Still eligible for NYC in 2016, hulking young back-rower Coen Hess spent most of the season playing for either the Northern Pride, or for the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys in the top grade.
Having tasted the NRL late in 2015, Hess undoubtedly craved more time on the big stage on 2016 after impressing for the under-20s and the Pride in the first half of the season.
Coming into Paul Green’s 17 for matches against the Dragons (Round 12) and the Raiders (Round 18) when the team was without its State of Origin contingent, Hess showed he was well and truly ready for the NRL.
He would return to the top flight in Round 24 and there he would stay until the team’s Week 3 finals exit.
In eight games in 2016, Hess scored four tries and terrorised edge defenders with his mobility, speed, size and strength.
Contracted until 2019, the former Ignatius Park College student will apply plenty of pressure on Paul Green’s established forward rotation in 2017.
2016 STATS
Played: 8
Tries: 4
Run metres: 750 (94m per match)
Average tackles: 23
Tackle breaks: 14
