Debut number: 270
Matches: 7
Positions played: Wing
Tries: 3
Average metres: 79.4
Average tackles: 6.4
It seemed like Cory Denniss came out of nowhere in 2016, as he made his NYC debut in Round 1 and then was playing in the NRL two matches later.
He went on to make seven first grade appearances, scoring several memorable tries and setting some up for edge partner Nathan Ross as well.
Still only 19-years-old, Denniss has plenty of potential to gain more weight and move further in field as he already stands at 190cm.
Debut
With Akuila Uate ruled out through injury, Denniss was a shock late inclusion in the Round 3 match against the Canberra Raiders.
He went on to stun Hunter Stadium with two important tries, 130 running metres and 100 per cent tackling accuracy.
Best moment
In the Round 12 match against the Parramatta Eels the Knights were trailing by ten points and had a scrum feed ten metres from their own line.
Enter Denniss, who picked the ball up as first receiver and evaded several tackles to make 70 metres down the left touchline.
With Bevan French closing in, he passed inside for Ross to stroll over the line untouched.
What makes him special?
There is a lot of raw talent in Denniss, who also played Under 20s Origin for New South Wales in 2016.
Although he looks quite thin, he already weighs 94kg and could easily put on ten more in the next few years.
Playing as a centre in the NYC he has also been an assist king, setting up seven tries and seven line breaks.
Whether he ends up being a second rower, a centre or a winger in the long term, Denniss has plenty of points in him.
We look back over the debut seasons of all of our 2016 rookies. On Monday is player #272 Will Pearsall.
