Fans of rugby league, including those of the Wests Tigers and St George Illawarra, get thrilled every year at this time
of year.
The players are extremely fit, have been grinding it out for nearly three months, and there are always one or two
“next big things” who are prepared to light up the competition.
The Herald visited all 17 clubs and asked them the pointed questions that we are all curious about.
Who’s been doing the home training? Indeed, in all seriousness. Who might be vying for more recognition this year?
And who among the players has prospered from a scene change?
Our poll features something for everyone, from explosive rookies Keenan Palasia and Viliami Fifita to preseason
mainstays Ryan Papenhuyzen, Zac Lomax, and Scott Drinkwater.
 Adam Reynolds: Adam Reynolds, 33, is leading the way and always looking to get better. Prior to starting training
again, Reynolds shed five kg during the off-season. A brief trip to the team’s Red Hill training facility is all that is
required to witness Reynolds dominating many fitness tests. The veteran demonstrated his improved agility at the
end of a set piece in a different practice, swerving around fullback Tristan Sailor to score. Prop Corey Jensen stated
that his captain’s work ethic had been crucial in encouraging the other players to raise their game.
“He is the epitome of professionalism. Jensen remarked, “Everyone tries to get up and be like Adam, and he leads
the club really well.”
“We older boys have to keep up the standard with them because they are a young group; otherwise, we will simply
fall behind.”
Must step outside his comfort zone: Baker FletcherFletcher Baker’s time in Brisbane has not gone well since he had
to have surgery on his groin in an attempt to be ready for the season opener in Las Vegas. The prop will be itching for
the opportunity to feature in his new team’s grand final lineup against his old Roosters teammates, and the
departure of Thomas Flegler, Keenan Palasia, and Kurt Capewell might be the catalyst for the prop’s ascent from
promising bench warmer to regular NRL player.
“I had the good fortune to have several clubs pursuing me.” I saw some interest, but it was either from Brisbane or
the Roosters,” Baker remarked.
“I enjoy the footy up here, but I really love the Roosters. It was sad to leave the nest.” The young staff is exhilarating.
A few years ago, the Broncs weren’t doing very well, but honorably, things drastically improved. Observing their
training methods reveals how hard they work as a cohesive team.
“I want to make an impact and have my best preseason here.” I would like to be on that squad, wherever I can fit in.
Xavier Willison: Assemble Even though Corey Jensen is competing for a spot in Brisbane’s starting lineup, he is
certain that Xavier Willison will make a compelling case to be in the NRL’s top players come 2024. Even though the
21-year-old had only had four appearances before to last year, his seven games in 2023 showed promise as he started
to fill out his massive physique. He has frequently been spotted working out with Brisbane’s starting lineup. It has
been difficult for him to adjust to the increased fitness requirements (he was spotted feeling unwell in the backfield
on Tuesday after a taxing workout), but Jensen predicted a breakout season for
He has, in my opinion, been excellent. He’s a young man with a lot of upside and potential, according to Jensen.
“He’s putting in a lot of training, and his goal is to always get better. He will play a lot of first grade, in my opinion,
and be a great contributor to the squad
“I believe that everyone was having difficulty at points; it was just a matter of catching up and persevering through
the rigors of rugby league and playing 13 on 13.
It’s getting him up to speed with things because he’s another player that either doesn’t play as many minutes in the
middle or hasn’t played in the NRL.
“He will be a fantastic asset to the team as a player.”
Bronson Xerri: The 23-year-old is back with the Bulldogs after serving a
four-year doping ban and rejoining the NRL. Xerri, according to coach
Cameron Ciraldo, has been “a real surprise packet for us.”
After being away from the game for a time, Ciraldo said, “he probably found
the conditioning side of things hard early on. But once he got that
conditioning base he’s just worked really hard and shown the talent level he’s
got.” “We’re very happy with how he’s progressing.”
Blake Taaffe: The teenage fullback is benefiting from the change of scenery at the Rabbitohs, where he is stuck
behind Latrell Mitchell.
“I believe Blake Taaffe has demonstrated that he is capable of being a very good regular NRL player since his arrival.
He truly came in and demonstrated his abilities to us,” Ciraldo remarked.
I simply enjoy his gut feelings. What he does with the game is amazing. He showed a good football IQ last year in the
reserve grade finals. In addition to putting in a lot of effort at the ball, he was also in constant communication with
his teammates and working hard to attempt to break down the opponents.
 Max King: The 26-year-old is a seasoned player. King has spent the last two seasons in Belmore, having begun his
career with the Gold Coast and then spent time in Melbourne. According to Ciraldo, he has worked hard over the
previous two years and is beginning to emerge as the team’s captain.
Max King has improved this year, according to Ciraldo. He has played a lot of footy over the past two years and has
sort of established himself as a key member of our pack.
“For us, the quality of his work has really increased this pre-season, and he’s starting to feel more at ease around the
group in a leadership role. He’s just a workhorse that not many people notice.”
Scott Drinkwater: Scott Drinkwater was “head and shoulders above everyone else” at the Cowboys, according to
Cowboys coach Todd Payten, even after a season in which he established himself as one of the NRL’s most deadly
fullbacks.
Payten remarked, “It’s really impressive how loud his sessions are, how fast he’s playing, and how quickly he’s
covering ground.”
“He’s really self-assured, holding teammates accountable, and leading the group in the right direction with his
leadership.”
Heilum Luki: Heilum Luki’s unfortunate string of injuries may be coming to an end as the explosive back-row
player plans a breakthrough campaign. The 22-year-old, who was once a highly regarded talent, has only played in
38 games since his 2021 season, but he is apparently being pursued by opposing teams as his contract expires at the
end of the current one. However, Payten stated that his athleticism and mentality from the preseason to return to full
health had shone out, and that he was looming as a starting option in the back row with the versatility to play
through the middle.
Heilum Luki seemed to be in great shape among the gang. Payten stated, “He has some consistency in his workouts.
Since making his debut a few seasons ago, he’s had a bit of bad luck. He suffered a hamstring strain, shattered his
cheekbone, and recovered from an ACL last year, so he didn’t have much continuity in the season.
However, he left with Samoa and gained a great deal of confidence from that. Although he began a week or two
behind the main group, he hasn’t missed any sessions since. “He’s mobile, fit, and pretty scary.”
Viliami Vailea: Payten is quite excited about Viliami Vailea, despite the Cowboys being largely silent in the
recruitment arena. The halves will undoubtedly be under pressure from Jake Clifford’s return to Townsville, but they
are looking for a center alternative because Peta Hiku is departing North Queensland. Although rookie Zac Laybutt
and Maroons winger Murray Taulagi are strong competitors, Payten thinks Vailea’s transition from New Zealand will
bring out the best in him.
Payten remarked, “He admitted he needed to leave Auckland; he had some distractions, and stepping outside of your
comfort zone is never easy.” He is twenty-one years old. Although it’s not his first time being away from home, he
doesn’t have any family in Townsville.
“He did have some heat-related issues during the first few weeks, but he’s now rock-hard fit, and his skill and
football acumen are undeniable.”
“It just involves getting himself in a position where he can consistently perform for eighty minutes every week.”
