Part I: We look back at the top 25 rookie Maroons

Late last year The Courier-Mail rugby league team listed the top 25 future Maroons. Today, we revisit that list and rate how each player’s 2019 has panned out. READ PART I HERE.

In December last year, The Courier-Mail’s NRL team highlighted the 25 best young talents in Queensland and shared their story so far.

But what’s life like six months on? Are our young guns still showing their potential and impressing recruiters? Is there a clear standout, a select few stars or have they all fizzled under the limelight?

This week, we revise and rate each of the 25 players earmarked for future NRL and Queensland honours.

We will reveal five a day, every day this week. Here’s part one.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow has signed a contract extension with the Cowboys through to 2022.

HAMISO TABUAI-FIDOW

(North Queensland Cowboys)

TABUAI-Fidow has continued to impress since shifting to Townsville from Cairns and was the form fullback in this year’s Mal Meninga Cup.

The 17-year-old seemed to thrive under idol Matt Bowen and recently signed a contract extension with the Cowboys all the way through to 2022.

A four-try haul against Redcliffe in April showcased his blistering pace, which has been clocked under 10.9 over 100m, and Tabuai-Fidow is well in the frame for a regular Intrust Super Cup berth with the Blackhawks after impressing for Queensland U18 in their 34-12 win over NSW in the #1 jersey.

Keebra Park Reece Walsh (right) with Palm Beach Currumbin captain Toby Sexton. Picture: Jerad Williams

REECE WALSH

(Brisbane Broncos)

It’s been a dream season for Walsh so far with the Southport product starring for club and state alike.

Playing predominately at fullback, Walsh was chiefly responsible for Tweed Heads’ Mal Meninga Cup victory and starred in their State Club Championship win over Illawarra the following week.

His regional form was then rewarded with the #14 spot in Queensland’s U18 side, with Walsh scoring the final try in their State of Origin victory at Suncorp.

Also skippered Keebra Park in their Allan Langer Cup campaign.

Jack Howarth pushes off his New South Wales opponent duirng the U-18 Origin match at SunCorp Stadium. Picture: Adam Head

JACK HOWARTH

(Melbourne Storm)

With lightning feet on a lanky frame, it’s terrifying to think how damaging Rockhampton-born Howarth will be when he fills out.

The Easts Tigers backrower terrorised defences during the Mal Meninga Cup season with Howarth taking a particular liking to Ipswich, scoring a hat-trick in their Round 3 clash.

Howarth finished with seven tries in as many games and was rewarded with an interchange berth for Queensland U18 against the Blues, where he busted two tackles in an entertaining 19-minute cameo.

He’s currently contracted to Melbourne but rugby union clubs are rumoured to be circling.

Brendan Piakura is still showing the potential we saw in him late last year. Picture: Jerad Williams

BRENDAN PIAKURA

(Brisbane Broncos)

Another Queensland U18 State of Origin winner and another young man well on his way to the NRL.

Piakura’s Midas touch saw him claim state and national silverware with Walsh at Tweed Heads but the big forward’s best was yet to come.

Named in the second row for the Maroons, Piakura led the forward pack with aplomb and threw a vital pass to put Alofiana Khan-Pereira over and break the Blues’ 6-all deadlock midway through the first half.

It’s vital the Broncos retain this one and mentor him under the likes Matt Gillett and Alex Glenn before he steps up to the bigtime.

Sam Walker in action for the Queensland U-18 team during their Origin clash with NSW. Picture: Adam Head

SAM WALKER

(Sydney Roosters)

The star Queensland U18 five-eighth and man of the moment, Sam Walker’s NRL future has exploded with revelations he’ll be joining the Sydney Roosters in 2020.

The son of Ipswich legend Ben Walker showcased his silky skills during the Origin clash and constantly threatened the line with jinking runs to unlock his teammates out wide.

It is rumoured he fielded offers of up to $200,000 a season from rival clubs and codes before inking a two-year deal at Bondi.

The Courier-Mail understands Walker’s decision to leave Brisbane was influenced by rookie Tom Dearden’s elevation to the starting side.

Originally published as Part I: We look back at the top 25 rookie Maroons