As the National Rugby League prepares to welcome two new expansion teams, the hunt for playing talent is heating up. The Perth Bears are set to join in 2027, followed by the Papua New Guinea Chiefs in 2028, creating a need for more than 80 new professional players.
Local talent pool in the spotlight
With expansion clubs needing to look beyond the existing NRL roster, the semi-professional Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) has emerged as a potential talent goldmine. The Newcastle Herald consulted four experienced coaches to identify local players who could make the leap to the top tier.
The coaches included former Newcastle Knights NRL mentor Rick Stone, ex-NRL and Super League player and current Cessnock coach Harry Siejka, premiership-winning Maitland coach Matt Lantry, and seasoned NEWRL coach Steve Kidd. They collectively nominated a list of 13 standout performers.
The coaches' top picks revealed
This list is not necessarily the 13 best players in the competition, but rather 13 individuals the coaches believe possess the attributes to succeed at a higher level. Some are young prospects, others have NRL experience, and a few have previously been on the cusp of first grade.
Luke Huth was the unanimous selection. The Cessnock hooker, a former Knights junior, has dominated the local comp since 2023. Described by Siejka as "the best player in this comp," the mid-20s rake is praised for his consistency, effort, and ability to lift his teammates.
Brock Lamb, the maestro behind Maitland's four consecutive premierships, was strongly backed by three coaches. The 28-year-old halfback played 33 NRL games earlier in his career and, according to Lantry, "could fit back into an NRL system tomorrow."
Brayden Musgrove is the dynamic Cessnock centre who made seven NRL appearances for the Knights. Coaches believe his game-breaking ability and previous system experience make him a prime candidate for a return to full-time football.
Other notable names on the list include:
- Tony Pellow (The Entrance): An electric fullback or five-eighth with NSW and QLD Cup experience.
- Lachlan O'Brien (Central/Wests): A young, skilful lock forward following the modern template for the position.
- Liam Wilkinson (Wests): The 2025 NEWRL representative player of the year, a hooker with 49 NSW Cup games for the Knights.
- Jack Stringer (Kurri Kurri): A tough, versatile forward who transformed Kurri's pack and has NSW Cup pedigree.
The list is rounded out by James Bradley (Maitland), Jack Alipate (The Entrance), Isaac Blackhall (Wyong/Maitland), Dyllan Parlane (Wests), Aidan Storrie (Wests), and Liam Wiscombe (Wests).
A proven pathway to the top
The NEWRL has a strong history of producing NRL-quality players, including Chris Adams, Chris Randall, and Nathan Ross. The expansion of the NRL and recent changes to Super League's overseas player rules are opening more doors than ever for semi-professional athletes.
Rick Stone emphasised the potential for growth, stating that if these players were in a full-time environment, "there would be massive improvements." Harry Siejka echoed this, confident that "if any one of them could pick up an NRL pre-season, they'd hit the ground running."
As the Perth Bears begin their recruitment drive and the PNG Chiefs lay their plans, the talent identification process will extend into every corner of the rugby league landscape. For 13 Newcastle-based footballers, the dream of playing in the NRL may be closer than ever.
