If 2018 was his rookie year, 2019 was the season Emre Guler came of age.
In just his second season in the NRL, Guler showed rapid improvement as he forced his way into the Raiders side by the end of the year.
Having started the season playing for Mounties in the Canterbury Cup NSW, Guler received his first chance for the year in round seven against Manly. The 21 year old put in a solid performance but was overlooked for the following match, with fellow youngsters Hudson Young and Corey Horsburgh getting the nod.
The 2018 Raiders Rookie of the Year continued putting in impressive performances for Mounties and was given a callup in Round 13 when a suspension to Hudson Young opened up the door for Guler.
Well fed: Guler's family caters to Raiders' every need
Between rounds 13-20, Guler played in all but one match as he provided plenty of energy from the bench while also churning through plenty of work.
However, once a full contingent of forwards were available in Round 21, Guler was once again playing for Mounties.
In the final round of the regular season as Ricky Stuart rested a number of his regular players, Emre Guler forced his way into the coach’s calculations with his performance against the Warriors.
The young prop played 38 minutes (his most in a single game this season), making 142 running metres and 70 post contact metres.
With a full contingent of forwards to choose from heading into the finals series, Guler was a late inclusion to the side for the match against the Melbourne Storm, pipping Ryan Sutton for the final place in the 17.
The 21 year old didn’t relinquish his place throughout the finals series as he continued to deliver consistent performances when the stakes were high. Guler was solid in defence throughout the finals as he averaged close to a tackle every 90 seconds he was on the field.
He also ran the ball with venom as was displayed during the Grand Final as he added plenty of energy off the bench.
Guler and Horsburgh named in Junior Kangaroos side
Guler finished his season with a callup up to the Junior Kangaroos as they defeated France 62-4 in Wollongong.
