A new wave of rising stars has lit up the NRL in 2025, leaving a lasting mark on the competition and turning the race for the coveted Dally M Rookie of the Year award into one of the most hotly contested in recent memory.
While Mark Nawaqanitawase was widely considered the frontrunner for the honour, a mid-season rule change by the NRL has rendered him ineligible — opening the door for a fresh group of contenders to stake their claim.
From overlooked off-season signings to breakout talents thrust into the spotlight, we've broken down the five leading contenders for the game’s most prestigious individual honour for emerging talent.
Isaiah Iongi (Parramatta Eels)
Replacing a club legend like Clint Gutherson is a daunting task, but Isaiah Iongi has risen to the occasion with remarkable composure.
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The fullback, who transitioned from Penrith’s junior ranks to Parramatta this season, was thrown into the No.1 jersey by new head coach Jason Ryles—and hasn’t looked back.
Despite the Eels' struggles in 2025, Iongi has been a consistent bright spot, with his combination alongside Mitchell Moses offering promising glimpses of a potent long-term partnership — giving Eels fans plenty of hope for the future.
Since taking over the fullback role, the 22-year-old has made 17 appearances in the blue and gold jersey, crossing for five tries and racking up 347 runs — the fifth-most in the competition.
Leka Halasima (New Zealand Warriors)
Despite only just meeting the eligibility threshold after four games in 2024, Leka Halasima has wasted no time making an impact in his official rookie campaign.
The 19-year-old back-rower has become a regular feature in Andrew Webster’s squad throughout 2025, showcasing his strong ball-running, physical defence, and raw athleticism, which have made him one of the most exciting young forwards in the game.
In Round 20, Halasima delivered a memorable moment of individual brilliance in the Warriors’ win over the Knights, crossing the line in the final seconds to seal a dramatic comeback victory.
His performances have been so promising that the Warriors moved quickly to re-sign him until the end of 2029 — a clear vote of confidence in his future.
A quiet achiever with a massive ceiling, Halasima’s all-around skill set makes him a genuine dark horse for Rookie of the Year honours.
Robert Toia (Sydney Roosters)
After battling through multiple injury-plagued seasons, the 20-year-old centre has finally broken through to cement his place in the Roosters' starting lineup.
While his early-season selection in Queensland’s State of Origin squad raised a few eyebrows, Toia has since proven he belongs at the top level — with his composed debut performance marking Latrell Mitchell further underscoring his readiness for elite competition.
Physically dominant, defensively sound, and willing to do the hard yards, Toia has brought a toughness and edge to the Roosters’ backline.
Staying injury-free has allowed the young centre to feature in 19 games so far in the 2025 season, where he’s crossed for 10 tries.
If Toia can stay healthy, there’s every indication he’ll become a mainstay at both club and representative level for years to come.
Savelio Tamale (Canberra Raiders)
Perhaps the most unlikely breakout story of 2025, Savelio Tamale has gone from relative obscurity to genuine superstar in just 14 appearances for the Canberra Raiders.
The 21-year-old winger, who joined Canberra from St George Illawarra with little fanfare, has exploded onto the scene, becoming one of the most electrifying attacking players in the competition.
At the height of the season, Tamale led the NRL in linebreaks, ranked second in tackle breaks behind James Tedesco, and sat fifth in total run metres — remarkable numbers for any player, let alone a rookie.
However, his chances of claiming the Rookie of the Year award appear slim after the young winger suffered a kneecap injury in the Round 14 clash against the Rabbitohs, sidelining him for three months.
Jamie Humphreys (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
After making just a single NRL appearance for Manly in 2024, few predicted that Jamie Humphreys would go on to become South Sydney’s first-choice halfback — let alone a key contributor in all six of the Rabbitohs’ wins so far this year.
Originally viewed as a utility option off the bench or playing as hooker, Humphreys impressed Wayne Bennett during the pre-season and earned the nod in the No.7 jersey.
While he may not produce the highlight-reel moments of some other contenders, the 23-year-old’s long kicking game, composure under pressure, and defensive toughness have made him a vital part of South Sydney’s spine.
However, a hamstring injury sidelined the young playmaker for five weeks, and the Rabbitohs’ struggles following his return may hurt his chances of securing the award — especially with several other rookies stepping up this season.