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The fans love them. Each team want them. The game is full of them. They are the players who may not draw headlines, but time and time again, show what quality footballers they are.
Brisbane Broncos – Jarrod Wallace
Only one of four Broncos to have played every game this season, this hard-running forward has made enough of a mark on the competition in recent years to see the Titans sign him to a three-year deal from 2017 – and it’s easy to see why.
Second on the list of all Broncos forward in metres made per run, as well as 426 tackles (fifth Brisbane’s list), whether it’s coming from the bench or in the starting line-up, Wallace has been critical in 2016.
Canberra Raiders – Jordan Rapana
The stats tell the story.
Rapana’s played every match this season, ran for the most metres, crossed the stripe 12 tries, had 21 line breaks and six try assists, in a team that are one of the most exciting to watch.
Rapana is a big reason why the Raiders are pushing for a top-four finish in 2016.
Canterbury Bulldogs – Aiden Tolman
Having played over 150 NRL games, Tolman’s rep career consists of just three matches for Country.
Second in the competition for hit-ups, it’s perhaps what fans don’t see that make this man a must have. Not shirking the task when it comes to his defensive duties either, his teammates love to play with him and Bulldogs fans know what they’re going to get each game he laces up a boot.
He may have missed his chance to wear a sky blue jersey, but that hasn’t stopped Tolman from getting the most out of his career.
Cronulla Sharks – Sosaia Feki
In a team that are on a 15-game winning streak and showing no signs of abating, numerous players could slot into the role of the unsung hero.
It would be easy for Feki to take a backseat in this backline, but not only has he not let his teammates take all the limelight, he’s gone out of his way to create havoc in the 16 games he’s played in 2016.
Fifth on the try scoring list in the competition, along with 38 tackle breaks, 11 line breaks, Feki has made his mark in 2016.
Gold Coast Titans – Agnatius Paasi
The Titans have surprised many good judges this season and it’s on the back of powerhouse performances from men like Paasi.
Combine five line breaks, three try assists, 15 offloads and over 2000 running metres, and you have yourself a damaging forward with ball skills that many teams only dream about having on their roster.
Manly Sea Eagles – Siosaia Vave
In today’s game, it’s a luxury having someone come off the bench whose numbers replicate that of a starting forward, which is what Manly get from Siosaia Vave.
Averaging ten runs and 15 tackles in limited minutes, as well as the ability to provide second-phase play, it’s no wonder the Eels are trying to sign him.
Melbourne Storm – Dale Finucane
Craig Bellamy has built a career taking solid first-graders to the next level, and Finucane’s 2016 performances resulted in whispers of a potential Origin call-up.
Averaging 11 hit-ups and 35 tackles in 60 minutes a game, the former Bulldog has gone from a good player to one of the more dominant in Melbourne’s forward pack.
Newcastle Knights – Nathan Ross
Having been told by Wayne Bennett that he’d never play first grade, ‘White Lightning’ has made the most of his opportunity.
Playing in one of the weakest NRL teams to go around since the Western Suburbs were in the competition, his stats wouldn’t look out of place in one of the top teams.
Over 2000 running metres, seven tries and a whole lot of passion, you can never accuse Ross of lacking effort.
North Queensland Cowboys – Ben Hannant
Yes, he’s represented his country, and yes, he’s played for Queensland, but the last time he did either was back in 2012.
Only 12 short of playing 250 NRL games, Hannant, at 31, continues to get the job done.
Averaging over 100 metres and 25 tackles a game coming from the bench, Hannant has been a very useful pick up for the defending premiers, and there’s no reason this won’t continue as the Cowboys push deep into the season.
Parramatta Eels – Clint Gutherson
Having played only five games for Manly, Gutherson came to the club relatively unknown. Since then, he has starred on the wing, at fullback and most recently, filling in for the suspended Corey Norman at No.6.
With five tries, over 2000 running metres, eight linebreaks, nine offloads, and over 200 tackles, it’s easy to see why Brad Arthur brought him to the club.
At 21 years of age, Gutherson is a star of now.
Penrith Panthers – Isaah Yeo
Despite playing in all but 34 minutes this season, Yeo isn’t prone to grabbing the headlines like some of his high-profile teammates.
With the ability to play in multiple positions, Yeo’s ability to offload just adds to the skillset that will no doubt be a regular feature in the years to come.
South Sydney Rabbitohs – Cameron McInnes
In a team that has failed to reach the dizzy heights of 2014, McInnes, along with Cody Walker, has been a shining light for the Rabbitohs.
He’s made the seventh-most tackles in the competition, and yet he still provides plenty of spark in attack.
The subject of an off-season argument between Russell Crowe and Luke Keary, McInnes is now considered by many at South Sydney to be a future Rabbitohs captain.
St George Illawarra Dragons – Euan Aitken
It has been a rough season at St George Illawarra, but Aiken has performed admirably.
Averaging 13 runs for 125 metres per game, the 21-year-old represented Country earlier this year, and no doubt it won’t be the last time you see him donning a representative jersey.
Sydney Roosters – Sio Siua Taukeiaho
Averaging 12 hitu-ps and 30 tackles a game, Taukeiaho has the ability to come off the bench and make a genuine impact, but can also play big minutes if required. On ten occasions this season he’s played more than 60 minutes, and in five of those, he’s played the entire 80.
Throw in some useful goal-kicking performances, and Taukeiaho’s performances in 2016 have been impressive.
New Zealand Warriors – David Fusitu’a
Despite an injury-riddled 2015, it’s hard to imagine that this man wasn’t in the Warriors’ best 17 at the start of the season.
Fusitu’a has scored ten tries in 13 games, but perhaps it’s what he has done in the past eight games that have showcased his true potential. Averaging over 150 running metres a game, along with nine line breaks, it’s not hard to see why Andrew McFadden gave him a chance at fullback in place of Tuimoala Lolohea
Wests Tigers – David Nofoaluma
In a team that has had its issues, both on and off field, this powerhouse winger has been of the Tigers’ best in 2016.
Having run for over 100 metres in all but three games, Nofoaluma has scored 11 tries, had 13 line breaks and 27 offloads in 18 games of football.
His ability to come in from the wing and play like a second forward is priceless.
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