The first six weeks of the Telstra Premiership have seen the emergence of an almost unprecedented number of exciting rookies taking first grade by the scruff of the neck. We asked some of the game's leading players which young stars they would buy shares in if they were floated on the stock market.
James Tamou (Cowboys)
We've got a good young player, Kalyn Ponga, coming through. 'KP' will play rep footy no doubt about it, but the things we see him doing out on the training paddock are freakish and he's only 18. I think he's definitely a fullback. He's a bit like Josh Dugan, very dangerous in open play. He's quick, decisive and he's pretty strong even though there's not much of him. If I were to put money on anyone it'd be him.
Chris McQueen (Titans)
If I'm nominating one from the Titans I'll go for Cameron Cullen. He came into first grade last week for the first time and didn't look out of place at all. As for the rest of the competition I'll say Cameron Munster at the Storm. You'd think Melbourne losing Billy [Slater] last year would have knocked them around but he came straight in and didn't miss a beat. The two Camerons.
Rory Kostjasyn (Cowboys)
I'm going to go 'Jango', Javid Bowen. He's two wins on the trot, two games and two tries. His late footwork at the line has been really good for us and is getting us some quick play-the-balls. He's been outstanding the last couple of weeks.
Josh Dugan (Dragons)
I've probably got two – Taane Milne and Jacob Host. Taane Milne is just a good, young kid. He's a pretty good attacker, he's strong and he can defend really well. He's a good centre and he's definitely one for the future. Jacob Host reminds me a bit of 'Friz' (Tyson Frizell). He's a hard running back-rower and he can defend really well on an edge.
Alan Tongue (Raiders great)
There are a few who look good right now – Nick Cotric, Zac Woolford and even Thomas Cronin does some great things too. It's probably hard to pinpoint one or two, but I suppose Kalani Going and Daniel Dole stand out at the moment. But in saying that, there are some kids who might take a bit longer to develop, so a couple more years in the system could make all the difference.
Jordan Kahu (Broncos)
Anthony Milford. He's an absolute freak. You've seen what he can do and I'm sure if you had shares in him you'd get a lot of money back.
Ashley Taylor (Titans)
I'd go for Jai Arrow at the Broncos. I played a lot with him in the under-20s and he's just a real workhorse. He hasn't played NRL just yet but when he gets his opportunity it will be his time to shine.
Antonio Winterstein (Cowboys)
I'd say Latrell Mitchell, the fullback at the Roosters. He's Greg Inglis-like but he's more of his own player as well. He's got that flair about him and in a few years time he will be a superstar; if he can keep his head grounded and keep working hard there's no reason why not. The first time I saw him up close was when the Roosters came up here to Townsville (Round 3), and he's massive. He's a big boy, really strong and really hard to handle, and he gave a few of our forwards the big 'don't argue'. He's got a lot of talent and with that physique he can be anything.
Tautau Moga (Cowboys)
I was at the Roosters when Latrell Mitchell was there; he was playing SG Ball at the time. He's a good kid and he's going good. He was showing a lot back then; he was a freak.
