NRL 2022: Jayden Sullivan among rugby league rookies locked in on long-term deals
NRL clubs are taking calculated risks by signing unproven young guns to long and lucrative deals. Meet the rookies NRL clubs are banking on.
NRL
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At just 20 Jayden Sullivan already has a sense of responsibility. The boom St George Illawarra youngster shunned offers to commit to a long-term deal at the Dragons last month.
His new contract means he will be at the club until at least 2025 – the youngest player in the NRL contracted until then.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Sullivan always wanted to remain at the Dragons. He wants to lead a culture shift which he has already spoken about with fellow young guns Junior Amone and Tyrell Sloan.
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“It was pretty stressful for a bit but I’m glad I got it all done,” Sullivan said. “I feel like we’ve got something special here. You can just feel the vibe. It’s a lot different to what it was last year and the year before.
“We can bring a different culture to what we have here. We’ve been working on that in the pre-season — starting a winning culture. That’s what we owe the club.
“I feel a bit more respected because I’ve played first grade now and played out of position. I feel comfortable enough to step out of my comfort zone and dare to be great. With the younger boys it was hard and daunting.”
Spending a large chunk of the season in the bubble too helped sway Sullivan’s mind. That was two-fold – he said he grew a greater connection with his teammates but knew how much he would miss home if he left Wollongong.
“It would’ve been hard to leave the family,” Sullivan said. “I’m a family-oriented person. Being away for three months was hard enough. I don’t know how to live outside of Wollongong. The club gave me the opportunity and I owe it to them.”
Sullivan will compete alongside good friend Amone to partner Ben Hunt in the halves. After bouncing around positions last year, he has spent the first few weeks of pre-season training only at five-eighth.
“I guess we are competing,” Sullivan said.
“I know we shouldn’t say this but it’s a friendly competition. We both want what’s best for the team. We will still be in the 17. I feel like we can bounce off each other and complement each other on the field.
“If I’m playing good footy there is no one to hold me back. If I have to be patient, I’m happy to be patient. If I’m playing my best footy I’m sure I’ll be in the 17.
“Playing first grade week in, week out is a big shock to the system. I’ve only played seven games and they were the seven hardest games I’ve played in my life.
“I appreciate being in the middle because it’s such a hard task and to play nine and to see how physical it is in the middle.”
Learning to deal with the rigours of first grade was not the only learning curve for Sullivan. He will now listen to his body after a string of hamstring injuries sidelined him for a large chunk of the opening months of the season.
“With (Corey) Norman suspended for round one, I was in a battle with Adam Clune,” Sullivan said. “I was pushing myself too much and over-thinking it because I wanted to be in the 17 for the opening round. It was getting into my sleeping pattern.
“The coach asked if I was OK and the next session I tore my hamstring.
“After six weeks I came back and in the captain’s run before playing Parramatta in reserve grade, I tore my hamstring. I didn’t tell anyone and I ended up playing 64 minutes with a torn hamstring. I’ve learnt not to be so hard on myself, injuries are part of the game.”
NRL YOUNG GUNS ON LONG-TERM DEALS
DRAGONS
Jayden Sullivan (halfback). Will eventually replace Ben Hunt in the No.7 jersey but, in the short-term, wants to find his feet in the top grade. Sullivan, 20, was in demand but opted to recommit to the Dragons on a long-term deal. Contracted until 2025.
Others: Mat Feagai (20), Max Feagai (20), Cody Ramsey (21) until 2024.
BRONCOS
Ezra Mam (halfback). The long-term replacement for Adam Reynolds, pushed into the top-30 squad already next season at just 18. Has been earmarked as the future. Been part of Broncos’ pathways program since he was 13. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Jordan Riki (20), TC Robati (20), Brendan Piakura (19) until 2024.
RAIDERS
Trey Mooney (lock). Mooney, 19, committed long-term last year. Played SG Ball last season before graduating to Canberra’s NSW Cup team. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Brandon Morkos (18) until 2024.
BULLDOGS
Aaron Schoupp (centre). Schoupp, 20, made his debut in round 11 and went on to play 13 top-grade games last year. His performances earnt him a long-term deal. An Australia under-15s and NSW under-16s centre who was part of Illawarra’s SG Ball premiership-winning team. Contracted until 2024.
TITANS
Toby Sexton (halfback). Showed he is ready for the NRL after just four first-grade appearances last year. Sexton, 20, is in for a big test given the off-season departures of Ash Taylor and Jamal Fogarty. The Australian Schoolboys star is also a handy goal kicker. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Tanah Boyd (21), Jayden Campbell (21), Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui (21), Thomas Weaver (18) until 2024.
SEA EAGLES
Josh Schuster (second rower). Has already arrived as a budding superstar. Came through the grades as a five-eighth but has adjusted to the back row. Schuster, 20, is part of an eligibility tug of war between New Zealand and NSW. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Christian Tuipulotu (20) until 2024.
COWBOYS
Tom Dearden (halfback). Was thrown into the spotlight as a teenager in a struggling Broncos outfit which would have been difficult for anyone to shine. Will have to compete with Chad Townsend and Scott Drinkwater for a first-grade spot. Contracted until 2024.
KNIGHTS
Bradman Best (centre). Only injuries have stopped Best, 20, from achieving higher honours. Has been at home in the top grade since making his debut in 2019. Will push for a NSW spot if he can stay on the park long-term. Contracted until 2024.
RABBITOHS
Peter Mamouzelos (hooker). The South Sydney faithful had a glimpse of the future when he wore the No.9 jersey in the final regular-season match of the season. Mamouzelos, 20, has come through the grades at the Rabbitohs. Contracted until 2024.
WARRIORS
Rocco Berry (centre). Speak to those at the Warriors and they say Berry just needs time. At 20, he is considered to be one of the most damaging young backs in the game. Has only spent two years playing rugby league having been a schoolboy rugby star and is the son of former All Black Marty Berry. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Taniela Otukolo (19), Otukinekina Kepu (18), Valingi Kepu (18) until 2024. Reece Walsh (19) has an option in his favour for 2024.
ROOSTERS
Joseph Suaalii (outside back). Suaalii made headlines well before he signed a professional NRL deal. Rugby wanted him and South Sydney thought they had him. He eventually switched to the Roosters, where he made his NRL debut. Contracted until 2024 (but has options in his favour for 2023 and 2024).
Others: Naufahu Whyte (19) until 2024.
WESTS TIGERS
Junior Tupou (outside back). Spent the past season with the Brumbies and was selected as a Junior Wallaby. Tupou, 19, was selected in the NSW under-16 and -18 rugby league teams before his switch to rugby. Contracted until 2024.
Others: Jake Simpkin (20) until 2024.
Cronulla, Melbourne, Parramatta and Penrith do not have anyone aged 21 or under contracted on a current NRL/development deal beyond 2023.
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