SOUTH Sydney fans jot these names down in your little black book — Cheyne Whitelaw, Angus Crichton, Cody Walker, Michael Oldfield and Hymel Hunt.

These are the men Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire has nominated as young guns who have caught his eye during the pre-season.

While some of these names have tasted the NRL before, others are working hard for their opportunity to break into the top grade.

Last season Chris Grevsmuhl, Aaron Gray and John Olive all made their NRL debuts with the Rabbitohs but 2016 is set to usher in a new wave of talent and it starts at the Auckland Nines on February 6.

Round 19

Of the players on Maguire’s list yet to taste NRL is Whitelaw, Crichton and Walker.

Whitelaw, a lock, is an Australian Schoolboy who spent the majority of 2015 playing in the NSW Cup despite still being eligible for NYC.

Cheyne Whitelaw playing for North Sydney. Source: News Corp Australia

Crichton is a former schoolboy’s rugby star who recently extended his deal with the club until the end of 2018.

The 19-year-old backrower made his Nines debut last year while Walker, a five-eighth, looks set to make his club debut at the Nines and is heavily tipped to follow that appearance up by breaking into the NRL in round one.

“Cody is definitely one looking forward to playing in the Nines,” Maguire said.

“It’s a great opportunity for the guys who make that team to show what they’ve got.

“In the prior Nines tournament we had Aaron Gray going through and Angus Crichton we were seeing he was going to be a chance (of playing NRL) in 2015 but unfortunately got injured.

“He’s one I’m looking forward to seeing over the next month. He’s definitely excelled throughout the pre-season. He has leadership qualities and another one that will bobble up.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire at training. Source: News Limited

“Cheyne Whitelaw played really well in the under 20s — plays a lot of time. He’s another player who has excelled throughout the pre-season.

“Someone like Hymel Hunt, who we were fortunate to get from Melbourne, he’s showing some really good signs at training.

“Michael Oldfield — he’s joined us from overseas (Super League club Catalans Dragons). He’s got a lot of speed — that’s going to be a massive addition to our edges.”

With Luke Keary sidelined due to a suspension he copped during the finals, Walker is expected to partner Adam Reynolds for their round one clash against the Roosters on Sunday March 6.

The 26-year-old is in his final season of a two-year-deal although the club is hopeful of extending his term.

Cody Walker passes during a training session. Source: News Corp Australia

Walker joined the Rabbitohs from the Queensland cup where he claimed 2014 player of the year honours.

With an ability to also play fullback, Maguire believes Walker’s support play will prove to be a great asset for the club.

“He’s very quick,” Maguire said.

“He’s got a natural footballing ability. He sees things very quick. Around our attack he’s going to add a hell of a lot chiming in with Adam.

“I’m looking forward to seeing his speed off the back of certain plays. His support play is exceptional. He’s been working very hard defensively which is the pleasing part.

“The three boys have been working hard together to develop those combinations and moving forward it gives us great depth around that area.”