The likes of Robert Toia, Leka Halasima and Isaiah Iongi stood out from the rest of the rookie class last season – so who's turn will it be in 2026?
The NRL.com writers cast an eye over the rookies set to feature prominently in the upcoming campaign and give their pick for who will steal the show.
Which rookie is poised to dominate in 2026?
Brad Walter: Coby Black has big shoes to fill after joining 2025 minor premiers Canberra in place of star halfback Jamal Fogarty but everything points to the Queensland U19s captain being a star in the making. Black, 19, starred for Souths Logan Magpies in the Queensland Cup, scoring seven tries and producing 14 try assists in 21 matches. He has been in the Broncos system since the age of 14 and was very much a part of the club's long-term plans but with Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt and Ezra Mam ahead of him Black has decided to back himself in the national capital under Ricky Stuart. With 2025 rookie sensation Ethan Strange to play five-eighth, the Raiders could have one of the most exciting halves pairings in the Telstra Premiership.
Coby Black Try
Cameron Mee: Cronulla have spent the past few years positioning Liam Ison as their fullback of the future and 2026 could be the year we see a lot more of the youngster in first grade. Ison made his NRL debut with a solitary game in 2024 before his 2025 season ended after just 10 minutes when he tore his ACL playing in reserve grade. The 20-year-old is set to make his return to the field during the Pre-Season Challenge and will give fans a glimpse of the future when the Sharks take on Parramatta at Hensen Park on February 15. While Will Kennedy remains Cronulla's starting fullback, Ison is set to be slowly integrated into the team and could receive significant playing time if Kennedy goes down. A diminutive fullback with pace and skill, watch for him to surge past tiring defenders and break a game open.
Colleen Edwards: Following a 'rollercoaster' season which culminated in a Round 27 NRL debut and a starring turn for PNG in both their PM's XIII and Pacific Championships sides, all eyes will be on Cooper Bai in 2026. Primarily a lock, Bai started the 2025 season in the Under 19 Mal Meninga Cup competition before rapidly progressing through the grades where he showed plenty of skill and composure despite his young age. The son of PNG great Marcus Bai, the Gold Coast born talent has handled the attention with aplomb as he forges his own path in the forwards. Under the guidance of new coach Josh Hannay and learning from an experienced pack including representative duo Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, the future looks bright for Bai.
Cooper Bai Try
Martin Lenehan: Cooper Bai needed just 29 minutes in the final round of the 2025 season to serve notice of bigger things to come. At 19, the son of Storm and Kumuls legend Marcus Bai has the rugby league world at his feet and Titans fans are in for a treat as he continues his development under new coach Josh Hannay. On the back of his impressive NRL debut against Wests Tigers, Bai was a standout for PNG during the Pacific Championships, running for 253 metres across two games as he exploded onto the international scene in style. Still on a development contract at the Titans, expect Bai to be pushing for regular NRL action and holding his own alongside Beau Fermor, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Moeaki Fotuaika and co.
