With the selections now wide open,
Foxsports.com.au has taken a look at the development and part time players at your club that
could be in line to step up to the NRL.
SEA EAGLES
Brad Keighran
We could see more of development player Zac Saddler after making his debut in Round 9. But fellow development players Sione Fainu, Alec Tu’itavake and Kaeo Weekes are still a while off as they learn their trade in under 20s or SG Ball.
Coach Des Hasler likes a more seasoned player which is why if he was forced to look outside his Top 30 he’d dip into his NSW Cup side. Brad Keighran is a new face to Manly’s feeder club, Blacktown but instantly made an impact.
The 25-year-old was appointed captain after impressing in pre-season with his work ethic and footy smarts. Keighran, who is a handy goal-kicker, started the year in the halves but has now moved to his preferred position of hooker.
The Central Coast product has previously spent time at the Eels, Wyong Roos (when they were feeder team to the Roosters) and the Bulldogs.
He was hoping for a big year with Parramatta in 2020 but only played one game due to COVID cancelling NSW Cup. The Eels were keen to hang onto him but he joined Blacktown in the hunt for more opportunity. Despite being a part-timer, Keighran is familiar with the NRL team as he trains with the squad one to two times a week on top of his Blacktown schedule.
NRL clubs can now select players outside the Top 30. Here’s who is on their radar
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