Get ready for a thrilling journey as we uncover the rising stars set to ignite the NRL in 2026!
The Future is Now: Unveiling the Next NRL Superheroes
Every year, the NSW and QLD Cup competitions showcase an incredible talent pool, revealing the next generation of NRL superstars. From the promising Latrell Siegwalt, who's set to join the Rabbitohs, to the highly touted Coby Black, who's being groomed as the next Adam Reynolds for the Broncos, these young guns are ready to make their mark.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some of these players have already made their mark in the reserve grade, and they're poised to make a splash in the NRL very soon. Let's dive into the stories of these exceptional athletes and explore their paths to the top.
Coby Black: The Heir Apparent
Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt's premiership victory for Brisbane has set the stage for an equally bright future. Enter Coby Black, the young halfback who's been making waves with Souths Logan. With six tries and nine goals in just 16 games, Black is a rising star. He's already played a preseason game for the Broncos and has been working with the top squad for two seasons. At only 19, Black is a long-term investment for the Broncos, and many see him as their future No. 7.
Black has already represented Queensland in junior ranks, and with Reynolds and Hunt likely retiring in 2026, he could make his Broncos debut next season. The club is planning a smooth transition, and Black might just be the key to unlocking the next era of success.
Blake Mozer: Rising from the Ranks
Black isn't the only talent emerging from Brisbane. Blake Mozer, who scored three tries in 12 games for Souths Logan, is another player to watch. After battling injuries, Mozer made his NRL debut in 2023 and played eight games the following season. Currently behind Ben Hunt and others in the pecking order, Mozer might be loaned out to another NRL team in 2026 to further his development.
Mozer, a junior Queensland captain, is seen as the Broncos' future hooker. However, his path to first grade is blocked in the short term as the club focuses on another premiership run in 2026. Will Mozer get his chance to shine, or will he have to bide his time?
Latrell Siegwalt: A Late Bloomer's Story
Latrell Siegwalt, the top point-scorer in the QLD Cup in 2025, is a machine on the field. With eight tries and 75 goals, he's a versatile player who can cover the back three and five-eighth positions. After playing for Redcliffe, Siegwalt made the switch to Souths Logan and has now signed a two-year deal with South Sydney. At 24, he's a late bloomer, but his time with Wayne Bennett, Latrell Mitchell, and Jye Gray could be the catalyst for his NRL debut next season.
Dudley Dotoi: A PNG Native on the Rise
Dudley Dotoi, the leading try-scorer in the QLD Cup in 2025, is a force to be reckoned with. With 26 tries in just 22 games for the Townsville Blackhawks, Dotoi was named in the Queensland Cup team of the year as the best winger. At 22, he's scored an impressive 37 tries in 36 games, and the NRL should be taking notice. A native of Papua New Guinea, Dotoi has spent time with the Rabbitohs and could be a perfect fit for the PNG Chiefs. But don't be surprised if he makes his NRL debut sooner than expected, perhaps as early as next season.
Oliver Pascoe: The Livewire Hooker
Oliver Pascoe, the 26-year-old hooker, won the Petero Civoniceva Medal as Queensland Cup Player of the Year. With an exciting campaign for the Ipswich Jets, Pascoe averaged an impressive 94 metres per game and scored 15 tries. With quality hookers in high demand in the NRL, Pascoe will be closely watched by the Gold Coast Titans this off-season as he trials for a contract. He might just push his way into the first-choice No. 9 position, challenging Sam Verrills.
Cody Ramsey: The Forgotten Man's Comeback
Cody Ramsey, who hasn't played top-grade rugby since 2022 due to illness, is making a remarkable comeback. He scored 11 tries in 24 games for the Dragons' reserve grade side and helped lead them to the Grand Final. Deservingly named in the NSW Cup team of the year at fullback, Ramsey has signed a two-year deal with the Sydney Roosters. With his ability to play wing and fullback, Ramsey could make a stunning return to the NRL in 2026.
Tom Rodwell: Following in His Father's Footsteps
Tom Rodwell, the son of Dragons and Rabbitohs legend Brett Rodwell, is a force on the wing. With speed and a damaging running game, Rodwell scored 20 tries in just 22 games for the Roosters' NSW Cup side last season. At 24, he was picked in the NSW Cup team of the year and has already tasted first grade, making his NRL debut in Round 18. With Mark Nawaqanitawase returning to rugby union and Daniel Tupou nearing the end of his career, Rodwell could be the man to step up and secure a spot on the wing for the Roosters.
Jonah Glover: A Fresh Start with the Rabbitohs
Jonah Glover, the Dragons playmaker, is moving to a new club in 2026 after a successful season with the Red V's NSW Cup squad. He scored nine tries and kicked 95 goals, amassing a massive 226-point haul. Glover formed a strong partnership with Lachlan Ilias and was named in the NSW Cup team of the year. Despite being considered unlucky not to make his NRL debut last season, Glover is set for a fresh start with the Rabbitohs in 2026. Under the guidance of Wayne Bennett and Cody Walker, Glover's game will only continue to soar.
Niwhai Puru: Closing in on an NRL Debut
Niwhai Puru, the talented halfback, was one of the NSW Cup's leading point scorers last year. With 12 tries and 78 goals, Puru was rewarded with selection in the NSW Cup team of the year. At 23, Puru has played for both the Panthers and Jets in reserve grade and is ready for the next step. Unfortunately, he's behind Nicho Hynes and Braydon Trindall in the Sharks' pecking order, but he's fast closing in on an NRL debut next season.
Trey Mooney: Dominating the NSW Cup
Trey Mooney, the Raiders' enforcer, played four NRL games last season but dominated the NSW Cup with six tries in 17 games for Canberra. Named in the NSW Cup team of the year in 2025, Mooney is ready for an extended run in first grade. At 23, he was behind the Raiders' impressive front row, but with a four-year deal with the Knights from 2026, Mooney has an opportunity to replace Leo Thompson in their front row rotation.
Noah Martin: A Raider to Watch
Noah Martin, an impressive second-rower, scored 15 tries in 19 games for Canberra's reserve grade team last year. Named in the NSW Cup team of the year, Martin also made his NRL debut, scoring two tries in six games. At just 20, Martin is a hard-working back-rower with a strong running game and brutal defence. With another preseason under his belt in 2026, Martin is set to become an even bigger asset for the Raiders.
Kalani Going: A Warrior's Journey
Kalani Going, the Warriors' second-tier captain, had an inspirational year, leading his side to both the premiership and state championship crown. Already named Player of the Year in the NSW Cup, Going is a versatile forward who can also play hooker. At 28, he's an intriguing prospect, having made his NRL debut in 2023. With his success this year, Going has reportedly caught the eye of a heavyweight: the Penrith Panthers. Could Going get a chance to shine as a depth player for one of the greatest dynasties in NRL history?
As we look ahead to 2026, these players are poised to make their mark on the NRL. Who will rise to the top, and who will face challenges along the way? The future of the NRL is bright, and these young stars are ready to write their own stories. What do you think? Who are you most excited to see in action next season? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
