Our look at the hottest prospects yet to grace first grade continues, with the Titans, Sea Eagles, Storm and Knights under the microscope.
Miss Part 1? Read about the best young talent at the Broncos, Bulldogs, Raiders and Sharks here
Ben Nakubuwai (Titans)
He's been dubbed the next Petero Civoniceva, and if the reports are true then Ben Nakubuwai will be one to watch in 2017. The former Storm big man churned out huge minutes and got through plenty of work for the Thunderbolts in 2016. Ironically, his only Holden Cup try last season came against the Titans in Round 3.
Special mention: Tyronne Roberts-Davis. Wouldn't it be great to see him play in the same side as Tyrone Roberts? The versatile outside back has pace to burn, loves scoring tries and can also kick goals.
Brian Kelly (Sea Eagles)
With the futures of club stalwarts Brett Stewart and Steve Matai still unclear heading into 2017, new recruit Brian Kelly could break into Manly's backline sooner than expected. The former Titan scored 22 tries from 36 appearances on the Gold Coast and is the only player in State of Origin history to cross four times in a match; a feat he achieved for the Junior Blues in 2015.
Special mention: Lucas Price. The local junior played from the bench, on the wing, in the centres, at five-eighth and in the back row for the Sea Eagles last year and finished with 12 tries from 20 appearances.
Joe Stimson (Storm)
Stimson captained the Thunderbolts in the 2015 NYC season and also represented the Junior Blues that year in the under-20s State of Origin before going on to play a starring role for the Sunshine Coast Falcons in the Intrust Super Cup where he was named the Storm's feeder club player of the year last season. With Kevin Proctor now at the Titans, expect the hard-working back-rower to come into Craig Bellamy's side in 2017.
Special mention: Brandon Smith. Same last name, same position, but very different playing style to the Melbourne skipper. The nuggety No.9 joined the Storm after two outstanding years at the Cowboys that saw him score 30 tries and set up 38 more out of dummy-half. The Junior Kiwi could play NRL when Cameron Smith is on Origin duty.
Nick Meaney (Knights)
Knights coach Nathan Brown has indicated that there are only two players likely to vie for the club's fullback role next season, but that won't stop Nick Meaney from fighting for a spot in the first grade squad. Meaney led the way for the Knights in 2016 with 2,692 metres and chipped in with four tries and five assists at the back. He also tallied 104 tackle breaks, which was 47 more than Newcastle's next best, and his stellar season saw him named the club's NYC Player of the Year.
Special mention: Braden Robson. The NYC veteran made the permanent move from the centres to the back row in 2016 and was rewarded with several games in reserve grade.
