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Opinion
The NRL is finals bound and it’s the time of year when teams require their marquee players to perform.
Here is a list of the top five players in the NRL right now, in no particular order.
Nathan Cleary
There’s no doubt that Nathan Cleary is a generational talent and likely a future Immortal, despite only being 24 years of age.
The premiership-winner has been one of the largest reasons why Penrith have been seeing success almost 100 per cent of the time over the past three seasons. Many have said he’s on track to finish his career as the ‘goat’ of rugby league and that’s not a horrible statement.
The Panthers halfback just seems destined for glory. I can’t see him ever leaving the mountain men and I’m sure he will lead the club to much more premiership glory.
James Tedesco
Teddy has been arguably the most consistently great player over the past four or five seasons. He led the Roosters to back-to-back premierships and has been one of the Blues’ best players during the past few Origins.
The things he does on the field are irreplaceable, and he’s just about tied with Cleary as the most valuable player in the league at the moment. The fullback role is perhaps the most important position on the field, and Tedesco suits it so well at the Chooks.
He’s mesmerising to watch, and I believe he can be a big help in the Roosters making a sneaky finals run, as they are just beginning to heat up.
Can Tedesco lead the Roosters into the eight? (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Joseph Manu
The second Rooster on this list is Joseph Manu, who has developed his game phenomenally throughout 2022.
Manu has proved he can play any position, including fullback, which is his best position. Each time he played fullback, he was the best player on the field, especially during the New Zealand-Tonga Test match.
Manu ran for a magnificent 401 metres, which is a good portion higher than the NRL record which he also owns (373). Everything proves that the best spot to play Joey is fullback, however, not even he can replace Teddy.
Ben Hunt
Ben Hunt has carried the Dragons on his back this season and has been incredible.
He is remembered a lot for his crucial golden point error during the 2015 grand final, although he’s put that behind him and is playing great footy in a poor side.
Hunt also has been forgiven by most Brisbane fans after being arguably Queensland’s best player in this year’s Origin series. It’s incredible to think how far he’s come in his career, and I don’t think it’ll be too long until he gets restless and look to jump ship.
Latrell Mitchell
Latrell Mitchell has returned to the NRL arena after being in rehab for half the season. Despite being back for just six games, he’s provided a significantly positive effect on Souths and has got them playing like their 2021 selves.
Many fans thought the fullback role wasn’t right for Mitchell, however he’s evidently proved them wrong; taking this team from being on the verge of missing out on finals footy, into possible premiership contenders.
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