In 2002, Rhys Wesser scored 19 tries in 22 games - but he announced himself to the rugby league world the following season.

That's when his electric pace and rich talent came together in one exhilarating package.

Wesser finished the season as the premiership's leading try-scorer, crossing for 25 tries in 26 games including several long-range efforts.

He played a leading hand as Penrith won the NRL grand final and his contribution pushed him to the verge of representative honours.

Wesser would have wait another year for that honour. With Darren Lockyer's move to five-eighth, the Maroons No.1 jersey was up for grabs and Wesser made it his by playing in all three Origin games in 2004.

The flying fullback finished the season with 13 tries and confirmed his place among the game's elite custodians.

He backed that up in 2005 with another 14 tries, ensuring he maintained a strike rate which places him among the game's most clinical finishers.

It's not about to change either with Wesser's speed making him a player capable of going the length of the field at the drop of a hat.