2017 NRL season: five best debutants

So far the 2017 NRL season has been full of surprises, with nobody being able to predict what the competition ladder looks like, largely due to some new young players coming from no where to stamp their authority on the NRL.

I have had a look at the top debutants (so far) to find out who will standout above the rest this year. 

Brian Kelly

At just twenty-one, Brian Kelly has become a star for the Manly Sea Eagles. In just six games, he has ‘crossed the white line’ (scored a try) 4 times, including during his debut game against the Parramatta Eels. Kelly has helped his struggling side to have one of the best starts to the season, surprising critics along the way.

Gideon Gela-Mosby

Born in Cairns (QLD), Gela-Mosby was the subject to much hype last year. The electrifying winger/fullback took the National Youth Competition (NYC) by storm by becoming the all-time leading try scorer in a single season bagging 39 four-pointers in 2015.

He has finally made the jump up to the NRL playing for the North Queensland Cowboys, but is still finding it just as easy to find the try line. In just three games this year, he has scored two tries announcing himself to the NRL 

Jayden Brailey

Being the heir to Michael Ennis, it is no surprise that Brailey has adjusted well to the NRL. With some big, grubby boots to fill, Brailey has handled the pressure of steering a first grade NRL side well, notching up two tries in his debut season and recording five wins already in his career.

With a cool head and electrifying runs from dummy half, Brailey is capable of splitting teams up the middle and also works tirelessly in defence racking up 51 tackles when he played the Dragons.

Kaylen Ponga

Ponga is quite possibly the hottest young talent in the NRL. The 19 year old from Western Australia had clubs fighting for his signature even before he made his NRL debut.

Ponga has played five games so far and only crossed for one try, but has been outstanding off the ball, causing havoc for the opposition defence.

Playing for the Cowboys this year before moving to Newcastle next year, Ponga will be a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of.

Nick Cotric

At just eighteen and being able to terrorise some of the best wingers in the game, there is no doubt that Nick Cotric has been talked about a lot so far this season. The Canberra local has been touted for big things since he first came onto the scene in the Holden cup last year. Since then he has lived up to all the hype, coming into the NRL and scoring three tries and having arguably the best kick return of any player.

Cotric’s ability to break the line off kick returns and also in general play makes him one of the most exciting young backs in the NRL. Cotric caps off possibly the best backline in the league at the moment giving the young gun every opportunity to shine on the Raiders edge. Watch this space.