The Top 20 NRL Players
Written by: Michael Edgar
June 17th, 2007 10:41 AM
1. Jonathan Thurston, Cowboys: Has emerged as the real superstar of our game and has surpassed Lockyer as the main man for Australia and Queensland.
2. Cameron Smith, Storm: The best hooker in the game bar none. He can play eighty minutes, kick goals, tackles like a demon and can alternate between hooker and half if need be.
3. Darren Lockyer, Broncos: He is getting on in years but his list of achievements knows no bounds and has added another Origin series win to his list of outstanding achievements.
4. Willie Mason, Bulldogs: The one man the Blues and the Dogs cannot do without. Both teams look lost without him so his value to the game is immense. He looks worn out at the moment though.
5. Robbie Farah, Tigers: If Farah is injured, the Tigers season is over. He has eclipsed Marshall as the main man at the Tigers and will probably unseat Buderus as the hooker for NSW from next year and beyond.
6. Mark Gasnier, Dragons: His value can be measured by how much the Dragons and NSW have missed his game breaking ability on the field. He may be back by the finals, but the Dragons wont be participating this year.
7. Paul Gallen, Sharks: The unluckiest player in the game when it comes to rep footy. He is hard and aggressive and is thriving under Stuart. NSW missed his aggression this year and is certain to be selected for game three.
8. Danny Buderus, Knights: Still one of the best players in the game but is approaching the twilight of his career. Wasnt used to his potential for NSW but is leading the Knights superbly.
9. Jarryd Hayne, Eels: The best outside back in the NRL today. He has speed, size and confidence and is improving by the week. One of the only NSW players to hold his head high this year.
10. Greg Inglis, Storm: Not as dynamic last year at club level but at Origin level he is still scoring plenty of tries and has pace to burn.
11. Luke ODonnell, Cowboys: Another player whose worth can be measured by his absence for NSW and the Cowboys. He brings his A game every week and his toughness is only matched by his enthusiasm and aggression.
12. Steve Price, Warriors: The elder statesman of this group but has been superb for Qld and the Warriors and like a fine wine, is getting better with age. Both sides rely heavily on his leadership and go forward.
13. Todd Carney, Raiders: One of the most prodigious talents in the game if he can get his life in order. He will be a mainstay for NSW for years to come if he can stay on the field. A great running five eighth with a strong kicking game.
14. Justin Hodges, Broncos: His form in 2006 and 2007 has been breathtaking and his long range try against the Dogs last night was a thing of beauty. He moves very quick for such a big man and is a joy to watch.
15. Andrew Ryan, Bulldogs: Is just below Mason in terms of value for the Dogs. He is an inspirational captain who has a great year in a team that has been underachieving. He has been one of the few bright spots for NSW as well. Ryan has overtaken Hindmarsh as the games best workhorse forward.
16. Steve Simpson, Knights: With the retirement of Andrew Johns, Simpson has taken on even more responsibility and has relished being in the thick of it and leading the young Knights pack into battle every week.
17. Brett Stewart, Manly: Currently, the best finisher in the NRL along with Inglis. Made his debut for the Blues on Wednesday night and was one of only a handful of players who stood up to be counted for NSW. Will eclipse 100 tries with ease and may push Steve Menzies for the all time Manly record if he stays fit.
18. Greg Bird, Sharks: One of the hardest players in the NRL. He loves the rough stuff and is an equally good defender as he is with the ball in hand. Got a taste of Origin this year but needs more game time to be effective. One of the Sharks key players as they look for their maiden premiership.
19. Matt Bowen, Cowboys: Bowen is the fastest man in footy today and when he ran down Brett Stewart from Manly, he showed his raw pace against another speedster. Has exceptional ability in attack and is rapidly improving in defence.
20. Scott Prince, Titans: Has been the best player for the NRLs newest club and due to Thurston being in front of him, is unlikely to play rep football again barring injury. Still, he is leading the Titans to an unlikely top eight berth and has brought self belief to the Titans in their maiden season.
Players who can consider themselves unlucky to miss out include: Benji Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams, Karmichael Hunt, Petero Civoniceva, Cooper Cronk, Matt Cooper, Nathan Hindmarsh, Roy Asotasi, Ryan Hoffman.
