‘Lively’ Grant-like young gun stars in rookie team of the year
Updated . First published at
There are plenty of critics worried that there won’t be enough new talent coming through the ranks to fill two new teams over the next couple of years - but the emergence of this rookie crop tends to suggest that they are wrong.
So much talent is just waiting for a chance in the NRL - as these youngsters have proven over recent months.
Cooper Clarke takes a carry in his rookie season with Melbourne. NRL Imagery
This is The Mole’s rookie team of the year. Note that only players who debuted in 2026 are eligible.
1. Apa Twidle (Eels): A fine young outside back and a real competitor who shows a lot of maturity and confidence for a guy with just a handful of top grade games to his name. Great get for Perth.
2. Setu Tu (Dragons): Left the Warriors for opportunity this year and won selection in round one in Vegas and has proven himself a genuine speed machine and polished try scorer.
3. Latrell Siegwalt (Rabbitohs): With Latrell Mitchell missing long patches of the season, his namesake got a chance and has made the most of it - lots of first grade ahead of him, especially when he bulks up a bit in the gym.
4. Dayne Jennings (Rabbitohs): Pacy wing/centre scored a try on debut - against Penrith no less - and could well be the long-term successor to Alex Johnston when the try king sails off into the PNG sunset.
5. Tino Tavana (Tigers): Originally on a train and trial deal, the powerful youngster scored two tries in his first two games for the Tigers and will get plenty more chances under Benji Marshall in 2027.
6. Hayden Watson (Storm): Queensland product was the Storm’s SG Ball player of the year a few months ago before being given his chance in top company. He is so highly regarded by the Storm he’s signed until 2030.
7. Zane Harrison (Titans): In a tough season for the Titans, this classy rookie was handed the keys to the attack and while he has made some mistakes, he’s improved along the way and looks a top prospect.
8. Morgan Knowles (Dolphins): At 29, the Englishman is the ‘old man’ of the team, but he gets in because it’s never easy transitioning from Super League to the NRL and he handled the move with ease.
9. Oliver Pascoe (Titans): There’s a touch of Harry Grant about this lively hooker, who won the prestigious Petero Civoniceva Medal last season as best player in the Queensland Cup. Dynamite out of dummy half.
10. Simione Laiafi (Sea Eagles): At only 19, he was handed a big ask to debut in the toughest position in the game - front row. But he handled himself well and the young giant has a huge future.
Simione Laiafi of the Sea Eagles. Getty Images
11. Francis Manuleleua (Knights): When Dylan Lucas suffered a serious injury, the Knights were worried - but Manuleleua has more than filled his boots. An aggressive, powerful ball runner with a huge future.
12. Angus Hinchey (Storm): The 22-year-old back-rower was blooded early in the season by Craig Bellamy and in a tough season for the Storm, he still showed plenty of talent.
13. Cooper Clarke (Storm): Big, strong and mobile with the ability to play anywhere in the pack, he’s a real handful. Probably the pick of the crop and favourite for the rookie of the year title.
