Forgotten stars of the NRL

After a stellar year in 2013 in which he was equal-leading try-scorer in the NRL with 13, ‘The Wolfman’ has been on the outer this year. The former NSW and Australian representative has been relegated to NSW Cup as a result of the form of Jorge Taufua and Peta Hiku.

The Penrith prop experienced a meteoric rise in 2012 when he was elevated to State of Origin and was a key contributor for the Blues. But his form declined from there and in early 2014 he was informed that he would no longer be required by the Panthers and subsequently dropped to NSW Cup.

The 33-year-old veteran of 194 career NRL games was brought back to the Knights in 2010 by coach Wayne Bennett. But after a couple of sub-par seasons and a decline is his once-trademark speed, Tahu has been forced to move into the forwards and is languishing in reserve grade.

After his Wests Tigers contract expired at the end of 2013, Tuqiri was expected to announce his retirement. But instead, the 34-year-old was thrown a lifeline by the Rabbitohs. The result – a couple of first grade games and the majority of the season in NSW Cup.

The 198-game veteran and former Kiwi international has been an invaluable player throughout his NRL career due to his versatility and experience. But since moving back to his beloved Tigers in 2014, the 31-year-old has only played one game in first grade.

The Kiwi international has fallen out of favour with Canterbury coach Des Hasler after a stellar 2013 season. The goal-kicking outside back continues to be overlooked for the likes of youngsters Tim Lafai and Corey Thompson.

The 28-year-old front rower rose to Origin level in 2009 and represented Australia during the 2010 Four Nations. Injuries have marred the past two seasons for the Canberra stalwart, and he has fallen out of favour with new coach Ricky Stuart, who continues to use him in reserve grade while fit.

After being released by the Knights in 2012, Naiqama signed a two-year deal with a young Panthers side seeking some experienced players. But the incredible form of outside backs Josh Mansour, Dean Whare and Matt Moylan has seen Naiqama languishing in reserve grade.

After his premature retirement from the NRL in 2010 following a persistent back injury, Grothe Jr announced he would return in 2014 on a one-year deal with Cronulla. The decision proved ill-advised however with injury keeping him sidelined for the majority of the season.

The 28-year-old forward was once touted as a future Kiwi international and was starting to cement his spot in the Roosters first grade side before injury wiped out his entire 2010 season. Another serious injury in 2011 set him back even further, and he hasn’t been seen in first grade again, spending most of his time in the lower grades for Penrith.