We've had a lot of focus on our juniors so far this off season so I thought it's time to put your money where your mouth is. Comment below which junior is going to have a breakout year in 2019 and why.
Here's the list to choose from. Selection criteria is based on if they debuted in 2018 or are yet to debut.
Reed Mahoney
Much has already been written about our livewire rake. After debuting against the North Queensland Cowboys last year and more than holding his own in the middle, he appears to be the front runner for the 2019 hooking role over the injury-prone Kaysa Pritchard. 2019 will be a real test for the young man as he embarks on his first full season in the NRL.
Marata Niukore
He emerged from the fire of what was a disaster of a season, establishing himself in the top 17 while also making an appearance in the starting side. Whilst not a full junior, having been poached from the Warriors, Niukore spent two years in the Parramatta system before making his debut last year. A hard ball-runner with neat footwork and an offload while also being a more than reliable defender means he could be putting pressure on incumbent starting backrowers Tepai Moeroa and Manu Ma'u.
Ray Stone
Debuting right at the end of the 2018 season, Stone has long been earmarked as a future NRL star and was highly regarded in junior circles. While still growing into his body, Stone is known for his bone-crunching defence, with a work rate likened to that of Eels warhorse and legend, Nathan Hindmarsh. He may not be in the top 17 initially but he'll likely be spotted in the NRL when the inevitable injuries hit.
Oregon Kaufusi
The impressive teenager may only be 19 but he already has two first grade games under his belt after injuries forced his selection late last year. An Under20s Origin player, Kaufusi will start the year in Wentworthville in all likelihood but will no doubt be an option for Brad Arthur should any of his front line props go down.
Jaeman Salmon
A hugely talented half that was poached from the Shire, Salmon made his debut last year and was shifted between the centres and his preferred five-eighth position. It appears he will be starting the season in the centres where his size and pace will look to be utilised. His experience in the halves could also be invaluable should injuries strike.
Dylan Brown
Where to start for the hugely talented youngster? A real long term project for the Eels given he was selected as a 16 year old to the junior system, it appears his NRL debut is not a question of "if" but "when". A genuine threat with the ball in hand, he's also a very good organiser and if his 2018 NSW cup stats are anything to go by, one of the best defensive halves coming through the grades.
Stefano Utoikamanu
The big man's name was plastered everywhere following his match-winning performance for NSW in the Under20s State of Origin match which featured a barnstorming try at the death, he's tipped to be vying for a spot on the bench. Whilst only 18, Utoikamanu has already made his NSW Cup debut, and will be one to watch this season.
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For me, Reed Mahoney shapes as the player most likely to have a big 2019. He got a taste of first grade last season and even ended up in the starting side. For a player that young and in such a key position, he more than looked ready for the NRL. Much of the Eels' season will hinge on his performances and so far he's passed the test. The only question mark on him will be if he can sustain his performances over the full season and avoid injuries.
Comments
I think Mahoney and Brown will play the most and due to the postions they play will have a impact
Kafausi will play a few games and be all the better for it i expect big thimgs from him
I think Mahoney as he seems to have a lot of up side to him and lots of skill to become our no.1 hooker but I am also impressed with Niukore. I can see him becoming a part of the 13 run on side as he reminds me of Kikau ( sorry about the spelling) from penrith. He has improved each game and has lots of ability and if given the chance will have a break out season becoming our run on edge forward. Good defender, hard worker and has a good offload and damaging ball runner. Their my 2 tips for break out season as for the rest have not seen them so can not make a judgement except Stone who I have seen play 1 game and looks to be a solid player as in a work horse, good defender and works hard with the ball in hand.
Depending on the go forwards of the men up front I see Brown as having a very solid year, that said he cannot do it without our forwards dominating.
I'm hoping to see big Stefano blooded and posing a threat off the bench.
Of that group, Mahoney, Niukore and Salmon are the ones who have become established NRL players and so are in a very good position to take it one step further during this offseason. We certainly need them to step it up a bit and utilise what experience they gained last year. If reports are correct, Brown will be starting 5/8 before long and this is a massive opportunity for him. He will need time to adjust to NRL, but hoping he picks it up pretty quickly. Other juniors will get their chance throughout the season and I hope this keeps the pressure on the established players to perform consistently.
I'd really like to see Brown have a standout year, but I feel Mahoney will take it up a notch this year. With Moses calling most of the shots (and Gutho keeping an eye on things from the back) I thing this should gel the spine players so they are playing as a unit much more than was the case last year. A new outlook and new stadium - exciting times!
It's pretty much the main reason I went with Mahoney. He's got NRL experience now and he seems to be a really bright player with a big skillset. Brown is talented but we're yet to see him on the big stage so I'll be keeping my powder dry for now.
I'm hoping Junior Paulo has a breakout year too!
I think Reed Mahoney only because he played last year in the NRL and knows what it takes and im hoping Oregon Kaufusi n Dylan Brown does to
I am looking to Oregan Kaufusi to have a bit of a break out year. His attack on the edge was very good last year. Coming on late and running at tired forwards.
He is a lot faster than you would think for a big man. May have to bide his time until he gets a spot
I'm tipping 20 year old, Stefanos Tsitsipas to have a breakout year in 2019. Actually, him and Alex "The Demon" De Minaur I reckon will have a massive season.
Woops. Sorry, wrong sport ;)
Seeing Parramatta will be fielding our inaugural Womans NRL team this year, I'm tipping "Ash Barty" to have a massive season & possibly win the "Dally M" Female Player Of The Year Award.
Dammit, still the wrong sport.