On the cup and up: Whose stocks rose on world stage

From tryscoring machines Josh Addo-Carr and Dom Young to electric attacking weapons Joey Manu and Stephen Crichton, the World Cup produced a cavalcade of stars who enhanced their reputation on the game's biggest stage.

Parramatta powerhouse Junior Paulo stamped himself as one of the game's best leaders as he took Samoa to a historic World Cup Final appearance while at the other end of the experience spectrum, young guns Sunia Turuva and Khaled Rajab staked undeniable claims for NRL selection.

Just as Lebanon's Adam Doueihi rose to stardom at the 2017 World Cup and Jason Taumalolo took his superstar status to a new level, a number of players returned from last year's tournament in England with enhanced reputations.

Some capped off standout NRL campaigns with more brilliance for their nations while others found renewed confidence for 2023 after taking their game to new heights at the greatest show on turf.

Ahead of the upcoming Telstra Premiership, NRL.com takes a look at those players whose stocks rose during the 2021 Rugby League World Cup.

Stephen Crichton - Samoa's superman

It's bold but fair to say that if it wasn't for Stephen Crichton, Samoa would not have created history by qualifying for the World Cup final. The 22-year-old has a knack for big-match heroics - crossing the line in three consecutive NRL deciders for Penrith. Crichton was already considered one of the best centres in the game but he took his NRL stocks to a higher level on the international stage. Kicking the golden point field goal against England to secure Samoa's place at Old Trafford, an intercept try in the decider against Australia and a 24-point haul against Greece made for an incredible highlights reel. Big games create big stars and the future Bulldog is the match-winner you want in your side when a game is in the balance.

Keaon Koloamatangi - Origin bound

Scoring a match-winning try and making 34 tackles while filling in at hooker in Tonga's opening win against Wales, Koloamatangi not only showed his versatility as a forward but displayed a level of footwork, skill and speed worthy of an Origin jersey. Koloamatangi was a member of Brad Fittler's extended NSW squad last series, but the Rabbitohs edge forward didn’t get the opportunity to take the field. However, the 24-year-old left Blues fans excited for the future after showing his ability to be an X-factor in the red and white jersey of Tonga. 

Joey Manu - license to roam

Playing fullback for New Zealand, the 2022 Golden Boot winner had the chance to showcase his attacking brilliance and he repeatedly broke the hearts of international rivals. The Kiwi superstar made 57 tackle breaks, averaged 260 metres and, most importantly, got his team out of jail against Fiji in the quarter-final. With captain James Tedesco appearing to have a mortgage on the Roosters' No.1 jersey, it will be interesting to see how coach Trent Robinson utilises Manu's incredible skill set in 2023 to ensure they get maximum impact from this dynamic athlete.

Dom Young - NRL's hottest off-contract star

A starring role for the home nation put Huddersfield-born Dom Young in the shop window as one of the NRL’s most promising backs. After forcing his way into the England team ahead of Ryan Hall, Young finished as the tournament's second top try-scorer (11), and equalled England’s record for the most tries in a Test (four). Young’s incredible World Cup campaign capped a breakout NRL season with the Knights. A shining light in Newcastle’s disappointing 2022 season, the 21-year-old excelled in his second year since moving from England with 14 tries in 20 games. The 200cm, 107kg hulk is no longer the Knights' best-kept secret and is set to be one of the most in-demand, off-contract players in the NRL.

Sunia Turuva - world at his feet

The 20-year-old Fijian showed he is more than worthy of a place in Penrith's starting 17 after an impressive World Cup campaign. Turuva averaged 196 metres, made 26 tackle breaks and set up two tries in four appearances for Fiji – no doubt leaving rival clubs eying off the fleet footed fullback, who has made just three NRL appearances for the Panthers. Signed with the premiers until the end of 2024, Turuva is capable of playing fullback, wing or centre and heads into the new season with a golden opportunity to enhance his reputation and be part of a rare three-peat.

Junior Paulo - Captain Fantastic

He co-captained the Eels to their first grand final appearance in 13 years and has led from the front ever since bursting onto the NRL scene in 2013 but the World Cup elevated Junior Paulo's leadership to another level. A proud Samoan, Paulo captained the island nation in all six World Cup games and ran out for all but eight minutes of their 30-10 final loss against Australia. However, Paulo’s leadership went well beyond the field and whenever interviewed on television or asked his first question at a press conference the 29-year-old prop began in Samoan. Repeatedly speaking of his side's hopes to be role models to Samoans around the world, Paulo served as a statesman for his nation and an inspirational leader for his team.

Josh Addo-Carr - The Entertainer

Overlooked for State of Origin in 2022, Addo-Carr had a point to prove on the game's biggest stage and that's what he did in emphatic fashion. From the moment he took the field in Leeds for the Kangaroos' opening match against Fiji, the Bulldogs flyer showed he is one of the game's best finishers and greatest entertainers. Regularly breaking the game open with his speed and footwork, the 27-year-old speedster scored a record-equalling 12 tries in five games for the Kangaroos and was named player of the match against Scotland. Passionate on and off the field, Addo-Carr epitomised what the Kangaroos' spirit is all about and made it all but impossible for Blues coach Brad Fittler to overlook him for a left edge partnership with Latrell Mitchell come Origin One on May 31 in Adelaide.

Khaled Rajab - ready to emerge

The 20-year-old playmaker emerged as one of the breakout stars of the World Cup. Replacing an injured Adam Doueihi, who himself emerged as a future star with Lebanon at the 2017 World Cup, Rajab debuted for the Cedars at five-eighth against Ireland and made an immediate impression with his attacking vision and kicking game. However, it was the round three match against Jamaica when the Bulldogs 2021 Jersey Flegg player of the year really caught the attention of fans, setting up five tries for Lebanon and scoring one of his own. The Bulldogs junior has been training with the club on a train-and-trial deal and will have his eyes on an NRL debut in 2023.