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, 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.”
Fletcher 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.” This young group has
intriguing things to offer.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.
Prop Corey Jensen may be fighting for his future among Brisbane’s pack, but he was adamant that Xavier Willison
was set to make a strong case to remain among the NRL’s elite in 2024. While the 21-year-old had already made four
appearances before last year, his seven games in 2023 signalled his potential as he began to grow into his hulking
frame. He has been seen training regularly with the Brisbane’s full-strength team. Coming to terms with the added
fitness demands has been a challenge (he was seen being sick in backfield at the end of a gruelling session on
Tuesday) but Jensen backed him for a breakout year.
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 there had difficult moments at times; it was just a
matter of catching up and navigating the rigors of rugby league and playing 13 on 13.Bringing him up to speed with
things is important since he is another player who 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.”
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.”
