GEEZ we’ve churned out some talented youngsters this season.

Each year the NRL is graced with a new generation of breakout talents and the current crop of fresh faces have been nothing short of exceptional.

Here are my thoughts of the rookies we’ve seen so far in 2016:

Ashley Taylor — Gold Coast Titans (Position: Halfback, Age: 21, NRL games: 14, Tries: 4)

Round 20

He’s played all but one game this season. He’s been outstanding and doubt anyone would have thought he would be as good as he has. He came into the side with the injury to Kane Elgey and made the most of his opportunity. Brisbane knew how good he was and reluctantly let him go because he was too good to be stuck behind Ben Hunt and Anthony Milford. He’s been a star in a number of the Titans’ games in what has been an outstanding debut season.

Suliasi Vunivalu — Melbourne Storm (Position: Wing, Age: 20, NRL games: 9, Tries: 13)

Suliasi Vunivalu of the Storm is tackled. Source: Getty Images

His try scoring record is impressive. Nine tries in 13 games. I can’t remember the last time anyone had that kind of impact to start their career. It’s a shame Marika Koroibete is moving on but Vunivalu looks like he’s going to be a great finisher. Sure, he’s young and raw but he’s got all the attributes to be a great winger for a long time.

Ben Ikin, Ben Glover and Nathan Ryan talk about Manly and Newcastle’s roster rebuilds and how Parramatta should handle the Semi Radradra situation.

You can also subscribe via iTunes or for Android users, listen on the iPP Podcast Player app.

Te Maire Martin — Penrith Panthers (Position: Five-eighth, Age: 20, NRL games: 6, Tries: 2)

He and Nathan Cleary could be the halves for Penrith for a long time to come. Martin impressed in his handful of games this season. You only have to cast your mind back to the field goal he kicked against Brisbane to see how composed he is. He played on NSW Cup game before making his NRL debut so there’s a lot of development left in him but I’ve been impressed by what I’ve seen. He takes the ball to the line and plays direct. Even though he’s on the smaller side from a physical standpoint, he’ll fill out in time. He’s going to be a very good player. Unless luck isn’t on his side, he’ll spend a lot of years in first grade.

Latrell Mitchell — Sydney Roosters (Position: Fullback, Age: 19, NRL games: 14, Tries: 9)

Latrell Mitchell of the Roosters makesa break. Source: News Corp Australia

He’s an outstanding young prospect. Some of the tackle’s he’s busted this year have been impressive. At the moment he relies on his strength and size but as he learns where to be in attack and defence, the other parts of his game will begin to develop. Its only experience he needs to build on. It’s something which can only come with time. As a young kid who has the size and athletic ability, he’s very good.

Cody Walker — South Sydney Rabbitohs (Position: Five-eighth/Fullback, Age: 26, NRL games: 11, Tries: 4)

It’s unusual for a 26 year-old to debut but he’s made the most of his time in the top grade. He can play anywhere. He’s just a natural footballer with all the evasive skills. I wasn’t sure what his best position was but the more I see of him at fullback, the more I believe that’s where he should play. It allows him to bob up anywhere. At the moment he’s the best option for the club. He has been South Sydney’s best player in a number of games. In a losing side, he’s one player who has stood out.

James Fisher-Harris — Penrith Panthers (Position: Back row, Age: 20, NRL games: 11, Tries: 2)

He’s a young Kiwi Penrith brought across. He was just too good not to be in the NRL side. Ideally the coaching staff probably would have like to give him a season in the NSW Cup but his form warranted selection. He’s almost a throwback to the front rowers in the 80s. He runs hard and tackles hard. It’s almost like he wants to hurt you whether he has the ball or doesn’t. Not only is he tough, he’s shown he can play footy too. He doesn’t just carry the ball and put shots on, he knows what to do when he has the ball and spots an opportunity.

Kerrod Holland — Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs (Position: Centre/Wing, Age: 23, NRL games: 11, Tries: 3)

Kerrod Holland of the bulldogs runs with the ball. Source: AAP

What a terrific goal kicker (having kicked 37 goals). He was given a chance with some injuries to the Bulldogs’ outside backs and oozed confidence from his debut where he kicked a goal from the sideline to win the game. He’s a very strong defender and will get his chance again. He was good in the time he spent in first grade and while he’s been squeezed out because their bigger names have returned from injury, we haven’t seen the last of him.

Nathan Davis — Gold Coast Titans (Position: Centre/Wing, Age: 20, NRL games: 8, Tries 1)

No one knew much about him before this season but he’s been impressive. He’s one of a number of Titans players who have made people sit up and take notice because of his form. He’s tall, athletic and held his spot in first grade until he suffered a nasty ankle injury. He was looking for an opportunity and grabbed it when he was presented it.

Daniel and Jacob Saifiti — Newcastle Knights (Position: Prop, Age: 20, NRL games: Daniel 12, Jacob 11, Tries: Jacob 1, Daniel 1)

The first think that comes to mind is these guys are big. Newcastle needed a bit of size after losing a stack of players and both of them are a work in progress. The Knights are that skinny at the moment that I don’t know if the Saifiti brother would make another NRL side at the moment. They’ve been given an opportunity and making a fist of it.

Nathan Cleary — Penrith Panthers (Position: Halfback, Age: 18, NRL games: 3, Tries: 2)

He’s very similar to (Te Maire Martin). They remind me of each other. They’re both very composed. Cleary had a tough initiation with his debut in Melbourne but he couldn’t have been more impressive in his three games in the NRL so far. For an 18-year-old to be playing the way he has, you don’t want to get too carried away and make bold predictions with young players, but he could be Penrith’s halfback for the next 10 years. He’s also a handy goal kicker.

Josh Addo-Carr — Wests Tigers (Position: Wing, Age: 20, NRL games: 5, Tries 3)

He’s one of those wingers with blinding speed. The sort of speed he has is a rare commodity. He has a few errors in his game but he’s still learning. He’s a raw talent but someone with his speed is not easy to find. I’m sure Craig Bellamy will turn him into a quality finisher in Melbourne next year.

Ryan Matterson — Sydney Roosters (Position: Five-eighth, Age: 21, NRL games: 7, Tries: 2)

Ryan Matterson of the Roosters makes a run. Source: Getty Images

It has been a massive challenge for the Roosters this year with their inexperience in the halves and Matterson put his hand up in a few games. He’s the size of a backrower. He has a good strong running game and I expect him to get more time in first grade over the next season or so.

Leivaha Pulu — Gold Coast Titans (Position: Back row, Age: 26, NRL games: 15, Tries: 0)

He’s been outstanding. A journeyman of sorts, he’s 26 and played in every game this season. He’s one of those players who is not a boy and has been given an opportunity. He’s strong. Craig Bellamy gets a lot of raps for regenerating players’ careers but Neil Henry deserves so praise for what he’s been able to do with a number of players this season.

Download the new FOX SPORTS App to get the latest news and scores from your NRL team.