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We have 2 in the list, Scrub and Kikau
The NRL is a pressure cooker. Michael Carayannis takes a look at all 16 clubs to identify who is set to feel the heat heading into 2022.
Adam Reynolds (Broncos)
It will take some time getting used to Reynolds not wearing myrtle and green but he cannot take time to find his feet in the new jersey. The Broncos have thrown their faith in the 31-year-old to lead them back into the promise land. Brisbane have been a shadow of their once great club and returning to that will rest firmly on Reynolds’ shoulders.
Lachlan Croker (Sea Eagles)
There are more high-profile players than Croker at Manly but he becomes one of the most important. The hooking position has been problematic since Api Koroisau left the club at the end of 2019. Croker stepped up and more than filled the role last season. He started in all but one of Manly’s matches. If he can become a point of attack, he could take the Sea Eagles to a new level.
Viliame Kikau (Panthers)
Created a stir when a photo of Kikau wearing a Bulldogs polo leaked out. Has just 12 months left on his deal at Penrith before joining Canterbury and all eyes will be on the rampaging back-rower to see how he plays, knowing his time is coming to an end. At his best he is among the most damaging players in the NRL. Will need to be get close to that if the Panthers are any hope of going back to back.
Jack Wighton (Raiders)
Much changed for Wighton in the space of 12 months. In recent seasons he has walked away with Dally M and Clive Churchill medals but he ended 2021 poorly. He just couldn’t find his rhythm. The sudden departure of George Williams didn’t help. If the Raiders are to have any success, Wighton needs to get back to his best and much will depend on his combination with Jamal Fogarty.
Nicho Hynes (Sharks)
Rose to become one of the most in-demand players after a string of strong performances for the Storm. But Hynes arrives at the Sharks as a marquee signing with a significant pay bump. With that comes added expectation, given he is likely to slot into the No.7 jersey. Was Hynes’ form timely given he was off-contract or is he the real deal? The Sharks have certainly invested in him being a long-term star.
Latrell Mitchell (Rabbitohs)
He is one of the most scrutinised players, but Mitchell only added to that given the way he ended the season on the sidelines. Will make his return against the Roosters in round three, which is already considered one of the most anticipated matches of the season. Mitchell showed just how damaging he can be and, with the losses of Adam Reynolds and Dane Gagai, he will become more important to South Sydney’s attack.
Victor Radley (Roosters)
Radley spent almost as much time facing the NRL judiciary as he did on the field in 2021. The larrikin has vowed not to change his game but he may need to if his style of play continues to come under scrutiny. Cost himself a NSW jumper. The new attacking rules gives Radley an opportunity to be one of the most dangerous players in the game.
Jake Clifford (Knights)
Arrived at Newcastle mid-season from North Queensland and made an immediate impact. But the loss of Mitchell Pearce now makes Clifford the Knights’ most experienced playmaker. Question marks remain on who will partner him with Adam Clune and Phoenix Crossland in the mix. Regardless, Clifford now needs to take control as Newcastle is his team.
Reece Walsh (Warriors)
A whiz-kid who arrived in the NRL with a bang. Only injury stopped him wearing a Maroons jersey. Now he has a full off-season with the Warriors who have invested in Walsh to help lead the side back into the finals. Will be more marked next season but knows the fullback spot is his own after sharing duties with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck at times. His combination with Shaun Johnson could be something special.
Jack de Belin (Dragons)
The Dragons stood by de Belin and showed great faith in the ex-Blue by giving him a rich long-term deal. He certainly looked like a player at times who had not played rugby league in a while. He gets a full pre-season after playing 11 matches in 2021. Showed glimpses of his best but could not find the consistency he showed in 2018. Will be shifted from lock to prop.
Oliver Gildart (Tigers)
Luke Brooks is usually the obvious answer here but Gildart arrives in Australia as somewhat of an unknown quantity. Very few English backs have come to the NRL and succeeded. Gildart gets a chance to buck that trend. Not overly tall but is well experienced with more than 100 games for Wigan and Tests for England and Great Britain. Has a clear shot at a centre spot.
Brandon Smith (Storm)
Generated headlines for all the wrong reasons in the off-season. From being suspended for his involvement in the white powder scandal to signing with arch rivals the Sydney Roosters. His podcast appearance went down like a lead balloon at Melbourne, but he can easily repay the Storm’s faith in him if he can play well. Needs to let his footy do the talking.
Dylan Brown (Eels)
One of the brightest talents in the game but his progression stagnated in 2021. Had a chance to really take control of the Eels’ attack when Mitchell Moses was sidelined but failed to do so. Defensively outstanding, but needs to rekindle his attacking brilliance if the Eels are to progress deep into the finals. Easy to forget he is only 21. Plenty of upside.
Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)
Became one of the most talked about players in the opening rounds after his minutes were limited. Not only that – his performances did not match his million dollar pay cheque. You have to wonder if the Cowboys will continue to nurse Taumalolo through the season and if that way of thinking is sustainable for a happy relationship? Taumalolo’s season was also plagued by multiple broken hands.
Matt Dufty (Bulldogs)
No doubt Dufty has attacking brilliance. Made his mark with the football at the Dragons. But his career is now at the crossroads. Signed a one year deal at the Bulldogs after being shown the door by St George Illawarra with serious question marks regarding his defence. Will get first crack at fullback and his a chance to be Canterbury’s long-term no.1
AJ Brimson (Titans)
Is expected to move from fullback into the halves. Headlines a very inexperienced spine which will include Jayden Campbell and Toby Sexton. Brimson had made a home in the No.1 jersey but is an unknown quantity in his new position. The Titans squad is very well balanced but most of the doubt centres around their players in key positions. Has spent lots of time on the sidelines in recent seasons.
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