It’s been another fantastic year for rugby league. The season has been full of twists and turns so far, but we’re not finished yet. The NRL’s ultimate prize is still up for grabs. As the 2019 Grand Final approaches, we’re going to analyse the best players in Australia right now.
It hasn’t been an easy decision. NRL fans are fortunate enough to watch the best players in the world play every week. However, we believe that most fans, rugby league tipsters, and analysts will agree with our decisions.
Furthermore, we’ve compiled the latest data and taken various statistics into account. The class of 2019 has been phenomenal. Can the players outlined below lead their teams to glory or will they need to wait for another shot next season? Here’s a full rundown of the best players in the NRL right now.
The Final Cut
Cooper Cronk – You won’t be surprised to see Cooper Cronk’s name on this list. The Brisbane-born halfback has been one of the most consistent performers in the NRL since he made his debut for Melbourne Storm back in 2004. Cronk is one of the most decorated players in the game right now. During his career, he’s won the Rugby League World Golden Boot Award, Clive Churchill Medal, and three premierships. Can he guide the Roosters to more Grand Final glory this year? We’ll find out soon.
James Tedesco – It’s been an unforgettable year for the Sydney Roosters fullback. Tedesco made three appearances for New South Wales in the State of Origin series. The 26-year-old won the Wally Lewis Medal for his contribution during the games. What’s more, he scored the winning try in the 79th minute at the ANZ Stadium. Tedesco has also scored several tries for the Roosters this season. That’s what we call a big game player.
Latrell Mitchell – We love Latrell Mitchell’s versatility. The 22-year-old can play at wing, centre, or fullback. We’re picking him as the best centre in the NRL because we believe that’s where he’s most effective. Mitchell started the season brilliantly when he scored a try and kicked the winning field goal against Melbourne Storm. He also played in the 2019 State of Origin series. We’re expecting him to accomplish great things during his career.
Jason Taumalolo – The Auckland-born lock has been sensational since he signed for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2010. Taumalolo has won several prestigious accolades including the Dally M Medal, RPLA Player of the Year, and Paul Bowman Medal. The big Kiwi had a difficult start to the 2019 season when he damaged his knee against the Brisbane Broncos, but he’s bounced back brilliantly. We’re expecting his name to be included on this list for years to come.
Special Mentions
Let’s not forget about players like Sam Burgess, Damien Cook, Cameron Smith, Blake Ferguson, and Siosiua Taukeiaho. These players have made massive contributions to their respective teams over the years. We suspect that they’ll continue to do so for years to come. There’s no shortage of talent in the NRL right now. We’re extremely grateful for that.
