NRL Notepad: Round 15 Preview

Who is on the watchlist this week?

• John Radel

• Reece Foley

• Vena Patuki-Case

• Jett Liu

Reserve Grade Round

It’s Reserve Grade Round in the NRL this week. The intrigue around potential debutants and unknown players adds just enough interest to a weekend of footy that otherwise struggles to excite.

As a regular viewer of the New South Wales and Queensland Cup, I can give some insight into a few of the players who are lined up to make their NRL debut in Round 15.

John Radel

John Radel is on the bench for the South Sydney Rabbitohs this week, but isn’t unfamiliar with the first grade scene. He’s featured in four NRL preseason games going back to his run for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2024¹ .

The 23-year-old has picked up opportunities at Wynnum-Manly, Mackay and South Sydney on the back of his work rate. He’s always moving and in the game. You won’t see Radel make too many highlight reels. He has a strong carry, but more through post-contact than tackle busting runs. In defence, he will be a reliable piece in the line.

It’s likely that the less he’s noticed by the general rugby league fan on Thursday night, the better he played in the eyes of Wayne Bennett.

Reece Foley

Named to play in the centres, Reece Foley is a fifth-eighth. This looks like some classic Team List Tuesday shithousery with Hugo Savala surely switching with the rookie.

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