With it being a tough year in the NRL for us faithful to sit through, I thought it would be worthwhile to put together a summary of some of the talent we can look forward to watching in the future.
Gus has flagged that we need to build from within if we are going to be successful moving forward, and I think overall there is definitely some promise to come.
Here are my picks:-
NRL
Blake Wilson (Wing)
*pending re-signing
- Joining dogs for pre-season, impressed early in NSW Cup before opportunity to step up into NRL through injuries. Good work ethic and very quick.
2024 Prediction - if he does re-sign will be up for the challenge to hold a spot in the back line with new quality signings - Xerri and Crichton in particular, making competition tougher. Will need to work hard on his defensive decisions in the off season
Jacob Preston (2nd row)
Player of the year, rookie of the year. Watched him in pre season training a bit and could tell he was going to a stand out, put in lots of effort. Highlight of the year overall, and with us for a long time to come.
2024 prediction - Lock him in for right side second row, and expect him to continue his form.
Harrison Edwards (lock)
Played NRL and NSW cup
*pending re-signing
Proved to be a solid addition to the forward pack that was lacking real grunt. A bigger body and could ball play.
2024 prediction - Will expect him to be back up to first grade and work on a higher work rate.
Kurtis Morrin (utility forward)
Played NRL and NSW cup
*pending re-signing
Lacks in size but not effort. Took whatever opportunity given to him, playing above his weight as prop.
2024 prediction - Expect him to slot in at lock for cup, potential captain for them if re-signed, and see first grade opportunity through the year with injuries.
Karl Oloapu (5/8)
Played NRL, NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
A mixed year with stints in 3 different grades and teams, as well as a decent lay off with injury. Mixed opinions also on whether he should have played NRL this year or wait. Only time will tell if the decisions were right. Great ball playing skills, particularly his draw and short pass. Strong defensively too.
2024 prediction - Will do much better with a full preseason at the club. Watched him train a bit when he joined and was off the pace fitness wise. Expect he will be NSW cup 5/8 next year despite still being able to play Jersey Flegg. Will get opportunities in first grade but not expecting him there all year just yet. Another one we can be patient with for his own success.
NSW Cup
Jeral Skelton (Wing)
Strong and skilful. Have watched with high interest since he joined, and he has what it takes to be an imposing force in NRL. I understand he probably let himself down a bit with work ethic in training and 1%er’s and could have grabbed more opportunities through the year.
2024 prediction - got a brief intro in first grade this year, which has given him a good taste. Club was happy to see improvements from him in the last month of 2023, and I know he is aiming to lift for 2024. If he can show it every day in training no doubt we will see much more of Jeral in NRL
Josh Kalati (Prop)
Ron Massey captain and played NSW Cup
Led from the front in a challenging year for the Ron Massey team, lots of changes throughout the season. Got a few opportunities in Cup and bagged a couple of tries for his efforts
2024 prediction - We may get to see more of Josh in the regular 17 for cup this year.
Jayden Tanner (prop)
NSW cup player of year
Whilst having limited opportunity in NRL through injuries, Jayden has shown a high & consistent work rate in NSW Cup through the year
2024 prediction - I expect Jayden will get another year in cup to develop and will know more about his ability to step up in future
Samuel Hughes (prop)
Played NRL and NSW Cup
A year interrupted a bit with injury. Didn’t get many big stints when in NRL but showed a bit in cup when he played.
2024 prediction - definitely has the opportunity to push for regular first grade, with our lack of props currently. A big pre season for him no doubt.
Jersey Flegg
Joash Papalii (FB)
Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
Joash has had a strong year overall for his development, spending a decent amount of time in NSW cup. Slotted back in to Jersey Flegg and is a key player in its finals success. Likes to get involved in attack with his elusive running, but can link well with others too. Not the biggest fullback but is pretty strong and will fill out. Destined to rise to the top, patience is key.
2024 Prediction - Should be a mainstay in NSW cup to further his development and get him ready for NRL
Lachlan Vale (2nd row)
JF player of year. Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
Injured to finish the year and miss out on the finals, but a consistent performer on the edge for this talented team.
2024 Prediction - Got one run in NSW cup in 2023 but would expect to see more of him there in 2024
Jack Todd (prop)
Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
A really strong ball runner for the Jersey Flegg team. Able to bust tackles and makes great yards for the team to play off. Can be quite solid in defence too.
2024 prediction - has managed 3 cup games in 2022 and 4 in 2023, being with the dogs since 2019. I think we will see much more of Jack in Cup for 2024.
Lipoi Hopoi (prop)
Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
Lipoi is another strong prop forming a good 1-2 punch with Todd. A decent motor and got some good opportunities through the year in cup, not letting anyone down.
2024 Prediction - Much like Jack Todd, I think he will continue to see more involvement in the cup team next year.
Zac Montgomery (prop/2nd row)
Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
A real goer. High energy, definitely a bit of mongrel in him too, which I like to see. Played a few cup games with mixed results.
2024 prediction - another that will get more chances in cup through the year and will be better for the opportunities given to him this year there.
Isaac Matalavea-Booth (Prop)
Played Jersey Flegg
This kid is huge. It was really disappointing to see him go down really early on in the year and effectively out for the rest of the year. He’s been compared to NAS due to his size, and definitely have some similar footy skills. A long way to go though as the further he goes up in the grades the faster and tougher they become.
2024 predictions - I’m excited to see him fit in 2024. I’ve no doubt he gets into cup if he shows his capabilities, then anything can happen with him.
Joseph O’Neill (half)
Played NSW cup and Jersey Flegg
A really impressive year for Joseph. Held his own in Cup when he stepped for a while, the team fell away around the same time he went back to Jersey Flegg. Whilst that wasn’t the sole reason for their decline, he was doing well. A good all round game - kicking and running in particular I feel.
2024 prediction - I would expect to see him playing in the halves for cup. Where that leaves Bailey Hayward, Khaled Rajab and BBO in the longer term through the year we will see.
SG Ball
Jordi Mazzone (Wing)
Played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW cup
Have watched Jordi play for a few years now and he is quick, “Fox fast”. Given half an opportunity he is away down the left hand touchline. Those small chances are often converted into a try. Slim build but doesn’t shy away from the early set hitups. A good team player. Managed to step up to Jersey Flegg and even got 3 games in cup.
2024 prediction - will play up again in Jersey Flegg, but with more work on defence may see a bunch more cup games too.
Damon Marshall (Lock)
Played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW cup
Highly regarded and spoken about already on the kennel, and with good reason. Damon is a workhorse type player. Not the biggest but strongly built and does the tough stuff well. Runs good lines back into the ruck with good legspeed, which makes good yards. Very reliable in defence too. Has been able to step up and settle in to the Jersey Flegg team, playing an important role in the finals campaign. Got a taste of Cup this year with 2 games as well
2024 prediction - No doubt we will see him play between Cup and Jersey Flegg again next year. Wouldn’t want him rushed but is promising for the future.
Jonathan Sua (Wing)
Played SG Ball, Jersey Flegg and NSW cup
Strong in attack, Sua has been able to play up grades in JF and Cup. Another one with good promise.
2024 Prediction - with a couple of depth outside backs moving on, Sua may very well end up seeing more cup games. A few other talented kids will make it a good challenge though
Fanafou Seve (prop)
Played SG Ball
Strong ball runner, makes good yards and can bust over the line. Like how he plays.
2024 prediction - I would expect him to get a shot up a grade next year
Harold Matts
Mitchell Wood (half)
A classy organising and attacking half, has been highlighted a bit around the kennel for a while. A stand out in the grade and a key reason for its success this year.
2024 prediction - pending his decision between NRL and AFL, he will get opportunity in SG Ball, possibly even JF too if circumstances allow. Will need to fill out a bit more, but he plays smart and this type of halfback is rare these days.
Sosaia Alatini (2nd row)
High work rate, bit of mongrel about him too. One of the stand outs for the team I thought.
2024 prediction - gets an opportunity in SG ball hopefully
Bronson Reuben (5/8)
Consistent foil for Woods through the entire season. Good boot on him as well.
2024 prediction - Hoping Bronson can continue the combination with Woods in SG ball next year
Who are your stand outs? Looking forward to any in particular next year?
I know there are a few here that enjoy watching the juniors and getting to the games, would love to also hear from you guys on who you believe we should be looking out for next year too, and I am happy to add any in the original post as a good guide for others.
@diddly
@Jackson_1994
@2ndphase
@Roger the alien
@ChesoBulldog
@dogon
@stingray
@billy beane
& apologies to those that I’ve missed, please add your thoughts too
