Rising stocks: Players who shone in Pre-Season Challenge Week 2

The Broncos took home the 100K, the Dragons took a leap forward and the Roosters took a look at Generation Next in an impressive thumping of the Rabbitohs.

Week two of the Pre-Season Challenge produced a feast of attacking rugby league as the Broncos, Dragons and Cowboys clicked into gear, while the Sharks and Bulldogs showed the benefit of all the hours they had put into defensive drills over summer in a hard-fought tussle.

With the start of the NRL Telstra Premiership just a week away, teams looked to fine tune combinations and get some clarity in positional battles as a number of players staked their claim for a spot in their respective top 17s.

Thomas Mikaele

It was looking like it could have been a tough day out for the Cowboys after the Raiders ran in three early tries on Sunday but when new recruit Thomas Mikaele entered the fray, tides certainly turned in the visitors favour. For someone whose never scored a try in the NRL since his debut in 2019, the 26-year-old certainly looked determined to make up for lost time, scoring two tries and breaking six tackles in a starring performance on Seiffert oval. After signing a development deal with North Queensland in the off-season, there’s a big chance Todd Payten could promote the former Super League prop into the club’s top 30, particularly after Coen Hess went down with injury (knee). “I thought he was really good when he came off in the second half, carried the ball strong and provided some second phase play which I really liked,” Payten said following the match.

Lachlan Galvin (Wests Tigers)

In his first hit-out for 2024, the 18-year-old lived up to the hype with a composed display in a badly beaten Tigers outfit in Mudgee. Galvin took the line on at every opportunity and proved a real handful for the Dragons defence as he chalked up 97 metres from 16 runs. a member of Wests Magpies premiership-winning Harold Matthews Cup team in 2022 and Australian Schoolboy rep in 2023, Galvin looks a readymade NRL player and has his nose in front in the race to partner Aidan Sezer in the halves.

Joe Chan (Storm)

After making his NRL debut in the final round of last year’s Telstra Premiership against the Broncos, Chan staked an early claim for a spot in Craig Bellamy's best 17 with a powerful display in Fiji. The 21-year-old prop had 113 run metres from eight hit-ups as he took the ball into the heart of the Knights defence in testing conditions. “Channy was good, he was really good. He ran the ball well, and he was really aggressive. I think that's something we need," star halfback Jahrome Hughes said post-match. Big Joe looks to have a big future and the next step on his journey could well be a clash with premiers Penrith in Round 1.

Luke Metcalf (Warriors)

This time last year the classy five-eighth when had just suffered the latest in a string of serious hamstring issues, ruling him out for the first three months of the season, but now he stands on the cusp of a starting spot in Round 1. Metcalf was among the Warriors' best against the Dolphins, setting up two tries and putting back-rower Jackson Ford into a couple of gaps close to the line. He owned the left edge playing alongside Shaun Johnson for the opening 40 minutes in Auckland, giving him the jump on incumbent Te Maire Martin, who came off the bench after half-time. "The more games I play the more confident I get," Metcalf told NRL.com after the 34-22 win and that's a huge positive for the Warriors.

Jamie Humphreys (Sea Eagles)

One of the clear standouts at 4 Pines Park on Saturday night in a clash that showcased an array of rising stars from both Manly and Brisbane. Slotting in at five-eighth alongside Brandon Wakeham, the 22-year-old laid on a try for Brad Parker on the right edge inside the first five minutes and grew in confidence from there. Ran for 100 metres on the night and had two line break assists to go with 27 tackles as he made a strong case for the No.14 jersey in 2024.

Bryce Cartwright (Eels)

After being challenged by coach Brad Arthur to “not be comfortable” with his 2023 season and to work “to be better every week”, Cartwright delivered big time in Ipswich on Sunday. In his first outing for 2024, the vastly experienced 29-year-old was the standout performer in Parramatta’s win over the Titans, running for 101 metres and dishing off three offloads. Throw in a try and try assist and it was the ideal pipe opener for a player blessed with abundant talent and the ability to turn a game in a heartbeat when he is on song.

Ethan Strange (Raiders)

One of the combinations yet to be determined in the national capital is the man to partner vice-captain Jamal Fogarty in Canberra’s halves. Vying with fellow NRL rookie Kaeo Weekes for the No. 6 jersey, 19-year-old Strange put in a strong showing which saw him score a brilliant individual try and make several impressive one-on-one tackles against the Cowboys. After making his debut against the Storm at centre in Round 24 last year, Strange certainly showed more promise as an NRL half of the future.