The life of an NRL player is often quite demanding and so, at times, their form is not up to scratch, waning in such a way that can potentially result in a demotion for a player. With some new recruits seeking a new opportunity and a fresh start to players that were established but now have to fight their way back into a side, there is improvement in many players across the board.

This particular piece will focus on those players that have nothing to lose and a lot to prove, as they look to bounce back from horror years either through injury and/or poor form. Some might be new recruits, whilst others will have been at their current clubs for some years now.

All in all, improvement is prevalent in all their games and 2015 is the year that they can potentially do it. So, without further adieu, here are the 16 players that can potentially bounce back for their clubs in 2015:

1. Jordan Kahu (Brisbane Broncos): Injuries. They have not been kind to Kahu in the past, as has been forced to spend a lot of times on the sidelines recovering and working his way back into the Broncos side. He achieved that last year and played in a few games but with an opportunity at fullback arising after the unfortunate injury to Darius Boyd, this is a chance for Kahu to show the Broncos fans and the NRL what he can do. He has always had the talent to start and if injuries were not as frequent for him, he probably would have been a mainstay of the Broncos side by now.

2. Edrick Lee (Canberra Raiders): Another player that was hit hard by the injury bug, especially last season. When it looked like Lee was firing on all cylinders and providing great speed and height for the Raiders on the wing, injury struck. Now at full fitness and back into the training grind for the pre-season, the chance is there for Lee to work hard and play hard, in a bid to show that he once again deserves that wing spot. His talent is also well known and with the Raiders looking to have an improved year, the raw power and determination of Lee, could be a handy asset on the wing.

3. Josh Morris (Canterbury Bulldogs): Renowned for his try-scoring and game-breaking ability, something was missing for Morris in 2014. Scoring just 3 tries for the entire season – compared to 17 in 2012 – Morris had some tough times on the field and was not his usual self. Whatever it was that might have been restricting him, with a full pre-season under his belt and a new year fast approaching, Morris is sure to get back to where he belongs. The top. When on song, Morris is one of the best centres in the game and the Bulldogs will be relying on him to recapture that 2012 form where it seemed like he was scoring tries for fun.

4. Ben Barba (Cronulla Sharks): Barba’s 2014 season was heavily scrutinised by many and although his time in Brisbane did not quite work out, he has a chance to start anew and work within an organisation that has the potential to go places. The live-wire and enigmatic utility is likely to start at five-eighth for the Sharks – his favoured position – after some inconsistencies last year in Brisbane, the only way is up. His support play and nippiness will be two factors to watch out for, with the new Sharks recruit set to feature as one of the club’s most important players in 2015.

5. Ryan James (Gold Coast Titans): So much promise over the years that has been ruined by either injuries or poor form. James is a player that was once linked with an Origin appearance for NSW, such was the form he was in. That seems like an age ago now, with injuries and poor form limiting his time in first-grade in recent years. The young prop has no better chance to make his mark than now, especially with an abundance of forwards departing the club, as they revamp their side ahead of 2015. James is a powerful, bruising enforcer and if he can get going and perform to his potential, he could shape to be one of the Titans best forwards over the entire season.

6. Justin Horo (Manly Sea Eagles): His first year with Manly, Horo turned out to be a revelation. Bordering on 80 minutes game and outperforming players on the fringes almost for fun. A real keeper for Manly. In 2014, though, that form waned and dipped and it was not the same Horo that blitzed the field in 2013. With some recent player turnover that has shaken up the Manly forward pack, Horo has a chance to start from scratch and help the Manly pack rebuild. He is a talented player and if he can get his head back in the game and work well with the likes of Jamie Buhrer and Feleti Mateo – his back-row partners – it could be another very good year for the back-rower.

7. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs (Storm): His end at the Canberra Raiders was not the flashiest of affairs nor the prettiest and as a result, it brought about a new challenge for the former Origin prop. A few years ago, he was putting in the hard yards and impressing for the Raiders before he too was hit by the poor form and injury bug. After months of recovery and several stop-and-start attempts to return, Learoyd-Lahrs made a decision to move away from the nation’s capital to further his career. With spots open in the Storm front-row, he has a great chance to make a spot his own and prove to his new club and their fans, that he still has what it takes to play NRL consistently.

8. Carlos Tuimavave (Knights): Things were looking good for Tuimavave early in 2014. A try in rd 1 and a good performance but that was when injury struck. After that, there was no return to the first-grade line-up for him last year. A top-notch utility that has proven he is far too good for the NSW Cup, Tuimavave sought greener pastures to further his career and ended up in Newcastle. With a potential utility spot up for grabs, Tuimavave is bound to work hard, play hard and impress Knights fans who may not have seen a lot of him. Should he get the opportunity, he certainly will not disappoint.

9. Lachlan Coote (Cowboys): The talent is evident but so too, is the injury history. For Coote, he has been on the cusp of succeeding and going to the next level when injury has struck. With an ACL injury in last years’ Nines tournament, 2015 is hopefully the injury-free season for Coote and one that can see him claw his way back into first-grade. It certainly will not be easy given the emergence of Morgan at fullback and the halves depth but pre-season and the Nines competition will be telling. If he gets a crack again and does play first-grade, the only way is forwards for the talented utility.

10. Danny Wicks (Eels): His past was well-documented and according to some, he should still be out of the game. But with any first indiscretion, comes a chance for redemption. For Wicks, the Eels have given that chance and so far, he is making the most of it. Wicks appears fitter, faster and stronger – physically and mentally – and primed for a surprise first-grade spot, such has been the nature of the way he has performed in training. A big, mobile unit, Wicks offers the Eels pack some punch up-front and with his past now seemingly behind him, the opportunity is there for Wicks to not only excel but to be rewarded with a new contract at some point during the season.

11. Matt Moylan (Panthers): Some might say Moylan does not belong on a list like this but he’s on it for one very simple reason. The kid can get even better. He was good in 2014 and did some brilliant things but such is his talent and awareness of the game, that he can go to the next level and prove himself. With a solid 2015 season, Moylan can put his mark and stamp on the game and move very close to the upper echelon of current NRL fullbacks. He is a crucial player for the Panthers in 2015 and if he fires, you can bet the Panthers are going to rack up the points for fun.

12. Glenn Stewart (Souths): He might not be a spring chicken anymore but Glenn Stewart will be out to prove that his old legs can still produce the goods, as the Bunnies look to utilise him efficiently. A tremendous passer of the ball and the epitome of the ball-playing lock role, Stewart has a chance to start afresh and make his mark at a new club. The injuries caught up with him during his time at Manly and ultimately, led to his departure from the club. In a new system under a superb coach in Michael Maguire, Stewart has all the makings to succeed and regain at least some of the form that saw him play Origin a few years ago.

13. George Rose (Dragons): Last-chance saloon? Some certainly think so and with Rose changing clubs a fair bit of late, perhaps this opportunity at the Dragons does present itself as the last chance for him to make a mark in the NRL. He has the fans behind him and the cult hero status but will that transcend into his on-field play? The work-rate has always been the criticism but Rose is a determined player and is expected to feature somewhere in the side’s 17 come Rd 1 so if he can knuckle down and make inroads, he could be a handy player for the Dragons either starting or off the bench.

14. Aidan Guerra (Roosters): Set to fill the shoes of the departed Sonny Bill Williams, Guerra has an important role out Roosters way in 2015 and beyond. To hold down his side of the field and exploit the fringes. Good form saw Guerra rewarded with a maiden Queensland appearance and retaining that form is the key for him individually and the key for the club. Knowing what SBW brought to the table in terms of dynamism and unpredictability is hard to replicate but with a player like Guerra to replace him – who, mind you, is only getting better and better each year – is something that has many Roosters fans cheering.

15. Ryan Hoffman (Warriors): In search of a new challenge, Hoffman crossed the Tasman and signed with the Warriors. 2014 was not his best year, though, as the former Origin forward was at times overshadowed by his younger team-mates. With a new challenge comes a chance to help guide the Warriors younger forwards towards the right direction, as he looks to make the most of the move. His experience will be crucial for the Warriors pack, especially playing alongside captain Simon Mannering. 2015 should be a season of bounce back to form for Hoffman.

16. Tim Simona (Tigers): You know when a player has that special something and Tigers wonderkid Tim Simona, he has got it. He burst onto the scene with some scintillating plays and great solo tries and put the NRL and Tigers fans on notice. Since then, though, some injuries and poor form – mind you, collective poor team form as well, thus limiting his individual chances – saw Simona slip a little bit and struggle. Though with the new year ahead of us and Simona likely to play in the centres, he has a chance to redeem himself and get back to that ripper form that had everyone clapping and cheering.

The NRL is full of tremendously talented young kids, all vying for an opportunity to play in the NRL and make the most of it. Some have been afforded a brief chance and shown glimpses, whilst others wait with bated breath for one opportunity to show the world what they can do.

Every club has at least one talented kid that is ready to burst onto the scene and in this article, we’ll cast our eye over that very young player and why they should play in the NRL at some point in 2015. All are talented and based on their known abilities, all are expected to succeed when given a chance.

So, without further adieu, here are the young players to look out for at each respective club:

Brisbane Broncos – Joe Ofahengaue.

Broncos fans will tell you just how good Ofahengaue is and with good reason. The bullocking prop dominated the NYC last season in many respects putting on a show on almost a weekly basis and chalking up the high numbers for fun. With successive finals games in 2014 that saw him surpass 200m, Broncos coach Wayne Bennett rates the youngsters highly and at only 19, he is still growing and developing his game – a scary thought for any rival team. Whilst the Broncos boast an impressive forward pack, if injuries or suspension strike, Ofahengaue is a chance to play and when he does, the fans of any club should take notice.

Canberra Raiders – Mitch Cornish

Perhaps the youngster with the greatest pressure on his shoulders heading into 2015 is Mitch Cornish. The young local Raiders half has big shoes to fill in the team, set to become the main focal point of the club’s attack after the departure of veteran, Terry Campese. He has the ability and skills to take on the role of key-playmaker but with limited minutes in 2014 and public pressure and expectation weighing on his mind, making a successful transition will certainly not be easy. A player of his ability should handle it, though, and with the overall game to guide the Raiders attack when required, knowing what he is capable of as a player, Raiders fans will be quietly confident that he is the man to direct their side around the park.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs – Lloyd Perrett

The young, gun prop has already played first-grade and will have Bulldogs fans chomping at the bit to see him improve and get even better. A powerful player, Perrett has made great strides and inroads and was thus rewarded with an opportunity at the back end of 2014 by coach Des Hasler to show the NRL his talents. He showed them alright and let no-one down, as he highlighted just how good he can be and the potential he has to spearhead the Bulldogs forward pack moving forward. Highly rated in many circles, Lloyd will only get better and better as a player and as a person, two very good signs for the Bulldogs.

Cronulla Sharks – Valentine Holmes

Bursting onto the scene in 2014, it was a matter of when and not if, for Sharks fans to see Valentine Holmes in action. He certainly did not disappoint, showcasing the talent that had many fans raving at his ability, consistency and general play. Recently committing to Queensland and Australia at representative level, the future is bright for him in that regard, with the young winger’s potential to succeed astronomically high. It became quite clear that Holmes was simply too good for the Holden Cup and the NSW Cup and so the Sharks coaching staff in 2014 were forced to give the youngster a crack in first-grade where he excelled.

Gold Coast Titans – Kane Elgey

When a player has talent, it is evident no matter who they play for and for Kane Elgey at the Gold Coast Titans, despite the team not playing particularly well across the Holden Cup, he shone consistently. Perhaps their one consistent player throughout, Elgey showed why he has all the potential in the world to succeed in the NRL, on the back of a masterclass of skills and abilities in the 2014 Holden Cup. With the halves depth somewhat limited at the Titans, an opportunity may not be too far around the corner for the live-wire half and if he gets that chance, he will have deserved every bit of it.

Manly Sea Eagles – Jake Trbojevic

One of the best youngsters Manly has ever seen in their front-row stocks, Trbojevic has an opportunity to feature more at the club after the loss of some forwards and with the arrival of Willie Mason, he has a perfect mentor to guide him in his transition to the NRL. Those who are yet to see Trbojevic in action, when he has played both NSW Cup and the Holden Cup, he has led from the front for the Manly side with his big runs, big carries and big metres. With a player of his ability, Trbojevic will only get better and when he does, he has the makings of an elite prop in the NRL at both club level and representative level.

Melbourne Storm – Nelson Asofa Solomona

Solomona can be summed up in just four words. The kid can play! Solomona is absolute dynamite at all levels he has played in so far and the footage is there to prove it. Barging, fending, side-stepping, you name it, the hulking back-rower can do it all with ease and with style. Although he may not feature in first-grade straight away, with his ability, skill and potential to get even better and become even more destructive, Storm fans will be hoping that his development is executed to perfection, so that a first-grade opportunity is not too far down the track.

Newcastle Knights – Danny Levi

One of the best young talents to come out of the Knights ranks in recent times, Levi leads from the front both as a captain and as a leader. A natural play-maker despite playing most of his Knights career so far at hooker, Levi’s direction and level head has been just one of the reasons behind the Knights solid Holden Cup seasons over the last few years. With uncertainty over some positions at first-grade for the Knights, there is a chance that Levi can get a start earlier than expected, though some cards would have to fall his way for that to be the case.

North Queensland Cowboys – Javid Bowen

The surname may ring a bell and if you guessed a relation to one of the Cowboys’ greatest players in Matt Bowen, you are indeed correct. Bowen, who can cover any spot in the back-line from fullback to wing to centre, is earmarked for a first-grade opportunity and for success. With successful stints for both the Cowboys Holden Cup side and the Northern Pride in the Intrust Super Cup, Bowen has made himself known to Cowboys officials through his form and with talent like his, playing in the NRL is only a matter of time.

Parramatta Eels – Fabian Goodall

Equally adept as a centre or a winger, Goodall is the epitomy of a modern day winger. Big, fast, powerful and hard to stop. When he runs, he does so like a man on a mission and with nothing to lose and is hard to stop when in full flight. In many ways, in terms of likeness to a current player, he is similar to Manu Vatuvei. Both run hard, hit hard and have speed to burn. Although Goodall is not about to feature in first-grade from the get-go, he will come into contention if his NSW Cup form is good and if there are injuries in the Eels back-line. Either way, like the others, he has the potential to succeed in first-grade.

Penrith Panthers – Waqa Blake

Some quality backs have come through Penrith over the years and the club is grooming another one destined for NRL stardom and first-grade opportunities in Waqa Blake. Quickly making his mark on both the Holden Cup and the NSW Cup, the utility back is slowly proving his worth and putting his hand up for a possible surprise first-grade inclusion. Although that may not happen, he is the sort of player that will continue to work hard, play hard and do what he has to, in order to get a first-grade spot. When he does, the NRL may want to look out.

South Sydney Rabbitohs – Cam McInnes

Opportunity is nigh for McInnes, who Souths fans have been quite impressed with over the last couple of seasons for many reasons. With the departure of Koroisau, it opens up a reserve spot for McInnes and with his talent – that he has and has already shown in first-grade – he might just nab that spot on the bench. If not, what works in his favour is the fact that he will be second-choice hooker and come in if Issac Luke is injured or suspended. Whenever he does get his opportunity, McInnes will prove that it was a worthwhile decision to have him play.

St George Illawarra Dragons – Euan Aitken

With comparisons already being made to Mark Gasnier by some, the development of Euan Aitken at the Dragons will be crucial if they are to find the next big thing to play in their back-line. Aitken is a talented and versatile player and has shown his worth during the Holden Cup over the last couple of years, despite some injury issues. Not the biggest centre going around, he makes up for it with deceptiveness, zip and a smart approach to the game. His work ethic is quality and if given a chance in first-grade, his talents will certainly be on show.

Sydney Roosters – Jackson Hastings

His surname is synonymous with the Roosters but if you let that trick you into believing that Hastings Jr. cannot cut it in the NRL, think again. Blessed with a natural ability to play the game – much like his father – Jackson Hastings is a young player that Roosters fans expect to see excel moving forward. With uncertainty over some positions for 2016 especially, many feel as if that would be the perfect time to blood Hastings full-time. Versatile across the park, Hastings is quick, nippy and creative, and is equally at home at fullback and five-eighth mainly.

New Zealand Warriors – Tuimoala Lolohea

The chance to see him play arose at the 2014 Auckland Nines, as well as in first-grade late on in the 2014 season and gee whiz, did Lolohea make an impact! When you watch him play and strut his stuff on a rugby league field, it is easy to see why both the Warriors fans and the Warriors franchise rate the utility so highly. Equally adept at both fullback and five-eighth – not to mention any other position in the back-line, really – his development is crucial. Whilst he ended 2014 with injury, Lolohea is sure to start 2015 off with a bang, with the view to once again playing first-grade in 2015.

Wests Tigers – Manaia Cherrington

Knowing that Robbie Farah will not be able to play forever, contingency plans are required. In a sign that the Tigers want to continue their tradition of quality hookers at the NRL level, they have spent a lot of time investing in one player in particular – Manaia Cherrington. Making the spot his own over the last couple of years in the Holden Cup, Cherrington is a player that is highly rated by many Tigers fans and one that they have earmarked for NRL success. As he continues his development over the next couple of years, it is only a matter of time before he gets a chance to showcase his talents in the NRL.