I always have a particular match, trend, team, or player in mind to focus on heading into each round of the NRL season. This week, I’m looking at a few players with a rare opportunity to impress.
These are meant to be short and sharp articles to introduce the weekend, but they can sometimes become full features. If you like what you see, pass it on.
Recent:
- Breaking down simple yardage sets
- Getting nerdy over scrums
- Reading an NRL debut: Maiu’u, Sanders, Armstrong & Alaimalo
The debate over State of Origin’s impact on the NRL season could go around in circles forever. Personally, I don’t like how every conversation from roughly Round 6 becomes about State of Origin. If there was a way for it not to be in the middle of the season, I’d be all for it but understand that simply isn’t going to happen.
Instead, I look for positives. I look for the players who’d otherwise be playing reserve grade, getting their opportunity to shine at the NRL level. They might be fighting for a spot in the top side or putting themselves in the shop window for others. Either way, there are some interesting stories to cover in a round that might not produce the most exciting football overall.
Toby Sexton has played 33 games at NRL level but recorded only one start in 2024. He arrived at the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs for the opportunity but failed to take it well enough to impress Cameron Ciraldo at the back end of last season. However, he put together a nice 80 minutes in place of Drew Hutchison last week and gets his opportunity again in this one.
He will get there as a first grader. Still only 23 years old, he’s displayed everything you look for in a young half: ball-playing, tempo, line engagement, and the ability to tie up the right player in the defensive line. He’s not been able to do it consistently, but that’s not unexpected for a young and inexperienced half. I’m eager to see how he backs up his Round 12 performance.
The Penrith Panthers always find themselves decimated at this time of the year and will introduce two debutants in Round 13.
Preston Riki has been plying his trade in reserve grade for a long time now. With 22 games for the Warriors from 2018 to 2022 and 42 for the Panthers since 2022, the 26-year-old is one of those older NRL debutants I like to see. The sort I consider exceptionally valuable in these moments when a coach needs somebody to step in for a game or two.
Ivan Cleary knows what he’s getting out of Riki this week; a big body that carries the ball hard and stands tall to make his tackles.
He’s experienced and reliable. It’s just what the Panthers need as they look to keep afloat throughout the Origin period.
Trent Toelau is another Panthers reserve grade regular. With 37 NSW Cup appearances to his name, the 24-year-old finally gets his crack in the NRL.
He has played a lot of the middle service role for the Panthers in Cup but has always looked his best running the ball. His left foot will catch a defender out if they’re not square off the line.
I’m not sure what his role will be off the bench, but he won’t look out of place when and where he steps onto the field.
Toby and Ryan Couchman have been named on the bench for the Dragons. Toby played 15 NRL games last year but hasn’t featured in the top grade in 2024. Still only 20 years old, he’s one for the future of the Dragons. He’s playing in a position that takes a long time to develop, but it won’t be long before he’s a regular first-grader and a SuperCoach favourite, given his work rate on both sides of the ball.
Sydney Morning Herald is reporting Blake Steep will make his NRL debut this week. Although, it could well be a guess on their part with Luke Keary a chance of missing the game for State of Origin. Even then, I’d expect Zach Dockar-Clay to be in the side.
Steep is only 19 years old and was named their SG Ball Player of the Year. However, he has played only 100 minutes of Cup footy.
A big body with good feet, Steep carries the ball well. He’s a backrower Sam Walker will look to drop back under and fish across the line for a gap. It’s no doubt been a successful ploy at SG Ball level, but NRL defensive lines tie in a lot better. The Cowboys, while depleted, have a good backrower in Kulikefu Finefeuiaki to test him defensively, too.
It’s a big step up for Steep this week, but he wouldn’t be the first player to surprise me in making the leap.
* Let us know which fringe player you’re monitoring closely this week, and I’ll add them to the list for the Round 13 review.