As a former premiership winner and Origin five-eighth and now an analyst of the game, Jamie Soward knows what it takes to succeed in the NRL.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So those in Wellington would be delighted to know Soward has picked former Cowboys junior Kotoni Staggs as his one to watch when the 2020 season resumes.
Soward was a number of high-profile experts who predicted the breakout stars of 2020 on NRL.com.
There was two Wellington products in the mix with Soward tipping Staggs while NRL.com editor Paul Suttor put down Brent Naden as his star-in-the-making.
Soward, like some others in the game, put Broncos powerhouse Staggs firmly in Origin contention.
"Fast, elusive and an out and out competitor," he said of Staggs.
"A great ball runner who can turn a half chance into a try. Strong defender who has already played rep footy for Tonga but will be in calculations for the Blues if he continues to develop."
READ ALSO:
Suttor described Naden, who enjoyed a breakout season with Penrith last year, as a "potential superstar" at the foot of the mountains.
"He has shown over the past 12 months he is more than capable of matching it with the best centres in the NRL and as well as brilliant attacking skills, he has the size and defensive prowess to become a dominant presence out wide," Suttor stated.
The NRL resumes next week with Staggs and the Broncos kicking things off against the Parramatta Eels on Thursday night.
Naden's Panthers tackle the Knights on Sunday afternoon.
The western area connection at the Panthers is expected to be strong again with Naden and former Dubbo CYMS talent Isaah Yeo set to start while Matt Burton, Billy Burns, and Kaide Ellis are all in the running for a spot in the 17.
Both the Broncos and Panthers were undefeated after two rounds before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.