League: Five New Zealanders to watch

Sonny Bill Williams is rated highly across the sport. Picture / Fotopress

SONNY BILL WILLIAMS, BULLDOGS

Born August 3, 1985, Auckland, junior club Marist, 1.91m 102kg lock/secondrower, 15 games for the Bulldogs since debut round one 2004. Four tests since debut April 2004.

Everyone in league rates this guy - a rarity. He can do it all and opposition coaches plan their game around him. He has speed, ball skills, power to bust tackles and ability to off-load when smothered or falling. He'll be given a roaming licence on attack and that should be a treat for fans and devastating for opposing defences.

KARMICHAEL HUNT, Broncos

Born November 17, 1986, junior club Avondale Wolves, 1.86m, 86kg fullback. Debut v Warriors round one 2004 and played each of the 26 games of their season until it ended prematurely in the finals series.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has Hunt ear-marked for State of Origin so he elected not to join the Kiwis when asked - a pity as he's a real talent and will be around a long time. Hunt is an elusive runner with the ball, fearless on defence and only needs experience, learning positional play and technique, to turn him into a great.

DENE HALATAU, WESTS TIGERS

Born January 27, 1983, Invercargill, junior club North Ryde, 1.78m, 89kg centre-turned-hooker, 31 games for the Tigers since debut round 13, 2003, one test 2004.

Halatau has great ball skills, strength and is a willing tackler with good technique. Tigers coach Tim Sheens asked Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson to play him at hooker if that opportunity arose on the Tri-Nations tour and it did, opening a new door for the South Islander, who is small by today's centre standards but built for hooker and with a pass for dummy-half. It could be a Kiwis bonus too.

JEROME ROPATI, Warriors

Born November 23, 1984, in Auckland, junior club Marist, 1.82m, 93kg five-eighth/fullback. 12 games since debut in round 25 2003.

Ropati - no relation to the five brothers - is a true utility and every club needs one. Motu Tony didn't like the role, Ropati is the capable replacement. He was best five-eighth in Bartercard Cup in 2003, made the Warriors then suffered injury last year. He's a determined runner with an eye for the gap close to the line, can off-load, is safe under the high ball when at fullback and tackles well.

FRANK PRITCHARD, Panthers

Born November 3, 1983, Sydney, junior club Campbelltown, 1.87m, 106kg centre/secondrower, 19 games for the Panthers since debut round eight 2003.

Pritchard made huge impact on the few occasions when he forced his way into a stable, injury-free Panthers line-up last year - so much so that he was brought into Kiwis camp as a standby. He should cement that form and his rep place this year with big tackle-busting bursts and huge hits. The veteran Panthers, including Craig Gower and Luke Priddis, rate Pritchard as one they want to feed off - what more recommendation do you need?

Other up-and-comers:

Roy Asotasi, Bulldogs prop; Anthony Tupou, Roosters prop/secondrower; Bronson Harrison, Tigers secondrower; Marvin Karawana, Broncos five-eighth; Tame (Gary) Tupou, Broncos wing; Vince Mellars, Sharks centre; Kylie Leuluai, Manly prop; David Faiumu, Cowboys secondrower; Marcus Perenara, Eels halfback; David Fa'alogo, Souths secondrower.