The six NRL players under the most pressure to perform in 2019
Parramatta flyer Bevan French faces a career-defining 2019 — and tops our list of the top six NRL players under the most pressure to perform next season.
Parramatta flyer BEVAN FRENCH faces a career-defining 2019 with his NRL future dependant on a strong season.
French’s position in the Eels’ line-up remains unknown due to competition from teammates.
Clint Gutherson is set to play fullback while recruit Blake Ferguson and George Jennings look the logical wingers.
This potentially leaves French in limbo as the off-contract outside back fights for a new contract.
It follows a 2018 season where the Tingha-born speedster was starved of opportunity.
After scoring 28 tries in 29 games in 2017, Finch managed only seven tries from 18 appearances last season.
This places great expectation on French to demand first team selection so he can recapture his finest form and secure a new deal.
The 23-year-old is open to leaving Parramatta so he can play fullback, but at this stage he is sitting tight to see how 2019 pans out.
French headlines a list of under-pressure NRL players who must perform this season.
COREY NORMAN (ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA)
If Norman thought playing for Parramatta created pressure, wait until he dons the famous Red V.
The Dragons’ faithful are ruthless when it comes to expectation, so Norman must fulfil his potential.
And with Gareth Widdop expected to shift to fullback, Norman has the chance to prove his value in the halves.
Norman struggled to produce his best at Parramatta last season and he can’t afford a repeat at St George Illawarra.
The prodigious playmaker also needs to put his head down and focus on football to ensure his three-year deal at the Dragons is successful.
KODI NIKORIMA (BRISBANE)
New Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has publicly backed Nirorima but the promising halfback still needs to let his football do the talking in 2019.
Nirorima is contracted until the end of 2020 but needs results to secure his long-term future at the Broncos.
The New Zealand international’s halves combination with Anthony Milford is still a work in a progress. This was on show last season when the Broncos were bundled out in the first week of the finals.
If Brisbane is going to be a threat this season, they need Nikorima at his best.
If he isn’t, questions at Red Hill will be asked.
AIDAN SEZER (CANBERRA)
Sezer has signed a two-year extension keeping him in Canberra until the end of 2020 but the Raiders need more from their marquee five-eighth.
After starring in his maiden season in 2016, Sezer’s standards have dropped.
The former Titans playmaker has proven he can play but the Green Machine need to see his best week-in week-out.
If Sezer can showcase his finest, it will go a long way to helping the Raiders climb up the ladder.
DANNY LEVI (NEWCASTLE)
Levi is contracted until the end of 2020 but he needs a big season to cement his place as Newcastle’s preferred No.9.
The New Zealand-born rake only played 17 NRL games last year, nine of those off the bench, largely due to the form of Slade Griffin.
This prompted Levi to ask for an immediate release from the Knights because he was unhappy languishing in the NSW Cup ranks.
Levi returned to the starting No.9 when Griffin suffered his fourth season-ending ACL injury in six seasons against Canterbury in round 16.
With Griffin still recovering, Levi has a chance to stake his claim, but it won’t be easy with the Knights also signing former Storm and Dragons utility Kurt Mann to play hooker.
MICHAEL MORGAN (NORTH QUEENSLAND)
Johnathan Thurston’s retirement means it’s Morgan’s time to step up as North Queensland’s main man.
The Maroons and Kangaroos star had a disastrous 2018, with a ruptured bicep tendon ruling him out for half a season.
After a strong off-season, Morgan is fit and ready to lead the Cowboys’ revival following Thurston’s departure.
North Queensland desperately need the 2017 Dally M halfback of the year to rediscover his finest form for the Cowboys to have any chance of competing for another title.
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