The most successful NRL clubs usually have enormous depth to cover any potential injuries.
With the exception of the Melbourne Storm – who look a shadow of their former side in the absence of Billy Slater, Cameron Smith or in particular Cooper Cronk due to their lack of halves – this is true for most teams in 2014.
The players I have selected in the 17 have been chosen due to their role as solid or team players at a club as opposed to being irreplaceable game breakers. These players are consistent and solid footballers and often fringe first graders.
Here are the top 17 underrated but valuable players plying their trade in season 2014.
Mitch Brown
Brown has made a career of being a backline mister fix it. At the Tigers he deputised for a number of injured fullbacks and wingers, which saw him play a terrific 2010 finals series in the number one jersey.
At the Bulldogs he has again been solid without being spectacular but has done enough to hold his wing spot for the majority of season 2014 despite pressure from Krisnan Inu, Tim Lafai, Corey Thompson, Drury Low and others
Bryson Goodwin
Goodwin has been terrific for Souths since he arrived at the club. Believed to be a depth player when he first arrived, consistently solid performances saw him a mainstay for the 2013 season. Despite added pressure due to the emergence of Dylan Walker, Alex Johnston, Kyle Turner, Kirisome Auva’a and the signing of former dual international Lote Tuqiri, he has still managed 14 games this season full of hard running.
Matthew Wright
A quick google search will offer you his AFL namesake. Only by adding ‘rugby league’ will you find him. But a peek at his playing stats will reveal the former Shark has already amassed 73 matches at the tender age of 23. He has found the try line on four occasions from 11 matches and can kick goals if required.
Tim Lafai
Competing for a centre spot against the likes of Inu, Chase Stanley and Mitch Brown, Lafai has managed to be a permanent fixture in the Bulldogs backline. Quick, strong, and skillful.
Vai Toutai
Injury to enormously talented winger Ken Sio has opened the door for Toutai and he has made a strong case to remain in the side when Sio’s recovery is complete.
Maurice Blair
I nearly gave the five eighth position to Chad Townsend, however clever commentators have begun to pick up on the fact that Townsend is indeed a tremendous talent. Blair is equally adept as a playmaker or a centre. While he may not win you a game he certainly won’t lose you one.
Jeff Robson (c)
In my opinion Robson is possibly the most underrated player in the competition. Robson is (was) to Todd Carney as Scott Prince was to Benji Marshall in the Tigers 2005 triumph. Great control, sound defending and masterful organisation the unheralded halfback’s return to the Sharks coincided with their first points in six rounds. Has also played a grand final with the Eels in 2009 as an excellent foil to the brilliance of Hayne.
Nigel Plum
Arguably the best tackler of the modern era, Plum makes this list because he can consider himself desperately unlucky not to have played representative football. Hard running and even harder hitting, Plum has become a favourite with Panthers fans.
Beau Falloon
Falloon received a reward for his consistent football over the years when selected for City Origin this season, however, this was only after player withdrawals. The crafty hooker is lightning from dummy half and alleviates pressure on the likes of Albert Kelly and Aiden Sezer.
Ava Suemanufagnai
The big Kiwi is a no frills prop with an excellent work ethic. Loves hit ups and always charges hard. There are many Tigers fans that believe he should be starting in place of Keith Galloway.
Lewis Brown
“But he has played for New Zealand!” I hear you cry – silence! This is a man who based on form should have certainly added to the five caps he gained for the Kiwis in 2010. Able to play second row, lock, hooker and centre, he is a player that oozes enthusiasm and professionalism.
Bodene Thompson
Thompson has played every match for the Tigers this season averaging 91 metres a match. He is a sound defensive player and is noted for his hit and spin in tackles.
Shaun Fensom
While Fensom has received plenty of praise for his outstanding performances, representative honours (other than Country) have still somehow eluded him. Often cast aside due to the perception that he is only effective as a defensive player, Fensom still averages over 100 metres per game in 2014.
Bench
Tom Symonds
Fiery hair and plays with the same intensity.
Joel Thompson
Solid in attack and capable of playing a ‘hit man’ type role in defence.
Scott Bolton
Has played every match for the Cowboys this season averaging just under 100 metres per game.
Joel Reddy
A defensive specialist capable of playing centre, wing, fullback and second row.
While this side probably won’t win a premiership any time soon it would be an easy day for Ian Schubert’s office. What do you think Roarers? Who would make your top 17 for the most underrated players still playing?
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