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Important SN update for SouthlandCorey Parker's top five 2025 NRL rookies
Charles Goodsir • June 26th, 2025 12:37 pm
SEN’s Corey Parker has named his top five rookies at the mid-way point of the 2025 season.
Parker is adamant that the 2025 Rookie of the Year race is as competitive as it has been in years.
Parker is adamant that the 2025 Rookie of the Year race is as competitive as it has been in years.
“I thought I’d rank my rookies to how I see them,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast.
“I think it’s a hotly contested field for rookie of the year.
“You are absolutely splitting hairs.”
1 - Isaiah Iongi - Parramatta Eels
“The number one for me is the number one. He is a superstar.
“He’s the rookie of the year at this point of time in Round 17.
“I say that because of the position he plays and the control he has.
“Eight try assists as well and that’s why Jason Ryles didn’t get behind Clint Gutherson. They had this guy in the wings.
“We’ve only seen the surface and the bare minimum of what this guy can do.
“I think he’ll be very hard to beat.”
2 - Mark Nawaqanitawase - Sydney Roosters
“A lot of time spent playing rugby and now he’s a convert.
“Good things just happen around Mark Nawaqanitawase. He does qualify for rookie of the year and he’s been terrific.
“He’s scored 11 tries in 12 games and one of the tries will go down, definitely, as the try of the year.
“He’s come up with plenty of clutch plays for the Roosters. I expect him to be in the Roosters fold moving forward.”
3 - Leka Halasima - The Warriors
“If I said that there was a backrower absolutely tearing it up, does anyone come to mind?
“Halasima has spent time in the centres and on the backrow. He’s so powerful, fast and has that x-factor about him with his aggressiveness.
“When the ball is around him, things just happen. I expect a huge career for him.”
4 - Robert Toia - Sydney Roosters
“He was a bolter for State of Origin after just playing 10 games.. Four tries and nine try involvements (from 12 club games).
“He’s been terrific and has been a great find for the Sydney Roosters.”
5 - Savelio Tamale - Canberra Raiders
“The winger for the Canberra Raiders.
“He’s had 12 games, 12 line breaks and averages well above 140 running metres.
“He’s made a great fist of it.”
