Five rising NRL stars to watch in season 2018

ONE is a teen prodigy carrying the huge weight of expectation, another is one of the most controversial players in recent times. Travis Meyn names the five players to watch in 2018.

New recruit Kalyn Ponga during Newcastle Knights training in Mayfield. Picture. Phil Hillyard

FROM a teen prodigy carrying the huge weight of expectation to one of the most controversial players in recent times.

Travis Meyn names the five players to watch in 2018:

1. MATT LODGE (Brisbane Broncos)

ALL eyes will be on the controversial Lodge when he makes his return to the NRL after three years in the wilderness. Lodge was rubbed out of the game following an incident in New York and at one staged looked like he would never return. But the giant prop spent last year playing for Redcliffe in the Intrust Super Cup and the Broncos are hoping he delivers in 2018. The 22-year-old has only played 12 NRL games but Brisbane are banking on him to start in the front row.

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Matt Lodge during a Broncos training session. Pic Annette Dew

2. KALYN PONGA (Newcastle Knights)

FEW youngsters have come into the NRL with the raps of this young gun. Ponga is still only 19 but signed the richest ever deal for a teenager to leave the Cowboys for Newcastle. He has only played nine NRL matches but is expected to wear the No. 1 jersey for the Knights and help Newcastle emerge from the NRL cellar. The Maroons are also closely monitoring his progress.

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3. BRADEN UELE (Cronulla Sharks)

THE Sharks secured a major recruitment coup in snaring Uele from the Cowboys in the off-season. Uele is only 19 but is built in the mould of Andrew Fifita at 191cm and 115kg. The Sharks have high hopes for Uele who is being groomed to replace skipper Paul Gallen and 2018 could be a breakout year for the highly-rated forward if he sees some consistent first grade time.

New recruit Kalyn Ponga signed the richest deal ever by a teenager. Picture. Phil Hillyard

4. PHILLIP SAMI (Gold Coast Titans)

THE Titans hold high hopes for one of their brightest backline prospects. New coach Garth Brennan recently handed Sami a two-year contract extension after being so impressed by his talent. Sami made his NRL debut last year and with another pre-season under his belt expect him to be a first grade regular for the Titans on the wing.

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5. BRODIE CROFT (Melbourne Storm)

HOW will the Storm replace Cooper Cronk? That is one of the NRL’s biggest unknowns in 2018. Cronk has been at the helm of the Storm juggernaut for 14 years and it seems impossible for Melbourne to replace a player of his ilk. But Craig Bellamy has a beauty at his disposal in Croft. The Brisbane product has shown promising signs in his five NRL appearances over two years and the Storm somehow continue to produce excellent young players.

Originally published as Five rising NRL stars to watch in season 2018