The Niche Cache

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Team Young Gun

 Please note that these aren't rookies and yes there are plenty of other guys who could have made the list but well these guys just did it for me...

Josh Hoffman - The young Bronco has played the majority of this year on the wing to allow Corey Norman the full back spot, however with Norman leaving I would imagine that Hoffman will get a lot more time at the back. I could have picked Ben Barba, but I like how tough Hoffman plays and love to see him ball in hand running at the big boys.

Jorge Taufua - Having been considered for a NSW wing spot this year, Taufua is no longer under the radar. The only reason he was under the radar is because he did his job..very well. He doesn't have any amazing highlight reels, but finishes most of the opportunities that are presented to him by the stellar Manly back line and is very sound defensively. Taufua will play Origin at some stage.

Konrad Hurrell - The big Tongan is an exceptional talent but still has a long way to go. Not many other players in the NRL possess the natural speed and power that Hurrell does, allowing for him to make the best defenders think again. The fact that he has a lot to learn means that he will be a super star (unless he leaves the game) as he has shown the work ethic and ability to listen and learn necessary to be a quality NRL player.

Dane Gagai - Landing at Newcastle has probably been a blessing for Dane Gagai. Having been shown the door at Brisbane, Gagai was in the wilderness for a bit but has found a home north of Sydney. Newcastle need Gagai just as much as Gagai needs Newcastle which makes it a perfect fit for Gagai to flourish. He has size, footwork and speed to trouble any defender and doesn't leak too many points, which will only be enhanced by playing under Wayne Bennett.

Justin O'Neil - The Storm winger has shown class in abundance and has been given the moniker 'the Ferrari'. He doesn't make errors and like other backs has size and speed in abundance. He has been a part of a few Queensland squads and if Brent Tate retires from rep footy expect to see O'Neil in there for good.

Shaun Johnson - Blessed with speed, footwork and a booming right boot, Johnson has all the tools to be a great half. Not to mention that he isn't really that small and can defend well enough. His kicking game will continue to improve which will complement his running game perfectly and will become very difficult to defend against.

Adam Reynolds - The little general for Souths could be one of the best halves ever. He has it all and at no stage was he intimidated by having to lead a pretty rough group of forwards around. I would rate Reynolds above Johnson as his kicking game near the try line is better along with his all round half back play. The Rabbitohs could have won the comp last year, until Reynolds did his hammy..evidence of his class.

Josh McGuire - The Broncos prop doesn't take a back seat to anyone and is often seen in the heart of a dust up. He does however do a heap of dirty work, taking tough carries and doing a lot of tackling. McGuire would be one of the first picked in many teams because of the effort he puts in throughout the middle of the park and will be in a Maroons jersey soon enough.

Matt Srama - He might not be on the tip of many tongues, but Srama does his job very well. A small fella, he is very strong and loves to defend which make him the perfect hooker. He regularly chooses the right option and is happy to bark out orders and keep his forward pack in line.

Ben Matulino - Ben Matulino makes metres, hits hard and is a skilful chap. What more could you ask for? Not many blokes would be able to bring him down by themselves which means he can usually land on his front and get a quick play the ball as well as being able to offload.

Wade Graham - Another to flourish having changed clubs. Graham moved from the Panthers to the Sharks a few years back and hasn't looked back. He's extremely tough but also very skilful. Big enough with a great passing and kicking game, Graham consistently makes line breaks down the left edge. Not too many blokes captain their club side at the age of 22, nuff said.

Tariq Sims - Hasn't had much of a go this year but Sims is a physical freak. Blessed with size, speed an his older brother's aggression, Sims is a beast. It wont be long until we have the privilege of seeing him in the Origin arena where he will flourish.

Elijah Taylor - Taylor will be a great loss for the Warriors and a buy of the year type of player for the Panthers next season. He defends in the middle, takes the shit carries and is very skilful. What more could you want?

 

Jason Taumalolo - Like Sims, Taumalolo hasn't had much of a run this year for numerous reasons. At only 20 years old, Taumalolo has the league world at his feet and will be a fantastic player once he can iron out a few kinks and establish himself.

Mitchell Allgood - Rough, tough and willing to do the work, Allgood would be a great member of any team. He has all the traits that many young footballers need to have.

Josh Papalii - Having been selected for Origin this year, Papalii's stock will only rise. Much the same mould as Taumalolo except a bit smaller, Papalii will scare edge defenders for many more years to come.

Jack De Belin - Doesn't get much of a rap because of the shit form the Dragons are in, but De Belin is a lot like Allgood. There aren't many young players who are willing to do the dirty work and jobs that no one else wants to, he is one who does.