Ready to take centre stage and hit the 2013 sporting headlines

cricket

Joe Root: Made enormous strides last year from the Yorkshire top order to the England Test team. Can he follow it up in 2013? With a level head, which he has, sound judgment and sage advice, he should have the mental strength to withstand anything that is thrown at him and continue on his progressive path.

Steve Patterson: Like many people on this list, the unheralded star of 2012 has a big year ahead as he looks to ensure last season was not a flash in the pan. The pace bowler could be key to Yorkshire’s chances back in Division One.

rugby league

Gareth Ellis: A predictable choice but for very good reason. Every Super League club wanted Ellis’s services when the veritable England second-row made it known he wanted to come home after four excellent years in Sydney. Thankfully, Hull FC got his prized signature and the Yorkshireman could be crucial in taking the Airlie Birds to the next level in the 12 months ahead.

John Bateman: In his debut campaign, the Bradford Bulls teenager showed flashes of his obvious class despite the backdrop of such a turbulent and chaotic year for the Super League club. Now that all the off-field drama is concluded, and his own future is sorted at Odsal, expect this exciting back-row to further develop and cause plenty more problems for top-flight opponents.

Stevie Ward: The elated youngster got more than just a taste of action with Leeds Rhinos in 2012, playing both at Wembley and in the Super League Grand Final. Some will fear he may suffer second-season syndrome but expect the versatile Ward’s only problem to be deciding where his best position will be in the champions’ side. If his development continues apace, could even feature in the England World Cup squad.

Stuart Fielden: After being dogged by injury for the last two years, released by Wigan Warriors and approaching his 34th birthday, some may feel the former Great Britain prop and world’s most expensive player may not be up to much in 2013.However, Fielden still has plenty to offer. Expect the ex-Bradford Bulls star to have a real impact at Huddersfield Giants and help add steel to a sizeable pack that is fast looking the biggest around.

golf

John Parry: After falling off the European Tour in 2011, he roared back onto the elite circuit for this year by strolling to victory at the notoriously difficult qualifying school. Feels as though he has a point to prove and knows how to win when he gets into position.

tennis

Jonny Marray: How will the 31-year-old follow up his memorable Wimbledon doubles title win of last summer? In team sports they call it second-season syndrome, but it will be fascinating to see if he has the mental fortitude to build on the marvellous accomplishments of the past 12 months.

olympic sports

Jack Laugher: Among the many world championships for our heroes of London this coming year, the diving event in Barcelona in the summer will be fascinating to see if Harrogate diver Laugher has firmly put his Olympic heartache behind him and can build on the four junior world titles he has to his name.

horse racing

Lucy Alexander: Thanks to Ferdy Murphy and other Yorkshire trainers, the jockey is leading the race to become champion conditional for the 2012-13 National Hunt season. No female rider has won the title. Her riding continues to improve – the key is staying injury free.

Graham Lee: His decision to quit jump racing after a hideous fall at Southwell paid off when the former Grand National-winning jockey recorded a century of winners on the Flat. The Bedale-based horseman will be looking to replicate this success in 2013 as well as seeking a first ride in an English Classic. Lee is a good each-way bet to be champion jockey.

boxing

Kell Brook: After three wins in 2012, the Sheffield welterweight is set to fight Devon Alexander in Detroit on February 23 for the IBF world title. With a record of 29 wins from 29 fights, with 19 by knockout, 2013 could be the year he breaks onto the world stage.

squash

Nick Matthew and James Willstrop: The 13th person is actually two men, but such is their dominance, that it is hard to separate them. Yorkshire’s two best players are also two of the best in the world who continue to slug it out for the game’s big titles. The staging of the British Open in May in Hull will be fascinating.