New beginnings: The NRL clubs looking for a fresh start in 2021 A Set the default text size A Set large text size
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With the 2021 NRL season almost upon us, it’s time to take a look at how each team is faring. In Part 1 of my season preview series, we’ll check in with four clubs looking for a fresh start.
Brisbane Broncos
Key additions: John Asiata (Cowboys)
Key subtractions: David Fifita (Titans), Darius Boyd (retired), Matt Gillett (retired), Jack Bird (Dragons), Joe Ofahengaue (Wests Tigers), Andrew McCullough (Dragons)
2021 New Zealand Warriors Preview
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Whether they be a young prospect or a hardened veteran, it s always exciting when a player joins a new club.
An astute signing or two can often drastically change a club s fortunes, making the recruitment manager s job crucial.
There s been a flurry of movement over the summer, and as season 2021 draws nearer, NRL.com has named each team s key recruit.
Some will quickly become cornerstones in their fresh surroundings, while others may bide their time before showing their worth.
Brisbane Broncos
John Asiata
After the departures of prop Joe Ofahengaue and edge forward David Fifita, John Asiata s signing has helped bolster Brisbane s pack. Likely to push for a bench spot at first, the ex-Cowboy s ball-playing abilities will provide an extra element to their attack. He could work in tandem with Tevita Pangai jnr, a similarly skilful big man.
New Warriors coach Nathan Brown has a radically different forward pack to work with than what was available to Todd Payten last year with effectively six new faces plus the development of some younger players.
While Adam Blair retired and Lachlan Burr, Isaiah Papali i and Agnatius Paasi moved on, Leeson Ah Mau and Bunty Afoa return from long-term injuries to join recruits Addin Fonua-Blake, Ben Murdoch-Masila, Kane Evans and Bayley Sironen.
Brown revealed Tongan wrecking ball Murdoch-Masila had been training almost exclusively on an edge – his preferred position over his past five years at Salford and Warrington.
The 29-year-old s recent pec strain was so minor he barely missed a session and was back in full training, the coach added.
2021 KFC SuperCoach NRL Cheapie Bible: We rate the rookies
Rugby League by Rob Sutherland, Wilson Smith, Tom Sangster, Fatima Kdouh and Nick Campton 21st Dec 2020 11:59 AM
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Zac Saddler (Sea Eagles) FRF, 2RF - Rookie When Zac Saddler finally cracks into the NRL you should do two things. Firstly, prepare yourselves for inevitable he s the tallest man in rugby league commentary, and secondly, snap him up as he looks a quality cheapie. Saddler, a 201 centimetre tall prop/second-row, almost quit the game after an unhappy stint with the Bulldogs, but Des Hasler and Noel Cleal talked him into joining the Sea Eagles instead. In his one game for the Blacktown Workers in 2020 Saddler ran for 105 metres, and made 15 tackles, two tackle breaks and an offload in 33 minutes at prop. More enticing was his performance for the Indigenous All-Stars where Saddler played 60 minutes mostly on an edge running for 83 m
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