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.
jammel
Roar Rookie
1 Teddy 2 Munster 3 Cleary 4 Lattrell 5 TommyT No Manu IMO. Maybe big Joe Tapine soon! :)
Hondo
Roar Rookie
Cant believe the comments being made about Nathan Cleary who is without doubt the best half back in the NRL (No I'm not a Panthers supporter) and has been for the last few years and while he's only 24 i doubt he's a future immortal but time will tell, but the Panthers have won every game but one with him in the team this year. I have nothing but admiration for James Tedesco but while hes the best fullback currently playing he doesn't have the same impact as Cleary as the relative positions of the Roosters and The Panthers shows. Munster is arguably the most dangerous player in the NRL but he also lacks the consistency of Cleary on a week to week basis. My fav player is Ryan Papenhuyzen and no I'm not a Storm supporter but after all the injuries hes suffered i doubt now that he can ever recapture his best form.
Rob
Guest
I’m put my Cowboys hat on and giving Holmes a mention. Leading points scorer and his work numbers are very high. His boot alone has probably figured greatly in the Cowboys position on the ladder. Origin winner again. Ultra consistent this year.
Rob
Guest
I’d actually put Reynolds as more influential than Cleary.
Rob
Guest
No Holmes???? No Munster????? LOL
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Can’t argue with that logic at all. Turbo’s injury issues were compounded this year with the rush to get him back before he was ready. When he’s there and when he’s fit… he’s number one pick
Boru
Roar Rookie
So Moses not on the list and yet he has the most try assist in the game?
Jonathan Carroll
Guest
Nathan Cleary can't is not even guaranteed to be the Australian half back, but people are already calling him a future immortal, amazing.
Christo
Roar Guru
:laughing: :laughing:
Dwanye
Roar Rookie
Is Cleary really ‘likely a future Immortal’?
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
Ponga looked like the best player in the game in one of the SOO encounters.
matth
Roar Guru
Yep that was a dreadful oversight
Phil
Roar Rookie
Sorry mate, can't accept that list. There is no Aaron Woods.
matth
Roar Guru
This is completely wrong: Tyson Gamble David Fafita Luke Brooks Matt Dufty Josh Maguire There, all fixed :silly:
Adam Bagnall
Roar Guru
Munster is easily better than Mitchell and Manu. He's a top 3 player alongside Cleary and Teddy. Hunt is in career best form and deserves his spot. Adam Reynolds would round out my top 5.
Justin
Guest
Could be right about Cleary, but how many games has he been losing in? Maybe he’s just consistently better. As for the forwards. I’d have the smaller Cotter & Martin any day over Taumulolo.
Paul
Guest
Wont be long until you’re saying that Burton is top 5.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Munster should be in the top 5, yes. But Latrell Mitchell has shown what an impact he has on the game (also in Origin) and deserves to be on the list. Irrespective of Dally M rankings Munster should replace Hunt with Manu being replaced by Turbo once he is fit. That is the real top 5 IMO.
Phil
Roar Rookie
I don't think anyone has forgotten about Tom Turbo Randy. The author stated "top five players in the NRL right now." Poor old Tom's not playing right now.
JGK
Roar Guru
Hard to take this list seriously if Munster isn't on it.