League: Kiwi Mawene Hiroti tipped for NRL debut with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2018

Mawene Hiroti looks set for an NRL debut in 2018. Photot: @SSFCRABBITOHS/Twitter

You may not know Mawene Hiroti's name now, but by the end of the 2018 NRL season there's a good chance you'll know a bit about him.

The young league talent from Taranaki appears set to be handed an NRL debut in 2018 after lighting up the under-20s' stage for the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

A dynamic and versatile back, Hiroti is one of few players in the game who can claim to have represented both Australia and New Zealand in the sport.

Hiroti was a member of the Australian Schoolboys' side in 2016 before being called on to represent the Junior Kiwis in 2017.

Having played mainly as a centre throughout his junior career, the young speedster is blessed with versatility as he is also capable of playing on the wing and at fullback - where he represented the Junior Kiwis last year.

Mawene Hiroti in action for the Junior Kiwis in 2017. Photo / Photosport

And 2018 looks to be his year to take the NRL by storm, with Rabbitohs.com.au tipping him as a flier to cement a spot in a back line that is yet to be decided.

Capable of playing in any position in the outside backs, the most likely opportunity for Hiroti to debut will come during the State of Origin period, however an appearance earlier than that would not surprise.

Rabbitohs general manager of football Shane Richardson was full of praise for the young Kiwi.

"He's had another outstanding pre-season," Richardson told Rabbitohs.com.au. "He's a very athletic player who we see as having a good opportunity to push for a spot on the wing."