Counting down rugby league’s best of the best

49. Reuben Cotter (Cowboys, 6)

An absolute dog in the best possible way, Cotter has cemented himself as one of the game’s best middle forwards. While not the biggest player in terms of stature, the Cowboys workhorse makes up for it with hard-hitting defence and tireless hit-ups with the ball. Has developed into one of the leaders in Townsville and someone his teammates trust. A walk-up selection for both the Maroons and Kangaroos with plenty of football left ahead of him.

48. Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles, 7)
The heart and soul of Manly and one of the best defenders in the game today, as well as one of its most beloved figures off the field. Brings passion like few others and led the NSW Blues back from a game down to clinch last year’s State of Origin series. While his speed and impact with the ball isn’t what it once was, Trbojevic is a genuine leader who busts his backside for every second he is out in the middle.

47. Ben Hunt (Broncos, 7)

After seven largely frustrating – albeit lucrative – seasons at the Dragons, the 34-year-old hooker-halfback has returned for a final fling with Brisbane, his first club. With Ezra Mam is serving his much-publicised suspension, he could prove an astute signing. Hunt could either slot in alongside fellow veteran Adam Reynolds to form the most experienced scrum-base pairing in NRL history. Alternatively, he could find himself at dummy-half, the position he plays so well for Queensland and Australia. Either way, he’ll do a fine job as he chases an elusive premiership victory to cap off an illustrious career.

46. Mitch Barnett (Warriors, 7)

Enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with the Warriors, earning a call-up for both NSW and Australia. Has made a seamless transition from the edge to the middle over the years and is now one of the game’s most consistent props, possessing an incredible motor and a sense of fearlessness that endears him to fans. The club has rewarded Barnett with the co-captaincy this year and it should take his game to another level.

45. Victor Radley (Roosters, 10)

One of the game’s great characters, Radley is already a two-time premiership winner and if not for his decision to pledge his international allegiance to England, would likely have earned a State of Origin debut during the past two years. With silky ball-playing, undeniable toughness and bone-rattling defence, the 26-year-old is one of the Roosters’ most important players. Radley spent time on the edge last year but should revert to the No.13 jersey. After the departure of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the onus will be on the local junior to set the tone for the Tricolours this year in the middle of the field.

44. Eli Katoa (Storm, 10)

Has looked destined for stardom ever since he burst onto the scene with the Warriors despite limited rugby league experience, but it took a move to Melbourne to truly unlock his potential. Katoa was absolutely lethal for the Storm last year, locking down a back-row spot and proving quite the try-scoring threat, crossing 12 times in 25 games. Will be entering the prime of his career over the next couple of years and is a constant headache for opposition defenders – especially when he can isolate one of the halves.

43. Sam Walker (Roosters, 11)

The true quality of the Roosters halfback was apparent in their two finals losses last year when he was absent due to injury. Still only in his early 20s and learning the No.7’s craft, Walker has fine-tuned his game to become an elite playmaker. His short kicking game is up there with the best in the NRL and his pass selection has improved out of sight. Can come up with pieces of individual brilliance out of nowhere, earning comparisons to the great Allan Langer. Walker will be a major loss for the Chooks in the first half of the year as he recovers from an ACL tear.

42. Moses Leota (Panthers, 13)

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One half of Penrith’s bash brothers during their four straight premierships, Leota will be without his partner in crime, James Fisher-Harris, this season after the Kiwi’s move home to the Warriors. However, that might highlight just how much Leota actually brings to the table, often setting the tone with his back-fence and early-set carries for the Panthers. One of the most underrated players in the competition and can strike genuine fear into opposition.

41. Bradman Best (Knights, 14)

Ever since lighting up under-age competitions and debuting in first grade as a teenager, Best has been touted as a superstar in the making. Now, it looks like he has finally put it all together – and it should give Knights, and potentially NSW and Kangaroos, fans plenty to cheer about. With a ridiculous turn of foot, devastating power and more than a smidge of aggression, Best has cemented himself as one of the game’s best attacking centres and his defence will only improve the more he matures and learns the finer aspects of the position.

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