NRL 2022: Every club’s halfback, five-eighth and future playmakers rated
They boast one of the NRL’s best halfbacks in Adam Reynolds, but the Broncos are also spoilt for choice when he hangs up the boots. We rank every clubs halves stocks.
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Newcastle are in the midst of a playmaking crisis that they hope to save with an all-or-nothing play for Luke Brooks.
A special investigation into the playmaking stocks at every club has revealed only the Warriors and Titans are in a worse position than the club that produced Andrew and Matthew Johns.
Even the Dolphins, who have had just over a year to assemble their squad, rated higher than the Knights in News Corp’s special report on playmakers.
At the other end of the scale is the Panthers, who have taken out top spot even after they lost rugby league’s next big thing to a Redcliffe raid.
It can also be revealed that the Roosters will begin rolling out their next generation halves in the lead up to the finals after promoting a young gun into their top 30.
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News Corp has ranked each club based on their starting halves, their depth and on their development.
1. PANTHERS
Halfback: Nathan Cleary
The best halfback in the NRL. Enough said.
Rating: 10
Five-eighth: Jarome Luai
Still has a lot to prove despite his status as NSW’s No. 1 five-eighth. While his talent is undeniable, Luai has had the luxury of playing alongside Cleary. It’s difficult to truly rate the cheeky No. 6 given the quality of his team.
Rating: 8.5
Back-up: Jaeman Salmon, Sean O’Sullivan
Proven back-up. Both have done the job when either Cleary or Luai have been missing – but the Panthers will have to find a replacement for Redcliffe-bound O’Sullivan.
Rating: 8
Development: Jack Cole, Jett Cleary
Having lost Isyah Katoa to the Dolphins, the Panthers next best prospect is Jack Cole. The Jersey Flegg player was selected for NSW this year in the Under 19s. The Panthers have earmarked him for the NRL.
Rating: 4
TOTAL: 30.5/40
2. BRONCOS
Halfback: Adam Reynolds
A premiership-winning No. 7 with arguably the best kicking game in the NRL, Reynolds is an undisputed playmaking marquee. At 32, age is the only negative when it comes to the 232-game veteran.
Rating: 9
Five-eighth: Ezra Mam
A player who has been in the Broncos pathways system since he was 13, Mam has shown himself to be a playmaker of the future since making his debut last season. Mam has an electric running game and is not lacking in confidence.
Rating: 6
Back-up: Billy Waters, Albert Kelly, Te Maire Martin
A strong back-up spine who have all performed well when called into the top team
Rating: 6
Development: Karl Oloapu, Coby Black, Lykhan King-Togia, Marley McLaren
Oloapu and Black are among the best young playmakers in the country. Olpaua is considered a Benji Marshall type talent while Black is an all-rounder with silky skills. Having the biggest catchment area in rugby league means the Broncos have no shortage of halves in the making.
Rating: 9
TOTAL: 30/40
3. STORM
Halfback: Jahrome Hughes
The Kiwi test No. 7 has quietly turned himself into one of the game’s best playmakers.
Rating: 8
Five-eighth: Cameron Munster
Munster has found the maturity to match his brilliance.
Rating: 10
Back-up: Cooper Johns, Tyran Wishart
The Storm’s depth has been tested in a big way this year.
Rating: 4
Development: Jonah Pezet
A Gosford product who is now a top-30 contracted player with the Storm, Pezet showed himself to be a star of the making with Under 19s man of the match performance for NSW earlier this year.
Rating: 7
TOTAL: 29/40
4. ROOSTERS
Halfback: Sam Walker
Still eligible for Jersey Flegg next year, the sky is the limit for Walker. Freshly turned 20, the son of a gun has only shown glimpses of the player he is destined to become.
Rating: 7.5
Five-eighth: Luke Keary
A Clive Churchill medal winner and one of the game’s elite playmakers, head knocks and his age are the only concern.
Rating: 8.5
Back-up: Adam Keighran, Drew Hutchison, Sandon Smith
The Roosters could make a surprise playmaking move by blooding Sandon Smith during the run to the finals.
Rating: 4
Development: Cassius Tia, Toby Rodwell, Lachlan Dooner, Sandon Smith
Tia has been earmarked for a top 30 spot and Smith has already been added to this year’s squad. The Roosters also have Toby Rodwell, who is regarded as one of the best schoolboy halves going around.
Rating: 8
TOTAL: 28/40
5. SHARKS
Halfback: Nicho Hynes
One of the few players that has improved after leaving Melbourne. Hynes has been the Sharks ace this year.
Rating: 8
Five-eighth: Matt Moylan
Enjoying a resurgence under Craig Fitzgibbon. Thought to be in the twilight of his career, Moylan has bounced back to become a vital part of the Sharks premiership tilt.
Rating: 6
Back-up: Braydon Trindall, Connor Tracey
One of the few clubs who have a number of good options at No.7. Trindall showed himself to be well and truly up to the job when he got his chance against the Dragons last week.
Rating: 6.5
Development: Lachlan Miller, Luke Metcalf, Ryan Rivet
Ryan Rivet was a standout in the Jersey Flegg competition and is rated highly by both the Sharks and their NRL rivals. Recruited from the Burleigh Bears in 2021, Rivett headlines a healthy list of generation next playmakers in the Cronulla system.
Rating: 7
TOTAL: 27.5/40
6. EELS
Halfback: Mitchell Moses
Few would argue that Moses is now a marquee No.7. Always a game breaker, he has developed his game management and leadership skills. The only question mark over Moses is his ability to deliver when it counts.
Rating: 8
Five-eighth: Dylan Brown
Brown has developed into a quality five-eighth and has formed a potent combination with Moses.
Rating: 7
Back-up: Hayze Perham, Jake Arthur
Losing either Moses or Brown would almost certainly take the Eels out of premiership contention.
Rating: 6
Development: Blaize Talagai, Alex Isdale, Ethan Sanders, Mac Puafisi
The Eels have some young stars in their ranks. While still years away from the NRL, Talagai and Isdale have been standouts in their age groups. They have been linked to Palm beach Currumbin teenager Josh Lynn.
Rating: 6
TOTAL: 27/40
7. COWBOYS
Halfback: Chad Townsend
A premiership winner with a complete playmaking game. Townsend’s control and direction have helped turn the Cowboys into a premiership force.
Rating: 8
Five-eighth: Tom Dearden
A Broncos discard, Dearden has found his feet at the Cowboys and has become more than a running No.6.
Rating: 7
Back-up: Ben Hampton
The Cowboys are a little skinny when it comes to depth but have the luxury of being able to play Scott Drinkwater at No.6.
Rating: 4
Development: Jake Bourke, Thomas Duffy, Reece Foley
Duffy is an excellent prospect and is considered a future NRL half. He has excelled at every level of the game. Bourke is also highly rated.
Rating: 7.5
TOTAL: 26.5/40
8. RAIDERS
Halfback: Jamal Fogarty
Had a tough time at the Titans but seems to be finding his feet at the Raiders. He will be much improved after a Canberra pre-season.
Rating: 5
Five-eighth: Jack Wighton
The prototype for the modern five-eighth, Wighton is every bit as destructive as anything on the edge. While his running game is his undisputed strength, Wighton has worked hard on his kick/pass to become the complete playmaker he is today.
Rating: 9
Back-up: Matt Frawley, Brad Schneider
Schneider is rated highly but it’s still early days for the Canberra playmaker.
Rating: 5
Development: Brad Schneider, Ethan Strange, Blake Metcalf, Noah Ryan
Ethan Strange is considered a future star while young Metcalf has shown plenty of potential. Schneider also looks the goods.
Rating: 7
TOTAL: 26/40
9. RABBITOHS
Halfback: Lachlan Ilias
The playmaker anointed as Adam Reynolds’ replacement, Ilias is improving with every game. He has shown plenty of character since he was hooked from the field during a Dragons debacle earlier this year.
Rating: 5.5
Five-eighth: Cody Walker
Walker has struggled with the added responsibility since Reynold’s departure but is still a game-breaker.
Rating: 7.5
Back-up: Blake Taaffe, Dean Hawkins, Kodi Nikorima
The Rabbitohs have options but losing Walker would cost them their premiership dream. Hawkins has been a standout for them in the NSW Cup.
Rating: 6
Development: Matt Humphries, Jye Gray, Zane Rugless, Jack Campagnolo
Snuck under the guard of the Broncos to pinch the highly rated Jye Gray. Unlucky to miss out on Australian Schoolboy’s selection, Gray is flying five-eighth who can also play fullback. The Rabbitohs also have Zane Rugless and Jack Campagnolo on their play making production line.
Rating: 6
TOTAL: 25/40
10. SEA EAGLES
Halfback: Daly Cherry-Evans
Already a premiership winner who has performed at every level of the game, Cherry-Evans took his game to yet another level by leading Queensland to their shock State of Origin series win over NSW. And while he is 33, Cherry-Evans is planning on playing for at least three more years.
Rating: 9.5
Five-eighth: Kieran Foran
Thought to be washed up after his injury riddle ride with the Bulldogs, Foran has once again become Cherry-Evan’s perfect partner. While he has lost some pace and punch, Foran is as tenacious as ever.
Rating: 6.5
Back-up: Josh Schuster, Dylan Walker
Schuster deputised for Cherry-Evans in the only match he missed this year.
Rating: 3
Development: Latu Finau, Jamie Humphries
A powerhouse five-eighth who could end up in the middle, Finau is on a fast track to the NRL. Manly signed the teen sensation on a record contending deal that was reported to be with $1.3m over three years when he was just 16.
Rating: 5
TOTAL: 24/40
=11. DRAGONS
Halfback: Ben Hunt
Arguably the form halfback in the competition and almost certainly the most tenacious, Hunt is worth every cent that the Dragons are paying him.
Rating: 9
Five-eighth: Talatau Amone
Still early days for Amone but he has shown enough to suggest he has a bright future. The Dragons last week extended his deal until the end of 2024, denying the Dolphins’ advances.
Rating: 5.5
Back-up: Jayden Sullivan, Jack Bird, Moses Mbye
The Dragons have a host of players who can slot into the halves.
Rating: 8
Development: The Dragons have not recruited any halves and their best young half – Toby Rodwell – now plays for the Roosters. The Dragons are focusing on other positions given the age of Sullivan and Amone.
Rating: 1
TOTAL: 23.5/40
=11. WESTS TIGERS
Halfback: Luke Brooks
There is a little doubt that the drama in Tiger town has hurt him, but Brooks still knows how to play. The Knights are banking on it…
Rating: 7
Five-eighth: Jackson Hastings
Difficult to rate given he was switched to lock prior to his injury. He was certainly the pick of the playmakers under Michael Maguire.
Rating: 7
Back-up: Adam Doueihi, Jock Madden, Fa’amanu Brown
Doueihi has slotted in at five-eighth after returning from injury, forcing Hastings to lock. Madden could develop into an NRL No. 6 – but he still has some work to do.
Rating: 4
Development: Zane Camroy, Alex Conti, Onitonio Large
The Tigers have a number of exciting playmaking prospects coming through their pathways program. Headed by Camroy, the club also has Large – the 15-year-old sensation that announced himself as generation next star earlier this year at the Australian schoolboys.
Rating: 5.5
TOTAL: 23.5/40
13. BULLDOGS
Halfback: Kyle Flanagan
The much-maligned son of Shane Flanagan, Kyle has been much improved under interim coach Mick Potter. Benched earlier in the year, Flanagan is looking more like the player that was once tipped to succeed Cooper Cronk at the Roosters.
Rating: 5
Five-eighth: Matt Burton
Still finding his feet as a No. 6, Burton has already shown enough to validate his switch from the centres. Burton has already been compared to Brad Fittler and has the size, the speed, and of course the boot, to become one of the game’s great five-eighths.
Rating: 8.5
Back-up: Bailey Biondi-Odo, Brandon Wakeham, Zach Dockar-Clay, Jake Averillo
The Bulldogs have plenty of options at No. 6 but do not have a dominant half waiting in the wings.
Rating: 4
Development: Joseph O’Neil, Bayley Haywood, Mitchell Woods, Joash Papalii, Khaled Rajab, Maraki Aumua
The Bulldogs search for a long-term No. 7 looks like it will continue. Canterbury has some work to do on the development front. Phil Gould is attempting to replicate what he did at Penrith.
Rating: 5
TOTAL: 22.5/40
14. DOLPHINS
Halfback: Sean O’Sullivan
Difficult to rate given he has been Nathan Cleary’s understudy at the Panthers. He will certainly be better for the experience.
Rating: 6
Five-eighth: Anthony Milford
Will be hoping to return to his brilliant best following a full pre-season with his new club.
Rating: 6
Back-up: Kodi Nikorima
The Dolphins are still in the market for halves. They are out to sign a running five-eighth and cash won’t be a problem.
Rating: 1
Development: Kody Hunter, Isaiya Katoa, Carter Welfare
Rating: 7
TOTAL: 20/40
=15. KNIGHTS
Halfback: Adam Clune
Has been in and out of the NRL since the Knights bought both him and Jake Clifford as emergency replacements for Mitchell Pearce.
Rating: 5
Five-eighth: Anthony Milford
A mid-season buy, Milford is doing his best but will depart at the end of the season to play with the Dolphins.
Rating: 6
Back-up: Jake Clifford, Kurt Mann, Phoenix Crossland, Tex Hoy
The Knights have a number of options – but none have worked.
Rating: 5
Development: Liam Sutton
The Knights are in hard for both Luke Brooks and Cowboys up-and-comer Reece Folley, which would suggest they have nothing NRL ready in development.
Rating: 2
TOTAL: 18/40
=15. TITANS
Halfback: Tanah Boyd
A rookie in every sense of the word, Boyd is facing an initiation of fire.
Rating: 4
Five-eighth: Alexander Brimson
An attacking player who has made a fist out of No.6. Many think his best position is fullback.
Rating: 6
Back-up: Toby Sexton, Paul Turner
Plenty of options – but none have worked.
Rating: 4
Development: Thomas Weaver, Shallin Fuller
The Titans have a huge nursery but have struggled to compete with the Broncos and the Dolphins when it comes to second tier recruitment and retention.
Rating: 4
TOTAL: 18/40
17. WARRIORS
Halfback: Shaun Johnson
In the twilight of his career, Johnson has struggled since returning to New Zealand.
Rating: 6
Five-eighth: Chanel Harris-Tavita
Having never reached his full potential, Harris-Tavita is retiring at the end of the year.
Rating: 5
Back-up: Daejarn Asi
A career-ending injury to Ash Taylor has exposed a serious lack of depth in the halves.
Rating: 1
Development: Ronald Volkman
The departure of recruitment guru Peter O’Sullivan to the Dolphins, coupled with the Covid crisis, has hurt the Warriors when it comes to development. It may prove to be the club’s biggest issue going forward.
Rating: 2
TOTAL: 14/40
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