Ranking the Rookies – NRL

Christmas has finally come for fantasy owners with a smorgasbord of rookies and cheap options available. The next two days will be filled with confusion and self-doubt.

As pre-season injury and suspension open the door for many young kids – who are the best options? Below is a guide for the start of the 2016 season.

Ranking the Rookies:

Top Tier

Latrell Mitchell – Centre
Do you believe the hype? If Mitchell is the next Greg Inglis, than he has been given the opportunity to do so. It won’t take him long to find his way into many NRL Fantasy and NRL Supercoach teams. Mitchell is expected to swap with Shaun Kenny-Dowell as per the World Club Challenge.

Jaelen Feeney – Fullback
The exit of Knights legend Kurt Gidley has paved the way for Feeney to make his debut. An impressive showing at the Auckland Nines and trial games has beat out Jake Mamo.

Second Tier

Ashley Taylor – Halfback
A genuine cash-cow in the halves is like gold. If he is to mirror the recent performances of Adam Reynolds, Daly Cherry-Evans and Trent Hodkinson, he could be a keeper until after Origin.

Josh Aloiai – Bench (Prop)
The West Tigers have a stacked bench in round one that will limit Aloaia. He has a heap of upside and could prosper around some questionable forwards.

Jacob Saifiti – Back Row
The pre-season form of Saifiti has ousted Korbin Sims. His brother Tariq is back in round six. Jacob Saifiti is a short-term prospect until then.

Third Tier
Jayden Nikorima – Halfback
As the Mitchell Pearce sagar continues to linger, Nikorima will get his chance. As Pearce’s full punishment is yet to be determined, Nikorima owners could see anywhere between 2-6 weeks of production making him a risky pick.

Daniel Saifiti – Bench (Prop)
Daniel Saifiti has been named outside the top 17. This is a huge blow with Jack Stockwell and Mickey Paea breathing down his neck.

Vincent Leuluai – Bench (Prop)
Rookie Leuluai is the beneficiary of the Jared Waerea-Hargraves injury. He’ll find a spot on the bench until at least round five, making him a short-term forward prospect.

Adam Elliott – Bench (Back Row)
A suspension to David Klemmer opens the door for Elliott to debut in round one. Klemmer is expected back in round two.

Zane Musgrove – Bench (Prop)
Rookie Zane Musgrove will step in for the injured Burgess brothers. Expect his time on the bench to last as long as their injuries.

Leivaha Pulu – Bench (Prop)
Luke Douglas’ (suspension – Round 2) absence has given Pulu his first Titans jersey off the bench. Expect his stint in the NRL to be short-lived.

David Bhana – Bench (Hooker)
Former Warriors U20’s utility forward David Bhana will debut for Nathan Brown’s Knights in round 1. He projects to come off the bench and spell starting rake Tyler Randall. Bhana has Lewis Brown-like utility value which could see him spend limited time in the back-row with injuries.

Nathaniel Roache – Bench (Hooker)
On the back of his Nines form, Roache earns a bench spot for round one. History suggests bench hookers are Fantasy poison and this is no different as he is set to spell Issac Luke.

Cody Walker – Five Eighth
Walker will debut in place of Luke Keary (suspension – round 2). Unless Keary’s place in the side goes south, Walker will be a one-week wonder.

Nathan Davis – Centre
Davis will be replacing the injured Nene McDonald. The latter is expected to return as soon as round 2.

Pat Mata’utia – Centre
Pat Mata’utia will replace brother Sione (suspended – round 2). Much like Cody Davis, Pat Mata’utia could see just one week for action over the opening rounds.

2016 NRL Bye Planner.

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