From Origin snubs to club petitions: The NRL's most underrated players

The focus of the league world is on 34 superstars over the next week in the countdown to Origin.

But NRL teams are made of much more than big names - and for this piece I’ve picked the most underrated players from each club.

They may not get the headlines, but they get the job done for their team and the fans. 

Broncos

Ben Talty came from Norths in the NSW Cup last season to be part of the Broncos′ premiership-winning squad.

In a team of superstars, quietly goes about his work every week… a real Michael Maguire favourite in a team that struggles for consistency. 

Raiders

He had a shocker against the Dragons last weekend but Sav Tamale has been an impressive quiet achiever for the Raiders with his hard running and evasive skills. He will bounce back. 

Bulldogs

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Plenty of big names on huge dollars at Belmore but Enari Tuala is a budget utility back who gets the job done when he gets a chance in the top side, either at centre or wing. 

Sharks

He may not be ranked among the NRL’s elite fullbacks, but Will Kennedy is a real strike weapon at the back for the Sharks.

The club wasn’t sure he was the answer for next season but rewarded him with a one-year contract extension recently. 

Dolphins

Isaiya Katoa gets the headlines every week but his partner in the halves, Kodi Nikorima, is also a clever attacking weapon who gives the speedy Phins outside backs time and space to work their magic. 

Titans

It’s hard to believe the Titans didn’t fight harder to keep Phil Sami for next season - the wing speedster is off to the Dragons. In a team that struggles to cross the stripe, he’s bagged 11 tries in 15 games this season and is primed for plenty more. 

Sea Eagles

Brandon Wakeham was signed as a back-up utility but has proved to be a real surprise packet at Brookvale this season. A crafty hooker with plenty of tricks out of dummy half, he’s thrived under ‘Fozball’. 

Storm

Joe Chan was given the daunting task of replacing Eli Katoa at Melbourne this season and has done an admirable job. In a battling Storm side, he’s delivered with his wide running and is clearly enjoying Craig Bellamy’s tough worth ethic.

Knights

Newcastle fans love Dane Gagai so much that they started a petition to keep him - but it didn’t do any good. The club has cut the 35-year-old loose despite a great season and he’s heading back to Brisbane in 2027. 

Warriors

It’s simply outrageous that Jackson Ford - who tops the tackle count AND run metres most weeks as well as playing 80 minutes, was brushed by the Blues. Now he’s out with a pec injury and the Wahs are missing him big time. 

Cowboys

The Cowboys signed Braidon Burns as an after-thought three years ago and he’s enjoying his best-ever season on the end of a speedy backline with 10 tries from 12 games.

A classy finisher.

Eels

It’s been a tough year yet again for Parra fans but new boy Brian Kelly has been a real breath of fresh air, averaging over 160 run metres per game and scoring and setting up tries. The Titans’ loss is the Eels’ gain. 

Panthers

Freddy Lussick joined the Panthers this year as basically a back-up for Mitch Kenny and not expecting to play much NRL. But with Kenny suffering injury, he’s played 12 games and been a star out of dummy half, coming up with four tries. Watch for him to get more game time leading into the finals. 

Rabbitohs

Tallis Duncan started the season as a fringe first grader - now those in the know see him as a future Origin player.

Either at back row or centre, he plays well above his weight and has a habit of breaking the line and scoring tries. A real energiser Bunny. 

Dragons

Samoan-born Setu Tu joined the Dragons from the Warriors this year looking for opportunity - and has snatched it. He debuted in Vegas, scoring a try, and his speed and swerve have seen him add seven more in his 13 appearances. A great strike rate in a team that offers so little in attack. 

Roosters

Hugo Savala has been a revelation since moving from a NSW Cup halfback to an NRL centre this season - so much so that Laurie Daley brought him into the NSW squad this week. He won’t play in Brisbane, but the experience he gains hanging around the Blues squad will prove invaluable in his development.

Tigers

Alex Twal is the classic quiet achiever - much is made of his lack of try scoring prowess but he goes about his job week in, week out and has thrived under Benji Marshall with his high work rate and imposing presence in the middle of the park.