Where are they now: Witzer Pre-Season Challenge breakout stars

The future of rugby league will be on display during the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge and history shows it won't take long for the tournament's breakout stars to make an impact in the NRL.

From Rob Toia to Owen Pattie and Ryley Smith, the opening week of the pre-season has quickly emerged as a launch pad for the hottest rookies in the game. 

With most clubs opting to hold back their big names until the final week of the competition, the Pre-Season Challenges provides fans with a glimpse into the future. 

For some players, however, the future is now and the Pre-Season Challenge is a chance to prove they belong in the NRL. 

This year is sure to be no different, with Joey Walsh, Toby Rodwell and Jaxen Edgar among the emerging players likely to get their chance.

NRL.com takes a look at some of the breakout stars from last year's Pre-Season Challenge. 

Rob Toia - Roosters

Rob Toia was unknown beyond the most passionate of Roosters fans when he took the field for the side's clash with the Dragons at Kogarah. The centre made his NRL debut just a few weeks later in Round 1. By the end of the season he was the Dally M Rookie of the Year, a State of Origin series winner with the Maroons and a Tongan international. Also lining up for the Roosters in their first trial match last year were Benaiah Ioelu, Hugo Savala and Salesi Foketi, players who played a key role in the club's unexpected top-eight finish. 

Owen Pattie - Raiders

A dynamic hooker from the rural Queensland town of Monto, Pattie toiled away in reserve grade in 2024 before his opportunity came in last year's Pre-Season Challenge. The 22-year-old came off the bench against the Panthers and instantly provided his team a spark, scoring two tries in a 22-16 victory. Pattie earned an NRL debut in the Raiders' Round 1 win over the Warriors in Las Vegas and played in every game as Canberra surged to the minor premiership. 

Ryley Smith - Eels

Another livewire hooker who seemingly came from nowhere to play a key role in his team's NRL campaign, Ryley Smith came off the bench in Parramatta's Pre-Season Challenge win over the Knights. The youngster was upgraded to a development contract a couple of weeks later and made his first-grade debut for the Eels in Round 1. Smith played in 22 games last season and shapes as a long-term fixture in the Parramatta No.9 jumper. 

Gehamat Shibasaki - Broncos

While not strictly a rookie, Shibasaki was a journeyman who joined the Broncos last summer on a train and trial contract hoping for one final shot at an NRL career. His efforts on the training paddock were rewarded when selected for the club's Pre-Season Challenge clash with the Titans. It took just nine minutes for the outside back to make his mark. From there, Shibasaki proceeded to hold off a host of highly-fancied rivals to secure his place in the Broncos' first grade team. A remarkable career resurgence continued with a Queensland call up and NRL premiership before a fairytale year was capped with a place in the Kangaroos Ashes team. 

Jethro Rinakama - Bulldogs

The teenager started 2025 on the tools as a demolition worker and studying to be an engineer, and finished the year a Fijian international but the first signs of how good Rinakama could be emerged during the Pre-Season Challenge. The winger scored a double in Canterbury's win over the Wests Tigers before adding another try a week later. Rinakama then skipped Jersey Flegg and progressed straight to NSW Cup before earning his NRL debut for the Bulldogs' Round 19 trip to Townsville. The youngster played in both of Canterbury's finals matches and made his international debut in Fiji's Pacific Championships win over the Cook Islands. 

Which future stars will burst on to the scene during this year's Witzer Pre-Season Challenge? Catch all the action live on Kayo and Fox Sports.