With the 2020 pre-season now well and truly underway, it's time to start looking forward to the new season.
Based on what you've seen in 2019, which player are you most excited about in the new year?
We got a glimpse of a number of prospects this year and 2020 is another opportunity for those players to continue working on their craft and improve their game.
Let's take a look at the candidates.
Up-and-coming Roosters 2020
BILLY SMITH
After a nasty ACL injury derailed his 2018 campaign and delayed his start to 2019, Billy Smith made his emotional and long awaited NRL debut in Round 23.
Not only did he score in both NRL appearances, he looked right at home whether he was in the centres or on the wing.
Smith will have the advantage of a full pre-season in 2020.
Will he make his mark and potentially earn a spot in the NRL squad?
MusclePharm Moment | Round 23
LACHLAN LAM
Lachlan Lam's debut came early on in the season, with the young five-eighth getting his first taste of NRL action in Round 2.
One of his first touches of the ball was a try assist to Captain Boyd Cordner and there was no moment that he looked out of place in the line-up.
He played his first 80 minutes of the season on Anzac Day where the Roosters came away with a narrow victory over the St George Illawarra Dragons.
With a halves spot up for grabs in the new season, will Lam be starting the season alongside Luke Keary?
MusclePharm Moment | Round 2
MATT IKUVALU
After getting a handful of NRL opportunities in 2018, Matt Ikuvalu was a top performer in the 2019 pre-season and was awarded with a starting spot on the wing for 10 games in the season.
Ikuvalu will have another Roosters NRL pre-season under his belt ahead of 2020 and another opportunity to show what he has to offer in the top grade.
With plenty of competition in the Roosters backline, can Ikuvalu force his way into the Roosters 17?
Steggles Try of the week | Round 5
POASA FAAMAUSILI
A member of the Roosters 2016 Holden Cup winning squad, Poasa Faamausili had his most impressive season to date in 2019.
He featured in 12 NRL games, making his impact from the interchange bench after only making one appearance in 2018.
With positions in the forwards up for grabs ahead of the new season, can Faamausili continue his improvement and work his way into the line-up?
SAM VERRILLS
Named as the Under 20s player of the year in 2018 and upgraded to the first grade squad this year, it was difficult to deny Sam Verrills a spot in the NRL line-up.
He made his NRL debut in Round 6, his first start at hooker in Round 13 and became a regular starter from Round 19 for the remainder of the season.
His try in the NRL Grand Final was proof that Verrills wasn't phased by the big stage and put a stamp on an impressive maiden campaign.
At just 20 years of age and with a successful season under his belt, can Sam Verrills get even better in the new year?
MusclePharm Moment | Round 20
SITILI TUPOUNIUA
16 NRL appearances and a selection for the Tonga Invitational side, it's safe to say that there was plenty to like about Sitili Tupouniua in 2019.
Tupouniua's first appearance of the season came in round 6 and the young forward stood tall in the opening tackle of Golden Point, punching his way through the Melbourne Storm defence and helping to push the Roosters up field and set up a field goal.
He provided plenty of punch from the bench throughout the year and was given his first career start in Round 13 against the Penrith Panthers.
Could we see even more improvement from Sitili Tupouniua in 2020?
Steggles Try of the week | Round 14
Who are you most excited to see go around again in 2020?
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