Six of the Best is back for the 2015 season! One of our most popular features, SOTB takes a subject from the world of Rugby League each week and asls you to give us your suggestions on social media!
We’ve covered plenty of angles in the past; from memorable Challenge Cup moments right through to the worst Rugby League kits in history. And for our first edition of 2015, we’re taking a glance forward into the crystal ball.
In this Monday’s edition of League Express, we’ll be selecting our annual rookies who we’re tipping to do well. We’ll be picking one from every Super League club – and to warm up for that, we’ve asked you for six rookies who could make a big impact this season.
Matty Marsh
The youngster only signed his first professional contract with the club last September, after being named as the club’s Academy player of the year for 2014. A talented half-back with plenty of skill, Robins fans clearly expect big things from the youngster in 2015.
Oliver Gildart
The Wigan Warriors youngster featured for England Academy during their recent series against Australian Schoolboys, and was excellent during the opening match of that series in particular. He’s signed a new contract with the Warriors ahead of the 2015 season, and was even part of the squad that made the trip to Florida in pre-season. Will he be a hit?
Mason Tonks
The former New Zealand Warriors youngster returned from NZ to sign for Bradford Bulls midway through last season with Jordan Baldwinson, but failed to make a serious impact on the side as they suffered relegation to the Championship. He’s returned to Leeds for 2015, and will spend the season out on loan with Featherstone Rovers. Tipped by many of our readers to make an impact, will Tonks be in for a big 2015?
Ryan Hampshire
With the departure of Blake Green to the NRL, Wigan Warriors have opted to put their faith in youth when it comes to replacing the Australian. And whilst there are plenty of candidates for the role, a few of you suggested Ryan Hampshire as a player who could be in for a huge season. The talented half-back has bags of potential – but will ‘Rocky’ cement a role in the Wigan side in 2015?
Ash Golding
Of all the rookies we were tipped off about, nobody polled more votes than exciting full-back Ash Golding. He had a superb series for England Academy against the Aussies, and was also impressive during the Rhinos’ Boxing Day win against Wakefield. He will find chances hard to come by with Zak Hardaker in front of him, but expect big things at Academy level from Golding this season.
Jordan Abdull
Another member of England Academy’s triumphant squad against the Australian Schoolboys, Hull FC youngster Jordan Abdull is in for a big 2015. Head coach Lee Radford confirmed that Abdull will be moving from the halves to the pack this year, with loose forward looking like being where Abdull ends up. He made his debut for FC in 2014, but will 2015 be the year he truly breaks through as a major star?
