The best ten utility players in the NRL

They are a necessity of the modern game. Players who can fill more than one position and still get the job done.

They are the utilities and they’re loved by coaches right across the National Rugby League.

But who are the best ten utilities in the NRL?

10: Jamie Buhrer (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles)
Former New South Wales coach Ricky Stuart shocked many when he selected Buhrer for State of Origin last season. His stay in the Origin arena was short lived but Stuart obviously saw the value in playing the young Sea Eagle.

He may not have kicked on at club level just yet but he gives coach Geoff Toovey a comfort factor from the bench. His ability to play anywhere in the pack and even wider is a great asset for the Eagles.

9: Nathan Peats (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Playing well above his weight each and every week, Peats would be a starting hooker at most other clubs. Issac Luke might have a mortgage on the dummy half position but that hasn’t stopped Peats from carving out a spot of his own in the red and green.

Creative, tough and determined Peats, has become an integral squad member at Redfern.

Peats proved his worth again over the weekend starting in the back row against Parramatta.

8: Chris McQueen (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
McQueen’s impressive rise through the ranks at South Sydney culminated recently with his very first Queensland cap. His selection was no easy feat, considering the dominance the Maroons team has had over such a long period of time.

He may have debuted on the wing but he has quickly developed into a barnstorming back rower who can also mix it in tight with the big boys.

7: Simon Mannering (New Zealand Warriors)
The Warriors and Kiwi captain has been solid if nothing else over an extended period of time in Auckland.

The big New Zealander might be better suited to the second row but can always be relied on to fill-in in the centres and proved as much by being selected there for the ANZAC Test before being ruled out with injury.

Mannering was made Kiwi skipper earlier in 2013 replacing superstar Benji Marshall. A worthy prize for one of New Zealand’s most reliable players.

6: Lewis Brown (Penrith Panthers)
The greatest compliment Brown can be paid is that the public is still divided as to what really is his best position. Whether it’s second row, hooker or centre, the Warrior-turn-Panther is a dangerous attacking weapon.

Brown is a dangerous line runner but truly came of age in season 2011 out of dummy half. Despite playing in the centres on his way to a grand final appearance with the Warriors, Brown was lethal around the ruck.

5: Ryan Hinchcliffe (Melbourne Storm)
Hinchcliffe joined the Storm as a bona fide hooker and many thought the former Raider would simply be a backup to star and captain Cameron Smith.

Instead, Hinchcliffe re-invented himself into a hardworking, bustling back rower.

Shows what you can do when you really love the club you play for.

4: Matt Gillett (Brisbane Broncos)
The Brisbane-native has quickly become one of the most important members of the Broncos team after bursting onto the scene in 2010 as the Dally M Rookie of the Year.

Gillett is a natural footballer and thrives at centre or in the forwards.

3: Feleti Mateo (New Zealand Warriors)
What can you say about Feleti Mateo that hasn’t already been said?

The silky ballplayer is one of the most dangerous attacking weapons in the NRL when on his game and has won many games for both the Warriors and his former club Parramatta.

He might be more accustomed to second row or lock, but the Tongan representative can also lead a side at halfback or five-eighth.

Pity he may never wear the sky blue of New South Wales though.

2: Kurt Gidley (Newcastle Knights)
There is a certain stigma about Gidley with many fans and it might have something to do with a few serious injuries hampering his career.

But on his day and fully fit, there are not many players like him.

The versatile Novocastrian can play anywhere in the backline or hooker and could probably handle lock or second row quite easily. He kicks goals too, which is an added bonus.

Gidley even captained New South Wales from the bench such is his ability to cover almost every position on the field.

1: Sonny Bill Williams (Sydney Roosters)
One of the most fearsome forwards going around in the NRL.

Williams has proven since returning in 2013 he can play tight and rack up statistic after statistic. But as the season has progressed we’ve seen more of the attacking game that made him a superstar all those years ago.

Only last Friday we saw what Sonny could do as an out-and-out pivot, steering the Roosters to a famous victory over Canterbury.

Whether you like it or not, SBW is almost the perfect footballer.