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NRL Notepad: Puru On Debut, Eels Reinforcements & Chances Of A Dragons Upset
The Notepad breaks down what is important heading into the upcoming round of the 2026 NRL Season.
Jason Oliver
May 29, 2026
What's on the watchlist this week?
NRL Debut: Niwhai Puru
You know when somebody describes a player you’ve never seen before as “crafty”?
Everybody seems to know what that looks like from one word alone.
That’s Niwhai Puru.
| Niwhai Puru — NSW Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stat | Career | 2026 |
| Appearances | 88 | 5 |
| Tries | 21 | 1 |
| Try Assists | 61 | 5 |
| Avg Run Metres | 75 | 65 |
His NRL debut is a long time coming. The 24-year-old has made 88 appearances in the NSW Cup across stints with the Penrith Panthers and Newtown Jets.
At 178cm and 91kg, Puru is on the smaller side. That doesn’t stop him from throwing his body into tackles, though. While he might record technical misses and no doubt be a target in the line defensively, he’s not afraid to act as a speed bump until his teammates around him join the tackle.
But it’s with the ball he will have his biggest impact for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
Puru can play as a traditional halfback, providing middle service while digging deep into the line. He’s an ideal backup half in this Sharks side who runs their halves based on what is happening in front of them at the time. With Braydon Trindall likely to take on that role against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles, we will see Puru more on the second layer where his tempo and hands translate into the right play more often than not.
It the pass isn’t on, Puru is dangerous back on the inside, often showing and going on defenders who have overchased from inside.
Given some more freedom, it won’t be a surprise to see him strike up a partnership with Will Kennedy. The Sea Eagles markers need to be cautious of Puru stepping back inside and playing Kennedy back in behind the markers. If the opposing fullback is deep and the Sharks are chasing the game, Puru will be plotting a chip and chase to himself or a tipped up teammate.
Puru has the experience, tempo, skills and smarts to be a first grade contributor from day one.
We often see players go into their shell a little bit on debut, but don’t expect that from Puru. He’s done his time in reserve grade and will want to make the most of his opportunity to play in the shop window.
Eels Reinforcements
The Parramatta Eels are desperate for reinforcements and have a few coming back for their clash with the Newcastle Knights on Saturday.
