2016 Rookie Halves to watch

Cronulla Sharks: Josh Cleeland

The 24 year  five-eighth played an integral role in the Jets’ Queensland Cup premiership and State Championship success in the 2015 season. Cleeland’s one-year-deal with the Sharks comes as a reward for an outstanding 2015 season playing for an all-conquering Jets team in the Intrust Super Cup, where he lead the competition in both try and line break assists. Cleeland will add to the depth to the Sharks halves, complementing the earlier signings of James Maloney, Chad Townsend.

Newcastle Knight: Jack Cogger

Will be Trent Hodkinson’s replacement whilst unavailable for NSW Representative duties (if he’s picked). Represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2014, the 18-year-old has been a star for Newcastle and managed to 21 games in the Holden Cup in 2015. Eligible to play in the Holden Cup until the end of 2017 but will get his opportunities in 2015.

Canberra Raiders: Lachlan Croker

Appeared at last year’s Auckland Nines tournament and is seen as the future in Canberra. The nephew of Raiders legend Jason Croker and one of the youngest in the team, Lachlan has enormous potential highlighted by several game winning performances in the under 20s competition. 2016 will be a chance for Lachlan to continue his development with an eye to potentially making his first grade debut, but with Blake Austin and new recruit Aidan Sezer standing in his way alongside a handy backup in Sam Williams it will be tough. May get his opportunity if Blake Austin makes NSW Origin selection or injury to either two halves. A kid to keep on your radar.

Penrith Panthers: Zach Dockar-Clay

Dockar-Clay  can play halfback and hooker and has represented the Junior Kiwis and NSW junior Origin teams.  Played 78 games in four years for Parramatta in the NYC sitting him the third-most capped player in under 20s history. Probably sits behind other rookie Te Maire Martin for a shot at Jamie Sowards position. Despite that the Captain of the Junior Kiwis still a good chance to make his debut in 2016.

Melbourne Storm: Scott Drinkwater

Melbourne have secured the services of outstanding Australian Schoolboys half-back Scott Drinkwater with the hope he will take over play-making duties from Cooper Cronk. The Storm have signed Drinkwater on a three-year deal. The 18-year old possesses a number of the natural talents that make a talented halfback and will be able to learn from the best when he links up with Storm star Cooper Cronk. A kid to lookout for in 2016.

Manly Sea Eagles: Nicholas Hynes

With the Sea Eagles lacking depth in the halves, Hynes is a huge chance to make an appearance if Daly Cherry-Evans and/or Dylan Walker become unavailable due to Origin commitments. Will have other challenges for the job though, with the injury-prone Tim Moltzen who joined the club in 2016. But Definitely a Huge chance for this kid to Debut in 2016.

Gold Coast Titans: Karl Lawton

Has emerged as an unlikely contender for one of the vacant Gold Coast ­Titans halves positions. Lawton, 20, posses strong running game and is ready to compete in the NRL, he backs his ability to take on the defensive line with his speed, step and strength. Another option for coach Neil Henry if the Ash Taylor experiment fails.