NRL 2024: Next young prospect set for first grade debut at every club
Penrith young gun Isaiah Iongi is one of many burgeoning rugby league stars across the country knocking on the door of NRL appearances. Find out who’s next in line at your club.
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Three rounds down and 24 games in, NRL clubs are already reaching deep into their squads due to everything from poor form to injuries and suspensions, with seven players already called on to debut in first grade this year
New Wests Tigers five-eighth Lachlan Galvin, barnstorming Knights second rower Kai Pearce-Paul and Eels flyer Blaize Talagi are just a few that have shone in the spotlight.
This round sees those same guys now looking to lock down starting positions at their respective clubs amid a horror injury toll across the league.
Along with some under-pressure coaches fearless in their swinging of the axe, it appears it’s only a matter of time before the rookie class is expanded.
TYSON JACKSON has analysed all 17 NRL squads to predict who the next player knocking on the door of first grade selection is at your club.
THOMAS DUFFY (Cowboys)
Halfback
A former Australian Schoolboy, Duffy has been brought into the NRL squad in 2024.
The 20-year-old half is looking to have a standout year for the Northern Pride, already leading his team to three wins to start the year.
A handy goal kicker, slotting 14 conversions to start the year, Duffy is definitely starting to catch the attention of Cowboys officials.
TYLER MORIARTY (Roosters)
Hooker
Stuck behind Brandon Smith, Moriarty is viewed by the Roosters as the second specialist hooker in the squad.
The 20-year-old is an absolute workhorse, making 112 tackles in his first three reserve grade games.
If performances keep up, expect Moriarty to snag an NRL debut this year.
CHEVY STEWART (Raiders)
Fullback
He was one good trial away from a spot in their round one team but Stewart is not far off an run in the NRL.
From his three NSW cup appearances already for 2024, Stewart is putting forward a nice resume already crossing for two tries and averaging over 150 running metres per game.
ISAIAH IONGI (Panthers)
Fullback
Iongi has been clinical to start the year in NSW Cup, giving Penrith a ready-made replacement for Dylan Edwards.
The dynamic fullback and is averaging a try a game with his attack one of the best in reserve grade.
Signed until the end of next year, it would come as no surprise if he is featured at some point in 2024.
JAMIE HUMPHREYS (Sea Eagles)
Utility
There has been no shortage of love for young Jamie Humphreys, with the once half, now hooker looking to have jumped fan favourite Gordon Chan Kum Tong.
Humphreys had an impressive pre-season and looks to be next in line if Croker is to go down at any point this year.
With a 90.5 per cent tackle efficiency Humphreys isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and should fit right in if called upon to mix it with Manly’s big pack.
ETHAN SANDERS (Eels)
Halves
Dominant throughout the pathways, but the big question mark has been around whether Sanders will be able to stamp his mark on an NRL side.
Just recently fans have seen the struggles of a few young halves maybe being thrown into the deep end too quickly, but with Mitchell Moses out for two months, Brad Arthur may not have a choice.
Sanders has started the year in NSW Cup showing off his superb kicking game, something which will be handy with Moses injured.
RYAN JACKSON (Dolphins)
Prop
He may be 20-years-old, but Jackson is a throwback to front-rowers of the past and has started all three Queensland Cup games for the Dolphins this year.
A hard worker who is not scared to show his grit in the middle, holding a 93 per cent tackle efficiency to open his year.
KEAGAN RUSSELL-SMITH (Storm)
Halves
A premiership-winner with the Panther’s Jersey Flegg team a couple of years ago, Russell-Smith is proving he can kick on from the juniors and is ready for the NRL.
Playing halfback for the North Sydney Bears, the young gun is ready to step up if Cameron Munster fails to overcome his groin injury.
Russell-Smith has an excellent kicking game, averaging 179 kicking metres per game.
ALEX LOBB (Tigers)
Winger
Snatched from the Dragons, Lobb has the potential to be anything for the Tigers.
A try-scoring and goal kicking winger, the 22-year-old has had major wraps since joining the club and enjoyed some good trial form.
Lobb has a 100 per cent kicking percentage to start the year in reserve grade.
SAM STONESTREET (Sharks)
Winger
A typical modern day winger, Stonestreet is set for a very successful career when he finally cracks the top grade for the Sharks.
A prolific try scorer, Stonestreet is biding his time with the Newtown Jets, already scoring two tries in the 2024 season, just waiting for the opportunity to arise.
ZYON MAIU’U (Warriors)
Prop
With the departure of Addin Fonua-Blake set for the end of the year, this young gun has put his hand up to take over as the Warriors enforcer.
If he can keep his discipline, he is a real problem for any forward pack.
JORDAN SAMRANI (Bulldogs)
Utility
Becoming a favourite around the Bulldogs club, Samrani brings diversity to any team being able to play from second row to wing while being dominant in all positions.
After battling a hard run of injuries, Samrani has returned to the Bulldogs NSW Cup team with a vengeance.
In his last game against Panthers, playing in the centres, Samrani had 100 post contact metres.
WILL PRYCE (Knights)
Five-eighth, fullback
Huddersfield recruit Will Pryce has Newcastle fans is excited about what he can bring to the Novocastrians.
The half/fullback played his first game in NSW Cup at five-eighth last weekend, scoring two tries, bagging two try assists and 100 running metres.
Most likely set to debut as a utility, Pryce could be the spark Knights need.
BENJAMIN TE KURA (Broncos)
Prop
Still yet to make his NRL debut, at 205 cm tall and over 120kgs Te Kura is going to be a problem for any forward pack he comes up against.
The 19-year-old has held down a starting position at South Logan Magpies.
ALEC TUITAVAKE (Dragons)
Prop
It’s going to be hard to crack the Dragons first grade forward pack but Tuitavake has too much quality to ignore.
The former Sea Eagle is a hard-to-contain prop who will cause damage whenever he gets on the field.
Tackling at a 97.5 per cent accuracy rate, he is one fans can get excited about.
TONY FRANCIS (Titans)
Wing, centre
With 42 Queensland Cup games, the 21-year-old will look to jag his first game in 2024.
Signed until 2025, Francis scored 21 tries last season and could help bring an X-factor and spark to the Titans’ struggling first grade team.
JYE GRAY (Rabbitohs)
Fullback, halves
If anyone saw this guy’s trial form they will know why he can potentially be a big help getting the Rabbitohs season back on track.
The 20-year-old has shown an X-factor which the Rabbitohs can desperately use. In his first two NSW Cup games, Gray averaged 216 running metres.
There is a big chance Jason Demetriou calls upon this kid sooner rather than later.
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Originally published as NRL 2024: Next young prospect set for first grade debut at every club
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