Bears in the halves. Put simply, he is electric. Actually played a lot of footy with Jayden Campbell coming through and after his outstanding form in 2021 the Titans have handed him an NRL development contract to make sure he gets every opportunity to fulfil his phenomenal talent.
Tom Weaver: The 2021 Australian Schoolboys halfback who is following in the footsteps of another former Palm Beach Currimbin graduate, Toby Sexton. Originally came from the Northern Rivers of NSW but has been contracted at the Titans since he was 15 and just continues to develop his game. Might be a few years off but remember the name.
Isaac Matalavea-Booth: A towering young Kiwi prop who looks like a clone of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, just bigger. Seriously, the 19-year-old is listed at 201cm (1cm taller than Asofa-Solomona) and 123kg (Asofa-Solomona is 115kg on the Melbourne Storm website). Started out in the Warriors’ junior development system before he moved to Gold Coast to attend Keebra Park. Still very raw but massive potential.
Sea Eagles
Kaeo Weekes: A real speed machine with good skill who has been a standout coming through the grades. Can play in the halves but is making his way at fullback. A prolific try scorer with a knack of just bobbing up in the right place at the right time.
Alec Tuitavake: The nephew of former powerhouse Solomon Haumono, this young prop grew up in Redfern but has really impressed during his rise through the grades at the Sea Eagles, having played NSW under 18s and Australian Schoolboys.
Gordon Chan Kum Tong: Yet another who cut his teeth under Wayne Lambkin at Westfields Sports High who was the captain of the Sea Eagles’ SG Ball team and then went up to Jersey Flegg and skippered that side as well, so he certainly seems to have some good leadership qualities. This kid’s a real livewire dummy half with good speed and rock solid defence.
James Uesele: A hard running lock who also went to school at Westfields. Has worked hard on his fitness and it is really benefiting his game.
Jamie Humphreys: Son of club chief executive Stephen who plays in the halves and good judges reckon has a big future in years to come. Electric on his feet and a real sharp shooter.
Storm
Tyran Wishart: Son of Illawarra Steelers legend Rod who will genuinely challenge for that bench utility role left vacant by Nicho Hynes. Frank Ponissi reckons the Storm couldn’t have been more impressed with how Wishart fitted in after his mid-season transfer from the Dragons. Coming through the grades he’s played in the halves, fullback, dummy half and at lock, so versatility will be his strength.
Jack Howarth: Can play in the centres or as an edge backrower, this is the young Queenslander who knocked back a shot at the Wallabies to sign with the Storm last year. Has had his progress stalled by a lack of game time but the word is Howarth presented himself really well on his return to training and if he stays fit, he is a strong chance of playing NRL.
William Warbrick: All Blacks Olympic silver medallist in Rugby Sevens who could potentially take over Josh Addo-Carr’s wing spot or earn a crack in the centres. Physically he’s ready in terms of his strength, power and speed. A Xavier Coates type build, just more developed. But it will now depend on how quick he gets up to speed playing rugby league after coming from Rugby Sevens.
Jonah Pezet: Boom teenage playmaker the Storm signed from Newcastle with a bit of a Sam Walker-type hype about him who Brad Fittler already has in the NSW Emerging Pathways program. Again, needs some games under his belt so he’ll be heading to the Queensland Cup in 2022. But that’s not to say he won’t get a chance at some stage later in the season, or maybe even around Origin time.
Bronson Garlick: Another famous name, but this bloke’s story is not about the kid that was always destined for the big time. It’s about a now 25-year-old utility whose dedication and perseverance has finally won him a shot at the game’s benchmark club after playing lower grades at the Bulldogs and Newtown. Sean Garlick’s son has already won over the Storm with his attitude and recruitment chief Paul Bunn, who knows a thing or two about spotting mature age talent and thinks he can really develop into an NRL player.
Knights
Krystian Mapapalangi: It won’t be too far down the track before this young five-eighth is banging on the door for NRL. Rated one of the hottest emerging talents who could end up something very special. Similar frame and style to Kieran Foran with a bit more height but loves to run the ball and very aggressive. Went to school in the Tigers’ nursery at Holy Cross and played SG Ball for Manly before the Knights recruited him.
Bailey Hodgson: Big things were expected of this young Englishman in 2021, but missed the start of the season after knee surgery. Following that he only played a handful of NSW Cup games. Probably needs more time in lower grades before he’s ready to challenge for a permanent NRL spot. But make no mistake, the Knights see Hodgson as a long term NRL player capable of replacing Kalyn Ponga at fullback if/when Ponga switches to the halves.
Chris Veaila: An 18-year-old outside back from New Zealand who has impressed the right people with a terrific attitude. Great hands, good skills and it won’t be long before he’s challenging for a spot in the top grade on the wing.
Cooper Jenkins: Big raw-boned backrower who came through in the same junior team at the Knights as Bradman Best and if he gets a good pre-season could end up pushing his way into the top team. At 21 the former Australian Schoolboy went back and played for Maitland when the NSW Cup comp was cancelled and it has apparently really benefited his development. Not yet in the top 30 but keep an eye out for him at some stage later in 2022.
Jirah Momoisea: Big prop with speed, power and a good offload. Initially came through the Melbourne system and finally got his crack in the top grade towards the back end of 2021. Is 23 but just coming of age. While Newcastle boasts one of the strongest packs the expectation is that Momoisea will hold onto a top-17 spot in 2022.
