NRL 2020: The Broncos young guns to keep an eye on at the Nines
The Broncos are taking two impressive squads to the NRL Nines, but it’s not just the superstars who could help the men’s and women’s teams to glory. Here are the young guns on the rise.
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The NRL Nines squads are out and a number of big name stars are headed to Perth this weekend to battle it out for pre-season glory.
But, as exciting as the Cameron Munsters and the Shaun Johnsons of the NRL are, what is just as intriguing are the up-and-comers among the squads.
The NRL Nines will provide an insight into who could be pushing for a first grade berth in 2020 and the potential they have for your club in the future.
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We have crunched the numbers and analysed who are the players to watch from the three Queensland clubs, plus the Brisbane Broncos NRLW team.
Here’s who to keep an eye out for when the two Broncos sides play:
TESI NIU
HIGHLY regarded as a star of the future, the Tongan international is certain to push for his NRL debut this year.
The Marsden State High School product was one of the breakout players of the international season – starring for the Mata Ma’a in the World Cup Nines and in their 14-6 victory over Great Britain – and has since been mentioned as an outside contender for Brisbane’s No.1 jersey.
While it’s unlikely he will be there as soon as Round 1, the versatile teen will have a chance to prove himself at the Nines.
JESSE ARTHARS
NIU is not alone in putting pressure on fullback Jamayne Isaako, with Arthars also gunning for the No. 1 jersey.
The former Titan and Rabbitoh signed a two-year deal with the Broncos at the end of last year, in what was a reunion with his one-time South Sydney coach, Anthony Seibold.
The Nines will be his first Broncos appearance and, with Herbie Farnworth and Xavier Coates also pushing for first grade spots, Brisbane’s backs are expected to thrill.
ETHAN BULLEMOR
NORTHS Devils gun Bullemor has impressed at Red Hill this pre-season and has been rewarded with a Nines appearance.
The former Nudgee College student – who boasts an OP 1 – is known for his strong work ethic and has the reputation of a perfectionist.
While Brisbane have great depth in their forward pack, Bullemor could press for an NRL debut during Origin time.
CORY PAIX
LABELLED a Cooper Cronk clone like his new teammate Brodie Croft, Paix is right in the frame to claim Brisbane’s super-sub role in the No. 14 jersey in 2020.
The Nines will be his chance to prove to Seibold why he deserves that spot.
Having grown up as a half, Paix has made the move to hooker and impressed with Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup last year.
ILIKENA VUDOGO
COREY Parker has predicted that Fiji will go “berserk” when they see Vudogo pull on a Broncos jersey at the Nines.
Brisbane signed the young speedster from Fijian Rugby in 2018, with Vudogo drawing comparisons to former Parramatta star Semi Radradra.
He was originally signed to a two-year development contract but after scoring five tries in nine games for Souths Logan in the Intrust Super Cup, he has been promoted to the main squad.
JAYME FRESSARD
ONE of the feel good stories at the NRLW Nines, Fressard will finally don a Broncos jersey after two years of waiting.
The former rugby sevens player signed with the Broncos ahead of the inaugural NRLW season but was ruled out before Round 1 after rupturing her ACL and MCL.
During her recovery she also suffered an ankle ligament injury, ending any chance of a comeback in 2019.
The Nines will be her chance to prove why she could be a top talent in women’s rugby league.
JESSIKA ELLISTON
The Queensland Origin forward played just one game with the Broncos in her debut NRLW season last year, but will push her case for a new contract in 2020 with a strong Nines showing.
The 21-year-old switched from rugby sevens to league last year and will bring that experience to the field in Perth on Friday and Saturday.
HAYLEY MADDICK
THE 2019 Touch Football Dally M Player of the Year will make the switch to rugby league this weekend.
Touch footy players are known for excelling at the Nines format and that should give Maddick an upper hand.
A Broncos player in both codes, Maddick has played league in the past with Souths Logan.
TANIKA MARSHALL
THE Fijian international is quickly rising through the rugby league ranks.
The Brothers Ipswich talent has yet to play in the NRLW, but will be keen to put her name forward with the Broncos this week after training as a development player last year.
She debuted for Fiji in 2019 and will also play for the Indigenous All Stars later this month.
RAECENE McGREGOR
MCGREGOR is no stranger to those familiar with the women’s game, but she remains “one to watch” as she goes from strength to strength on the field.
The NRLW premiership winner is tipped for a big 2020, especially as her combination with Brisbane skipper Ali Brigginshaw grows.
The Kiwi half was named Player of the Tournament in last year’s women’s World Cup Nines and, at just 22, is yet to reach her full potential.
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