The Young Stars to Set the NRL Alight in 2027

Lorenzo Talataina - Eels

Parramatta's Lorenzo Talataina has been spoken about for a couple years now most thought he should've debuted in 2026, but the rise of Ronald Volkman shut that down possibility.

In 2026 Lorenzo only picked up one try in NSW cup in a struggling Parramatta side that came 12th out of 14, only picking up 7 wins all year.

A positive of his season was the 16 try assists he picked up ranking 10th for assists in reserve grade. In 2027 he will continue to improve his trade under the likes of Mitchell Moses and Jarome Luai, and will likely play next to Volkman in the NSW Cup.

Talataina has top class potential in the 6 jersey, and should take over post Luai, who is only on the Eels books for the 2027 season. I genuinely believe from what I've seen of this kid he could become one of the best halves in Parra history, and could be a key player to help the Eels break their premiership drought.

His strong running game and awareness to always go inside stepping in or hitting an inside hole off scrums, his line breaks almost always lead to a support player scoring. He is the FUTURE.

Bishop Neal - Warriors

The last prospect with as much promise around them in my opinion was Payne Haas.

Bishop Neal is a future superstar in this competition for the Wahs and potentially Queensland, where he spent most of his youth.

Neal has been much talked about coming through the junior's system in Queensland, and reflected on his youth success before his U19 Origin debut, saying "I still have good memories of playing for the Cutters — Mum and Dad used to give me $1 for a try and 50 cents for a tackle.

That's when I started getting keen, but they stopped doing that when they had to give me $10 after one game".

That underlies how much success he was having even from such a young age.

Bishop is only 18 turning 19 next season, I think he'll end up debuting and he will make his name in first-grade despite a stacked Warriors squad.

In 2026 in NSW Cup he recorded 6 tries in 10 games before suffering a season-ending injury following his U19 Origin appearance.

Watching some of this kids highlights in NSW Cup it looks like opposition players are scared to tackle him and I think sky is the limit for him. His hard line running makes him such a threat for oppositions and he's only going to improve, and has the ability and physicality not only to get NRL minutes, but to become a big part of their next generation of talent.

Tupou Francis - Broncos

Tupou Francis has shown his promise in the World Cup, but is yet to debut in the NRL.

He doesn't look a step out of place against these first graders. He's strong defensively, has a big physical presence, and works hard.

He crossed over for 2 tries in U19 Origin and showed every passionate footy fan he's no joke. Had a 94.8% tackle efficiency in his time in QLD Cup this year.

The old-school head down run hard is his style, and with the lack of superstar locks in the league right now, with players like Isaah Yeo, Pat Carrigan and Jake Trbojevic having down years, Tupou Francis is one for the future, and should debut for Broncos in 2027 after a disappointing 2026 for the club.

Mitch Woods - Bulldogs

Mitch Woods has been waiting for his chance for quite awhile now but injuries keep pushing him back.

For years he's been touted as the bulldogs future halfback but multiple injuries in 2026 meant just one game in NSW Cup.

He has some stiff competition at halfback, with Alex Conti making a name for himself this World Cup, but Woods is still the better player.

His ball playing and creativity is some of the best I've seen for a young halfback and I think if he can play around players like Stephen Crichton, Viliame Kikau and Lachlan Galvin, his performances are only going to rise.

Him pushing into the first grade side would put Galvin in his preferred 6 jersey which will help unlock the dogs attack and help solve their spine issues.

With Woods off contract on November 1st anything can happen so even if they want to prioritise developing Conti due to Woods injury history, other rivals are likely to snap him up.

With Matt Burton linked with a move away, and with the Bulldogs recent inability to pick a consistent spine, 2027 should be a huge year for Woods.

Mason Barber - Bears

Mason Barber was a massive headline this year straight from the get go with outstanding performances in the pre season.

He played start of the season at centre for the Mackay Cutters before moving into fullback where he belongs.

He ended the season with 7 tries and 13 assists, averaging 122 run meters a game.

The Perth fullback role has a lot of competition next year with Apa Twidle and Nick Meaney fighting for the jersey as well but by the end of year I think Barber will come out on top.

Mason Barber is a mix between your early 2020 fullbacks with the hard work big carries like Dylan Edwards and Clint Gutherson, but also has that x factor style like Reece Walsh and Kalyn Ponga.

The narrative of the Bears having no stars is true on paper, but I think Barber will breakout into the Bears star player, much like Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow at the Dolphins.

Calvin Harris-Tavita - Broncos

Benji 2.0 is how Calvin Harris-Tavita labeled. This kid is elite. I saved him for last as he hasn't played any reserve grade yet but genuinely has the potential to be one of the NRL's brightest prospects.

The way he delivered for Wavell in the schoolboys was insane. The younger brother of Chanel, he moved to Brisbane for better opportunities, and he has succeeded so far.

The way he can step and find his way through any hole makes him such an exciting talent. He helped lead his team to winning the Cyril Connel Cup in 2026.

At just 17 he's been called into Samoa camp to train and learn, an opportunity they don't just hand out to anyone.

From 2027 he will be training full time with the Broncos first grade. If this kid stars in QLD Cup next year I wouldn't be surprised if he earns a debut in that Broncos 6 jersey.

Losing Adam Reynolds, Ben Hunt aging, and with Ezra Mam and Tom Duffy too inconsistent there is definitely a chance he can breakthrough as one of the best young talents in NRL history.