Rising Stars!

A look at the emerging talent in the NRL

1. Josh Dugan - The 19-year old backbone for the Canberra Raiders makes more try saving tackles than anyone else in the NRL and is establishing himself as one of the best defensive fullbacks in the game. He will always threaten to break the line with his deadly kick returns placing his team on the front foot.


2. Nick Kenny - Although Kenny is 27 and has been with the Broncos since 2005, its only been until recently that his opportunities to shine have come about. He is now part of the senior group of forwards along with Sam Thaiday and Corey Parker who need to provide the experience to mentor and assist young forwards like Ben Te'o and Lagi Setu.


3. Blake Ferguson - After a stellar opening season with the Cronulla Sharks, Ferguson has established himself as one of the best finishers in the game.


4. Joseph Tomane - Since last years debut season with the Melbourne Storm, Joseph Tomane has packed on a considerable amount of size and strength in a bid to secure a spot in the centres left vacant by Brett Delaney at his new club - Gold Coast Titans . His impact has been felt immediately with the sizey centre becoming a real handful for the opposing teams.


5. Shannon Gallant - Could not think of a more fitting replacement for injured Cowboys Fullback Matt Bowen. Gallant has a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time. His speed, agility and elusiveness make him a real weapon in broken play and will prove a great buy for the Cowboys.


6. James Moloney - The 23 year old is keen to make himself the permanent number 7 at the Warriors following the departure of club legend Stacy Jones and the hand injury suffered by Brett Seymour. His skills are on show this weekend at ANZ where all NRL club members can gain entry to the match in honour of outgoing Warriors veteran Steve Price.
7. Corey Norman - Taking over from superstar Karmichael Hunt was always going to be a tough ask, but Norman has already shown he's up for the challenge.
8. Akuila Uate - If there is one player the Newcastle Knights want to see in the clear, it's Uate. The explosive winger clocked 10.9 seconds for a 100m sprint when he was still in high school ! While Knights training staff wish to keep his current times a mystery - rest assured that if the Fijian flyer wasn't playing Rugby League - he'd still be on the track. He bagged a hatrick last week against Penrith and there are plenty more to come for season 2010.
9. Ben Barba - The Bulldogs young gun offers coach Kevin Moore a real asset off the bench. After being awarded the Bulldogs 2008 Rookie of the Year award - Barba has struggled to find a spot in the starting line up for the Bulldogs, but is primed to take over from halfback Brett Kimmorley after Daniel Mortimer re-signed with the Eels for the next 2 seasons. Barba has already crossed for 5-tries from 4-games to open season 2010.

Darren Lockyer to play on

Lockyer Commits

Darren Lockyer will continue toward a 5th straight Origin Series Victory.

Broncos Five-Eighth Darren Lockyer has decided to make himself available for Queensland Origin this year. The 33 year old is adamant he still has "something to offer" in Queensland's bid to land a record 5th straight Origin Series.

Lockyer will join a star-studded line up with the likes of Brent Tate, Israel Folou, Willie Tonga, Darius Boyd and the resurgence of power house Lote Tuqiri set to fight it out for the remaining Wing spots in the Queensland team, provided Justin Hodges makes a successful return.

Willie Tonga is tipped to take Hodges spot in the Centres if his return doesn't go to plan after making a stellar start to season 2010 with 7-line breaks (leading the NRL) and 4-tries from as many games.

Meanwhile 36-year old Warrior Steve Price has announced his retirement effective at the end of season 2010.

Predicted QLD Origin Backline:

1. Billy Slater

2. Lote Tuqiri

3. Greg Inglis

4. Justin Hodges/Willie Tonga

5. Israel Folou/Brent Tate

Unofficial National Rugby League Blog - 6.4.2010