The first four rounds of the NRC has already revealed plenty of talented players. Here are a few standout players in the tournament so far.
Jed Holloway (Greater Sydney Rams)
The Rams’ young captain Jed Holloway. Big, strong and seriously quick. Holloway was apart of the Australian under 20’s in 2012 and has been apart of the Waratahs squad over the past two seasons after making his debut in 2013 against the Western Force. He can play lock but is currently playing number 8.
In the space of a few minutes in the Rams v Vikings match, he reeled in a line break from a winger, bringing him to ground and then took an intercept off a secured vikings lineout and outran everyone over 40m to score a try to keep his team in it. Really impressive play from the captain when his team looked ready to roll over. He looks to be a great prospect at 195cm, 110kg and just 21 years old.
Tim Cree (Canberra Vikings)
While he has played in a UC Vikings team that has not really fired in the early rounds, scraping 2 wins & a last minute loss. Tim Cree started as the Vikings Player of the Match in Round 1 & has followed that form through with the last 3 matches. His work around the field and game play have put a few of his professional colleagues to shame. The game v QLD Country only had 2 non-Brumbies contracted players in the starting line up, with Tim being one of them, and I reckon that he was up there with the Smith twins in the front row fighting to be best on field.
Andrew Kellaway (NSW Country Eagles)
Kellaway is one of the youngest players in the competition at just 19 but he is also the top try scorer, scoring 6 tries in 4 games. His pace and balance have made him a try scoring machine. Earlier this year Kellaway also impressed in the Under 20’s Junior Championship where he equalled the record of 10 tries scored in the competition. Kellaway is looking to make his Super Rugby debut next year for the Waratahs.
Jack Debreczeni (Melbourne Rising)
At 192cm and 100 kg, Debreczeni is one of the bigger five eights in the competition. Debreczeni is one of the lesser known Rebels with the Melbourne Rising side. He is a strong runner and has an enormous kick which always gives Melbourne Rising great field position. Debreczeni has been capped 5 times for the Melbourne Rebels but don’t be surprised in you him making plenty more appearances next year.
Sefanaia Naivalu (Melbourne Rising)
Sefanaia Naivalu has already earned a contract with the Melbourne Rebels after some strong performances. He has also became the first player to be signed with a Super Rugby franchise directly from the NRC. The 22 year old Fijian will most likely make his debut for the Rebels next season.
Samu Kerevi (Brisbane City)
After making four appearances for the Queensland Reds this year, Samu Kerevi has been tearing it up for Brisbane City. The damaging runner has made his mark on the NRC and at just 20 years old, he will press to cement a spot in the starting lineup for the Reds next year.
Telusa Veainu (Melbourne Rising)
Veainu represented the New Zealand under 20’s and then made 8 appearances for the Crusaders and Highlanders between 2011 and 2013 before joining the Melbourne Rebels in 2014. His 2014 season was hampered by injuries but he still made 6 appearances for the Rebels. He has impressed in the NRC with his fancy footwork and exhilarating pace.
