The NRL needs 60 players for two more teams. So where have all the rookies gone?

August 27, 2026 — 3:30pm

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Rugby league will need to produce at least another 60 NRL-standard players to fill the rosters of the Perth Bears and PNG Chiefs in the next two seasons.

But a brief look at the rookie of the year contenders would be enough to have fans wondering if there is enough young talent coming through to sustain a healthy, expanded NRL.

That is not to question the quality at the top of this year’s rookie class, but the depth is a real concern.

Who is in the mix to be crowned the best first-year player at the Dally M awards next month?

Cooper Clarke has been excellent for the Melbourne Storm in 2026, particularly given the 20-year-old had never played in the back row, nor against men, until this year. He has made the leap from SG Ball (under-19s) and Jersey Flegg (under-21s) in 2025 straight to the NRL, and played 22 games along the way.

Ethan Sanders also deserves to take a bow after stepping into big shoes in the all-important halfback position at the Canberra Raiders, often behind a pack that had middle forwards out injured or forced to play wider.

But who else is in the hunt?

Maybe Gold Coast pair Cooper Bai and Oliver........

© The Sydney Morning Herald