The likes of Jack Bostock, Lachlan Galvin and Ethan Strange stood out from the rest of the rookie class last season – so who's turn will it be in 2025?
The pan66.com writers cast an eye over the rookies set to feature prominently in the upcoming campaign and give their pick for who will steal the show.
Which rookie is poised to dominate in 2025?
Brad Walter: The Bulldogs won a cross-code tug-of-war to sign boom halfback Mitchell Woods with AFL and rugby union in the belief that he is the missing piece in their puzzle to assemble a premiership winning squad. Woods, who is contracted until 2027, played for NSW U19s last season and was the NSWRL SG Ball player of the year. The teen star captained Canterbury to victory in the 2023 Harold Mathews Cup and is pencilled in as the long-term halves partner for Matt Burton. After joining the club's top 30 squad, Woods won't be rushed into the NRL but he is expected to be given a shot in the No.7 jersey at some stage this season and will challenge Toby Sexton for the halfback role.
Cameron Mee: Those who watched Loko Pasifiki Tonga in the flesh at Leichhardt Oval during last year's Under 19 State of Origin clash will know exactly how big and physical the hulking prop is. Tonga has earned a promotion to the Dragons Top 30 squad for the 2025 season, with many predicting the 196cm, 121kg monster can follow a similar trajectory as Brisbane prop Payne Haas. Tonga led St George to a breakthrough SG Ball title last year before stepping up to the Under 21 Jersey Flegg competition and later playing two games in reserve grade. An NRL debut is expected in 2025 and while it is notoriously difficult for young props to instantly dominate in the top flight, Tonga has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Benjamin Te Kura Try
Colleen Edwards: Big Ben Te Kura had his debut season in the NRL hampered by a Lisfranc injury last year but was able to return to play the last two games. Famously listed as the tallest player in the NRL at 205cm, the still-developing Redcliffe Dolphins junior made an impression on his first-grade debut, scoring a try and running for more than 100 metres. With Brisbane still searching for the right balance in their forward pack, young prop Te Kura looks to be a strong option from the bench and with another pre-season under his belt can set himself up as an impact player.
Corey Rosser: The fact that new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles was willing to part ways with Clinton Gutherson this off-season probably tells you everything you need to know about his belief in Isaiah Iongi. In his first, and so far only, taste of first grade footy, the Norths Devils junior delivered a 256 metre, eight tackle bust effort for the Panthers in Round 22 last season. With the Eels' No.1 jersey seemingly his to start the year, the 21-year-old is positioned to dominate at his new club in 2025.
Iongi impresses on debut
Martin Lenehan: Former Wallaby Carter Gordon looks to have all the attributes to break into the NRL in 2025 and bring a unique skill set to one of the game's most potent backlines. The 23-year-old code-hopper got a feel for the game playing in the centres and halves for Tweed Seagulls in 2024 and showed enough to suggest he'd be right at home in Des Hasler's squad when the Titans launch their 2025 campaign against the Bulldogs in Round 2. Gordon boasts a solid kicking game that makes him a handy option in the halves, and he also possesses the speed and footwork to have an impact out wide.
