The Offseason Octopus - Young Guns 2014

Another year of NRL action is ahead of us, another year where very talented young men stand up and embrace the possibility of an NRL career. Here's my list of younger guys who I'm picking to separate themselves from the pick in 2014.

Tyrone Peachey - The former Shark, now at Penrith is a mobile back rower who makes a great impact for a bloke of his size. Blessed with good footwork and obvious toughness, Peachey should flourish at the Panthers.

Luke Brooks - The future of the Tigers is resting upon this very talented youngster's shoulders. He'll be the starting halfback for the Tigers and will take over from Benji Marshall as their go to man. In his debut last season he showed what he is capable and having Robbie Farah and Braith Anasta around him will allow him to grow in to the role.

Sebastine Ikahihifo. Chur Teaukura Moetaua/Getty Images AsiaPac

Sebastine Ikahihifo - A forward who has gone under the radar at the Warriors, Ikahihifo is a hard working lad who is usually found in the middle of the pitch as a prop or lock. He's mobile and tough and is willing to put in the hard yards which should make him a fan favourite soon enough. 

Bryce Cartwright - Big raps on this kid who will likely find a spot on the edge for the Panthers. He's a massive bloke who has ball handling ability as well as great athleticism which will make the Panthers a difficult team to defend against. Expect to see him early on in the season and fitting in to NRL systems quickly.

Ryan James -  This beast of a prop will lead the Gold Coast Titans forward pack and give them some much needed mongrel. James is a hands down future NSW forward and has found his feet at NRL level so expect to see him really stamp his authority this season. With an ageing forward pack, the Titans need James to fill the void and I'm sure James is willing.

Beast - Peni Terepo Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac

Peni Terepo - The type of player that the Eels really need has come through their system and will feature heavily this season. After finding his feet at NRL level last season in what can only be described as being thrown in the deep end, Terepo offers size, mobility and skill. He's a part of a group of young Eels who will be willing to set Parramatta on the right track.

Jason Taumalolo - Despite having played in the NRL for what seems like an age, Taumalolo hasn't quite been able to consistently put together performances that match his potential, mostly thanks to injury. If he's able to stay on the pitch, Taumalolo will be one of the most destructive forwards in the game. The Cowboys need the x-factor that Taumalolo has and I'm very hopeful that we see the best out of him this season.

Luke Keary - The focus of a selection war between Queensland and NSW, Keary was good enough last season to come in to first grade and push John Sutton out to the back row. The Rabbitohs could benefit greatly from a Keary/Adam Reynolds combo and Keary has shown that he is more than tough enough to compete with the big boys.

Ligi Sao - A dark horse here, Sao could be a major benefactor of the retirement of Richie Fa'aoso's retirement and Manly's lack of size and power upfront. Ligi Sao moved to Manly following a very successful stint with the Junior Warriors and could be given an early opportunity to showcase his ability.