Hey all,
Who, in your opinion, are your players to look out for in 2007? Who is primed for a big season? Are they someone who's been a solid first grader, but is ready to explode into something bigger? Are they someone from reserve grade ready to take the step up? Or are they a young kid who you think will be able to come out of nowhere and grab a spot in first grade?
I'll start the ball rolling by who I think for South Sydney:
Manase Manuokafoa - At only 22 and having a solid, if not spectacular year and a half behind him in first grade, I feel big Nelson is ready to make his mark. Playing with a decent forward pack for once, the competition for spots and the guidance of guys like Kidwell and Asotasi should see this bloke improve greatly. Used to watch him and a young bloke by the name of S.B.W. go at it in Flegg - was always a good stoush. At 190-odd centremetres and 115kgs, he's certainly big enough.
Scott Geddes - The poor bloke was earmarked for SOO selection by Phil Gould in the 2003 pre-season and that seemed to put the mocker on him as he's been constantly injured ever since. Big, strong and with a good offload and speed for a man his size, he has all the makings of a modern day prop and if Souths have a good season could press for rep selection.
Beau Champion - Winning the Peter Sterling medal doesn't always mean a direct path to first grade but young Beau certainly has some talents. Had a disappointing year due to injuries and being moved about, but the kid has a lot of class for someone his age and is a real leader. Would like to see him get a run at Fullback at some point if the Peach is injured, because that's his true position. Is a competitor, has a good step and nice passing game.
Other ones to watch include Eddie Paea, Sam Huihahau and Dave Tyrell, however they're probably a could of years off yet. Tyrell has a lot of class though.
Other teams?
