We are just a week away from the 2023 NRL season. Has it felt like a really long offseason to you? Despite there being a World Cup in the middle of the break it feels like an eternity ago that the Panthers were named 2022 Premiers.
As the new season approaches, excitement continues to build and fans across the country like myself start to speculate about what might go down this year. Can the Panthers make it three in a row despite losing some big names? The Chooks can sign whoever they want but will it all come together on the field? and the question I’m going to go deep into today. Who are the players that will break out this year and be household names by the end of the season?
Last year we had the likes of Jeremiah Nanai, Selwyn Cobbo, Rueben Cotter and Murray Taulagi burst onto the scene and have huge impacts for their sides. Who will be the players that do that this year?
I thought I’d comb through the squad lists to try and identify who I think may have big breakout potential this year and here’s what I found.
1. Valynce Te Whare
Remember the name Valynce Te Whare because I get the feeling you’ll be hearing it a lot this season. Born in Waikato, New Zealand. Valynce is relatively new to the greatest game of all. Like most Kiwis he grew up playing Union but was one of the Dolphins first signings back in December 2021.
If Wayne rates you that highly you must be alright. Te Whare played mainly as a Centre for the Redcliffe Dolphins in Hostplus Cup last year where he scored 12 tries in 14 appearances and averaged 6 tackle busts a game.
Don’t let his size full you, he is QUICK and I’d imagine he’ll be starting in the Dolphins first game either as a Centre or in the Second Row.
2. Ronald Volkman
Originally in the Roosters’ development system. The Warriors went out and signed the young Five Eighth halfway through last season and already has two NRL appearances under his belt.
The youngster’s creativity, speed and ball playing skills are highly touted and could be exactly what the Warriors need if they want to have a crack at the Top 8 this season.
Pairing Volkman with the skill and wisdom of Shaun Johnson will do wonders for his development and if the second pre season teamlist is anything to go by. It looks like Volkman has beat out Te’Maire Martin to the Number 6 jersey.
3. Sean O’Sullivan
He’s bounced around a few clubs since 2018 and has 34 appearances to his name but the Dolphins’ foundation Halfback has a golden opportunity here to lead an NRL side.
Last season O’Sullivan played 11 Games for the Panthers as their 3rd half. It was his team in the first two rounds thanks to Cleary’s absence and O’Sullivan lead the reigning premiers to two huge wins. Round 1 in particular O’Sullivan was instrumental in the sides 28-6 win over Manly.
The Super Coach clearly likes what he sees in the 24 year old and it is O’Sullivan’s jersey to lose up in Redcliffe. While many punters have their doubts about how the Dolphins will go in their inaugural year, I reckon they will surprise a lot of people.
4. Paul Alamoti
Big things are happening at the Bulldogs this year. This young centre is already the front runner for rookie of the year and he hasn’t even debuted yet!
Alamoti didn’t get the call up last year but Aaron Schoupp’s departure to the Titans means that he is a huge chance to get his first taste of NRL action as early as Round 1.
A syndesmosis injury sidelined him last year but he still managed to average 150 metres per game in 15 appearances last year for the Dogs in NSW Cup.
There’s some big wraps on Alamoti from past players and I expect him to hit the ground running in 2023.
5. Brendan Piakura
He already has more appearances for the Cook Islands than he does the Broncos but Piakura is one of the young forwards to watch in the 2023 NRL Season.
A calf injury and concussions saw the former Helensvale Hornet play the one game of first grade in 2022 but thanks to a bit of offseason player movement. Piakura should be in the Broncs’ 17 for Round 1.
He was huge for the Cook Islands during the World Cup and also had a decent Q Cup campaign with Norths last year. 9 Tries in 13 games, 94 metres per game on average and 17 tackles. He runs a hell of an unders line and could very easily take Riki’s number 12 jersey early this year.