NRL Power Rankings: rating every club’s five-eighth from 1 to 16
WHO is the leading five-eighth in the NRL? Find out in the latest instalment of our NRL power rankings and have your say.
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WHO is the leading five-eighth in the NRL?
Like we have with fullbacks, wingers, centres, props, hookers and backrowers we’ve ranked every pivot in the NRL from 16th to first in our off season Power Rankings.
The rankings are based on a combination of 2015 form with consideration given to what the player is projected to achieve in 2016.
1. ANTHONY MILFORD — Broncos
A lacklustre start to his career as a five-eighth at Brisbane raised questions about Wayne Bennett’s decision to stick Milford in the halves but the persistence paid off and as his confidence grew so did his reputation as one of the most exciting pivots in the NRL. The former Raider is a natural ball runner and possesses a dangerous support game. Milford broke more tackles than any other playmaker with 100 busts and he also scored 13 tries, assisted in 16 others, made 19 line breaks and notched 23 line break assists.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
2. MICHAEL MORGAN — Cowboys
While superstar Johnathan Thurston earns most of the accolades for the Cowboys’ attack, Morgan’s switch to five-eigth and the impact its had cannot be understated. Morgan’s addition adds an another attacking dimension to a side once so heavily reliant on a bit of JT magic. The perfect foil to Thurston, Morgan knows when not to overplay his hand and when to run the ball and take on the line. And who can forget the clutch play pass which sent Kyle Feldt diving over the tryline and the Cowboys on course to grand final victory. He finished the season with 15 tries, 12 try assists and 21 line breaks.
3. JAMES MALONEY — Sharks
Maloney’s signing shapes as one of the most astute buys of 2016. He brings grand final and Origin experience to a Sharks side that is seemingly on the rise. The 29-year old is quick on his feet, is one the game’s best ball runners and has a first class general play kicking game. He may not have scored tries at the same frequency as those above him on the list but he does lead the way for try assists (24) and linebreaks (24). Defensively, he was the worst performer missing 3.6 tackles a game.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
4. KIERAN FORAN — Eels
Very few playmakers have a game as complete as Foran’s. He is composed and structured when he needs to be but can turn on his running game to damaging effect — the Kiwi can read the play in a way not many others can. For an also has a strong short kicking game and is a good organiser. In Foran, the Eels have picked up a pivot who can take control of their attack and direct troops around the field — an area they have lacked in the past.
5. BLAKE AUSTIN — Raiders
With a neck tattoo and some questionable facial hair, Blake Austin can definitely turn heads. And thankfully for Raiders fans he’s turning heads and being noticed on the footy field for his devastating running game and left foot step. After being moved along from both the Panthers and the Tigers, Austin has finally found a home at Canberra as their chief playmaker. He crossed for 14 tries, made 18 linebreaks and 71 tackle busts. In what was a breakout year for Austin, the five-eighth was even in contention for Origin and is a genuine chance of being named in the Blues squad in 2016.
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6. BLAKE GREEN — Storm
They say you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and that was certainly the case at the Storm as they struggled to find an adequate replacement for Gareth Widdop.
But Melbourne have finally found their man in Blake Green.
As opposition defences keep their focus on the ‘Big Three’, Green has been able to add another dimension to the Storm’s attack with his powerful running game.
He’s also given Melbourne structure and added much needed potency to their left-side attack with 10 linebreaks, 17 linebreak assists and 11 try assist.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
7. GARETH WIDDOP — Dragons
The Dragons’ finals campaign both lived and died on the boot of Gareth Widdop. After kicking two crucial goals, Widdop sent a 40/20 attempt out on the full, effectively sealing his side’s fate. But, not even this fateful kick is enough to blight the Englishman’s season. He finished 2015 as the club’s highest try and pointscorer and proved vital to the Red V’s finals charge. He averaged 201 kick metres a game, made 15 linebreak assists and had a hand in 20 tries.
8. JAMIE SOWARD — Panthers
After an impressive 2014, Soward’s march into 2015 was hampered by injury and he only managed 16 games. Despite this, when he was fit and on the field he still came up with the game-breaking plays. He did lose the off the cuff element of his game when Peter Wallace succumbed to injury and he was forced to take on the role of organiser. After persistent rumours the five-eighth is being shopped around, Soward will be looking to impress new coach Anthony Griffin and reproduce the form which helped the Panthers to a top four finish last year.
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9. JOSH REYNOLDS — Bulldogs
Season 2015 was the year that raised serious questions as to whether Reynolds’ trademark mongrel and niggle was more detrimental than it is beneficial. Having said that, there is no doubting the passion in which he plays and has for the blue and white jersey. But if the talented playmaker doesn’t reign in his aggression he risks finishing his career with a highlights reel more famous for his infamous brain explosions than his footballing ability.
10. TUIMOALA LOLOHEA — Warriors
Regardless of the number he wears on his back, one thing is certain, Lolohea is destined for NRL stardom. The versatile 20-year old plays with awareness beyond his years and is a creator of opportunities. His kicking game does need some work but no doubt that will develop with experience. A question remains as to how well his style of play will gel with halves partner Shaun Johnson — as both are natural playmakers who like to run the ball.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
11. JACKSON HASTINGS — Roosters
With Maloney off to the Shire, this much hyped teenager gets an opportunity to cement a spot in the halves with the Roosters. Described as a prodigious talent, he showed plenty of potential and composure when thrown in to cover for the injured Mitchell Pearce. While Hasting’s game is still developing, all the signs point to him maturing into a first class playmaker. The young gun plays direct, has a strong passing game and a pinpoint kicking. He is also deceptively quick and strong and is the standout defender in our rankings, missing only one tackle per game.
12. LUKE KEARY — Rabbitohs
Keary, along with Adam Reynolds, came into 2015 as the competition’s standout halves combination. But with Reynolds out injured for parts of the season, the role of dominant playmaker fell on the shoulders of the 21-year old. He did manage to steer the Rabbitohs to a three-game winning streak during the Origin period but he never fully regained his premiership-winning form of 2014.
13. MITCHELL MOSES — Tigers
Moses was considered as one of the best junior playmaking prospects in the game thanks to his natural footballing abilities. But at times during the season it was obvious his preferred style of play was being stifled by Jason Taylor’s coaching methods. He showed moments of his touted brilliance, especially when he combined with fullback James Tedesco, and his short-kicking game is impressive. But he’s the type of talent which need to be given free reign to reach the full extent of his playmaking potential.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
14. JARROD MULLEN — Knights
Mullen’s started the season with guns blazing as he marshalled the Knights to the top of the NRL ladder in the opening rounds of the year. He lead the way for line breaks and his kicking game in terms of metres per game was only bettered by Adam Reynolds and James Maloney. But things soon came undone and Newcastle fell to five straight defeats, losing Mullen along the way to a serious toe injury which ultimately ended his season.
15. TYRONE ROBERTS — Titans
Roberts endured his most difficult season in first grade in 2015, with much of the promise of earlier years seeming to vanish At his best, Roberts has a wicked running game and a gravity defying dummy, but his confidence rises and falls like the stock market. A change of scenery might be just what the doctor ordered, but he’ll be starting from the bottom with the Titans and will have to play the unfamiliar role of experienced statesman alongside young gun Kane Elgey.
16. MATT PARCELL — Sea Eagles
The Sea Eagles have more than a couple of options to replace Foran. Jamie Lyon, Feleti Mateo and the just signed Issac John could all slot in to partner star halfback DCE. But we think new coach Trent Barrett might be tempted to play hooker Matt Parcell at five-eighth. The only reason he places last in our rankings is he because he is untried at No. 6 in the top grade. It has little to do with his ability — the 23-year old possesses lightening speed, strong support play and is instinct type footballer.
YOUR SAY: Rank every five-eigth from 1-16 here
Originally published as NRL Power Rankings: rating every club’s five-eighth from 1 to 16
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