As the NRL’s official broadcaster, Nine takes the world’s elite rugby league competition very seriously, so when we decided to do a top 50 players list we wanted to make sure we were doing it right.
That’s why we enlisted a panel of 12 judges, including several of the best players of all-time as well as Nine’s top rugby league journalists who watch and cover the game for a living.
The panel we put together consists of: Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, Brad Fittler, Allana Ferguson, Marlee Silva, Roy Masters, Michael Chammas, Robert Dillon, Billie Eder, Dan Walsh, Adrian Proszenko and Christian Nicolussi.
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Between the 12 of them that amounts to decades of playing, watching, covering and analysing rugby league. The players they chose as the top 50 current NRL players can be sure that they’ve earned their selection.
To complete the process each judge was asked to put together their own individual list of their top 30 current NRL players. They were to order the list 1-30, with the player they considered their No.1 allocated 30 points, their No.2 allocated 29 points, and so on, with the 30th player allocated one point.
After all the judges had sent in their top 30 list the total amount of players named by the 10 different judges tallied close to 60. We then added up all the points awarded to each player and listed them from most points to least points. Where there was a tie we sorted it by alphabetical order. For transparency, we’ve included the amount of points each player in our top 50 tallied in brackets. The player with the most points was crowned our judges’ pick for the NRL’s No.1 ranked player.
That player will be unveiled on Friday, when Wide World of Sports and The Sydney Morning Herald publishes the final article in our 50-1 series.
We kick it off with the players who fell in the 41-50 category.
Read on below to find out who the first of our top 50 NRL players are for 2025.
– Graphics by Polly Hanning
50. CLINT GUTHERSON (St George Illawarra, 5 points)
After nine seasons as Parramatta’s heart and soul, Gutherson has opted for a sea change by joining St George Illawarra. Quickly installed as co-captain alongside Damien Cook, the 30-year-old fullback could prove an inspired signing by Dragons coach Shane Flanagan. “Gutho” is one of those competitors with a remarkable ability to pop up in the right place at the right time, whether that is scoring or saving tries. He was an inspirational leader during his days at the Eels and will be hoping to have a similar impact in his new surrounds as he enters the final phase of a decorated career.
– by Robert Dillon
49. REUBEN COTTER (North Queensland, 6 points)
An absolute dog in the best possible way, Cotter has cemented himself as one of the game’s best middle-forwards in recent years. While not the biggest player in stature, the Cowboys workhorse makes up for it with hard-hitting defence and tireless work with the ball. Has developed into one of the leaders in Townsville and someone his teammates trust. A walk-up selection for both the Maroons and Kangaroos with plenty of football left ahead of him.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
48. JAKE TRBOJEVIC (Manly, 7 points)
The heart and soul of Manly and one of the best defenders in the game today, as well as one of the most beloved figures off the field. Brings passion like few others and led the NSW Blues back from a game down to clinch last year’s State of Origin series. While his speed and impact with the ball isn’t what it once was, Trbojevic is a genuine leader who busts his backside for every second he is out in the middle.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
BEN HUNT (Brisbane, 7 points)
After seven largely frustrating, albeit lucrative, seasons at the Dragons, the 34-year-old hooker/halfback has returned for a final fling with Brisbane, his original club. He could prove an astute signing, especially while Ezra Mam is serving his much-publicised suspension. Hunt could either slot in alongside fellow veteran Adam Reynolds to form the most experienced scrum-base pairing in NRL history, or alternatively he could find himself at dummy-half, the position he plays so well for Queensland and Australia. Either way, he’ll do a fine job as he chases an elusive premiership victory to cap off an illustrious career.
– by Robert Dillon
46. MITCH BARNETT (Warriors, 7 points)
Enjoyed a breakout 2024 season with the Warriors, earning a call-up for both NSW and Australia. Has made a seamless transition from the edge to the middle over the years and is now one of the game’s most consistent props, possessing an incredible motor and a sense of fearlessness that endears him to fans. The club have rewarded Barnett with the co-captaincy this year and it should take his game to another level.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
45. VICTOR RADLEY (Sydney Roosters, 10 points)
One of the game’s great characters, Radley is already a two-time premiership winner and if not for his decision to pledge allegiance to England, would likely have earned a State of Origin debut over the past two years. With silky ball-playing, undeniable toughness and bone-rattling defence, the 26-year-old is one of the Roosters’ most important players. Radley spent time on the edge last year, but should revert back to the No.13 jersey in 2025. After the departure of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, the onus will be on the local junior to set the tone for the Tricolours this year in the middle of the field.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
44. ELI KATOA (Melbourne, 10 points)
Always looked destined for stardom since bursting onto the scene with the Warriors despite limited rugby league experience, but it took a move to Melbourne to truly unlock his potential. Katoa was absolutely lethal for the Storm last year, locking down a back-row spot and proved himself to be quite the try-scoring threat, crossing 12 times in 25 games. Will be entering the prime of his career over the next couple of years and is a constant headache for opposition defenders – especially when he can isolate one of the halves.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
43. SAM WALKER (Sydney Roosters, 11 points)
The true quality of the Roosters halfback was on display in their two finals losses last year when he was absent due to injury. Still only in his early 20s and learning the craft, Walker has fine-tuned his game to develop into an elite playmaker. His short kicking game is up there with the best in the NRL and his pass selection has improved out of sight. Can come up with pieces of individual brilliance out of nowhere, earning comparisons to the great Allan Langer. Walker will be a major loss for the Chooks in the first-half of the year as he recovers from an ACL tear.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
42. MOSES LEOTA (Penrith, 13 points)
One half of Penrith’s bash brothers during their four-straight premierships, Leota will be without his partner in crime James Fisher-Harris this season. However, that might only highlight just how much Leota actually brings to the table, often setting the tone with his back-fence and early-set carries for the Panthers. One of the most underrated players in the competition and can strike genuine fear into opposition.
– by Liam O’Loughlin
41. BRADMAN BEST (Newcastle, 14 points)
Ever since lighting up under-age competitions and debuting in first grade as a teenager, Best has been touted as a superstar in the making. Now, it looks like he has finally put it all together and it should give Knights, and potentially NSW and Kangaroos, fans plenty to cheer about. With a ridiculous turn of foot, devastating power and more than a smidge of aggression, Best has cemented himself as one of the game’s best attacking centres and his defence will only improve the more he matures and learns the finer aspects of the position.
– by Liam O’Loughlin