Rugby League's Rising Stars: Unlocking the Future of NRL's Elite
The 2026 NRL season promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, with a host of young stars ready to ignite the league.
Every season, the NSW and QLD Cup competitions introduce us to the next generation of NRL superstars. These players, brimming with potential, are poised to make their mark in the top grade.
Let's delve into the stories of some of these exceptional athletes:
Coby Black: The Heir Apparent
Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt's recent premiership triumph with Brisbane is a hard act to follow, but in Coby Black, the Broncos have a promising young halfback. Black, just 19, had a stellar season with Souths Logan, scoring tries and kicking goals. He's already had a taste of the NRL, playing a pre-season game for the Broncos and training with the senior squad. The club sees him as their future No.7, but will they give him a chance next season? And this is where it gets intriguing... With Reynolds and Hunt's contracts ending in 2026, could Black be the surprise package to step up and fill their boots?
Blake Mozer: Overcoming Adversity
Mozer, another Brisbane product, is a talented dummy-half who has battled injuries. He's already played nine NRL games for the Broncos, but with Ben Hunt, Cory Paix, and Billy Walters ahead of him, his path to regular first grade is blocked. The club might loan him out to another NRL team in 2026, but could this be the making of a future star? Here's a controversial thought: With Hunt's retirement on the horizon, could Mozer be the long-term hooker the Broncos need?
Latrell Siegwalt: Points Machine
The top point-scorer in the QLD Cup in 2025, Siegwalt is a try-scoring and goal-kicking machine. He's signed with South Sydney for 2026 and will work with the likes of Wayne Bennett and Latrell Mitchell. At 24, he's yet to play in the NRL, but that could change next season. But here's where it gets controversial... With his versatility, could Siegwalt be the utility player the Rabbitohs need to add spark off the bench?
Dudley Dotoi: Try-Scoring Sensation
Dotoi had a remarkable season with the Townsville Blackhawks, leading the QLD Cup in try-scoring. With 37 tries in 36 games over two seasons, he's a player the NRL should be watching. He's been linked with the PNG Chiefs expansion side, but could we see him in the NRL sooner? A bold prediction: Dotoi could be a surprise package for any NRL team looking for a try-scoring winger.
Oliver Pascoe: The Livewire Hooker
Pascoe, the Queensland Cup Player of the Year, is a dynamic hooker with an impressive running game. With quality hookers in high demand, he's a valuable asset. The Gold Coast Titans are keeping a close eye on him, but will he earn a contract? A question for the audience: Could Pascoe be the missing piece for the Titans' hooking puzzle?
Cody Ramsey: The Comeback Kid
Ramsey's story is one of resilience. After a debilitating illness threatened his career, he bounced back in 2025, scoring tries for the Dragons' reserve grade side and reaching the Grand Final. Now signed by the Roosters, could he make a stunning NRL return? A thought-provoking scenario: With his versatility, could Ramsey be the utility player the Roosters need to cover multiple positions?
Tom Rodwell: Speed and Power
The son of a rugby league great, Rodwell is a winger with speed and a damaging running game. He's tasted first grade and was picked in the NSW Cup team of the year. With the Roosters' wing positions opening up, could he be the next big thing? A prediction: Rodwell might just be the player to fill the void left by departing stars.
Jonah Glover: The Unlucky Playmaker
Glover, a talented playmaker, led the Red V's NSW Cup squad to a grand final. He scored tries, kicked goals, and provided assists, but missed out on an NRL debut. Now signed with the Rabbitohs, he's set for a fresh start. A controversial question: Was Glover's lack of NRL debut a missed opportunity, or a blessing in disguise?
Niwhai Puru: The Talented Halfback
Puru, a brilliant halfback, was one of the NSW Cup's leading points scorers. He's ready for the NRL, but stuck behind Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall. A bold statement: Puru's NRL debut is imminent, and he could be a game-changer.
Trey Mooney: The Enforcer
Mooney dominated the NSW Cup with his powerful play. He's ready for an extended NRL run, but was stuck behind Canberra's impressive front row. Now with the Knights, he has a chance to shine. A prediction: Mooney could be a key player in the Knights' forward pack.
Noah Martin: The Workhorse
Martin, a hard-nosed second-rower, is a try-scoring machine with a strong running game and brutal defense. At just 20, he's a future star for the Raiders. A bold claim: Martin might just be the next big thing in the NRL's second row.
Kalani Going: The Inspirational Leader
Going, the Warriors' second-tier captain, led his side to premiership glory. He's a versatile forward who can play hooker, and at 28, he's a mature prospect. With a potential move to the Panthers, could he be a depth player for a dynasty? A controversial take: Going's experience and leadership could be a secret weapon for any NRL team.
