Who Would You Build a New NRL Team Around in 2025?

If you were in charge of the Perth Bears or a brand-new PNG franchise, which current NRL player would be your first signing? 

That’s the challenge Ryan and Jez took on in this episode of Ahead of the Game - diving deep into the most buildable stars of the modern NRL.

With NRL expansion firmly on the horizon, conversations about who could anchor these new teams are heating up. This isn’t just about talent. It’s about leadership, positional influence, versatility and long-term value. It’s about who can carry the pressure of being “the guy” from day one in a locker room, on the field, and in the media.

There’s a clear consensus: you build around the spine. Hookers and fullbacks bring value, but halves still dominate the league in terms of impact. You need more than highlights - you need IQ, consistency, and game management.

Katoa is praised for his rapid development with the Dolphins, already showing elite control and vision. Talagi, learning under Nathan Cleary at Penrith, has explosive potential and positional versatility. Fletcher Sharpe is the wildcard pick - a player lighting it up at the struggling Knights with elite tackle busts and a try-per-game average.

These kinds of debates shape our long-term team evaluations and influence how we break down weekly matchups in our NRL game previews. Here’s a taste of what stood out from the chat:

Isaiya Katoa: Emerging as a true game manager at just 21

Blaize Talagi: Versatile and learning under Cleary

Fletcher Sharpe: Stat monster despite a struggling Knights side

Luke Metcalf: Smart playmaker, destined for a long-term role at the Warriors

The beauty of the NRL in 2025 is that the league is stacked with young, exciting players - but finding the one to build around still takes guts. While names like Nathan Cleary are out of reach for new clubs, the next wave of leaders may already be showing us the way.

Who would you pick to build a team around? keep an eye on bets.com.au for weekly deep dives into the numbers and narratives behind the NRL.

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