NRL Power rankings: We rate every halfback from 1-16
WHERE does your club’s halfback rank alongside the rest of the No. 7s? Find out in the latest instalment of our NRL power rankings — and have your say!
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WHO is the leading halfbacks in the NRL?
Like we have with fullbacks, wingers,centres, props, hookers, backrowers, five-eighths and locks we’ve ranked every halfback in the NRL from 16th to first in our off season Power Rankings and you can do the same.
The rankings are based on a combination of 2015 form with consideration given to what the player is projected to achieve in 2016:
1. JOHNATHAN THURSTON — Cowboys
Johnathan Thurston is in a league of his own. The superstar halfback had his most dominant season yet and was rewarded accordingly — on top of guiding the Cowboys to a premiership he was awarded this year’s Dally M Medal, and the Clive Churchill medal for best player in the grand final.
His potency and effectiveness as a playmaker is second to none. In 2015 he led the field with try assists (37) and line break assists (36) and handled the ball on average 64 times in a match.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
2. BEN HUNT — Broncos
Ben Hunt’s combination with Anthony Milford has been compared to that of Brisbane legends Kevin Walters and Alfie Langer. As the Broncos rode into the finals it was easy to see Hunt’s influence on his side’s game.
But Hunt seemingly left his worst football for the decider, where crucial mistakes strangled the Broncos’ title aspirations. Having said that, there is no taking away from the stellar season the 25-year-old had. He blossomed as a playmaker under the guidance of Wayne Bennett and capped off 2015 with 27 try assists, 32 linebreak assists and was second for linebreaks and tries with 12 apiece.
3. COOPER CRONK — Storm
Cronk has one of the coolest and most composed heads in the game and every side he plays in is better for having him in it.
The master organiser can execute a play and marshal his troops like few others can.
He can also seamlessly switch into his side’s gamebreaker with ease when there is an attacking opportunity to be exploited. The 31-year old is also the strongest defender on our list, having missed only on average 1.6 tackles a game in 2015.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
4. DALY CHERRY-EVANS — Sea Eagles
Even an ongoing contract drama and a niggling shoulder injury couldn’t detract from DCE’s class as a playmaker — evidenced by the pivotal role he played in Manly’s late season finals push.
With a licence from new coach Trent Barrett to float across the field looking for opportunities and the fact he’ll be playing behind a strengthened forward pack, DCE looks primed to have one of his best seasons yet in 2016.
5. SHAUN JOHNSON — Warriors
Shaun Johnson’s season-ending leg injury effectively snuffed out the Warriors’ finals aspirations with it.
The fleet-footed playmaker is a crucial cog in his side’s attack and is one of the trickiest propositions close to the line thanks to his deft right-foot step and silky ball skills.
With Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Issac Luke jumping on board across the ditch, the Warriors now have one of the most exciting spine formations in the competition which will no doubt inspire Johnson’s game to a whole new level.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
6. MITCHELL PEARCE — Roosters
It feels like Pearce has been around for such a long time it’s easy to forget he’s only 26 years old.
The durable halfback even earned a milestone that could possibly stand the test of time — he became the youngest player to reach 200 first grade games.
While his game at Origin level is often derided for his inability to take the match by the scruff of the neck, there is no question about his contribution to the recent success of the Roosters. When he’s firing the playmaker has one of the most dangerous attacking arsenals in the comp thanks to his footwork, ability to break the line and kicking game.
7. ADAM REYNOLDS — Rabbitohs
Reynolds burst into 2015 with all guns blazing but his run came to an abrupt halt after he suffered a leg injury in that infamous Good Friday clash against Bulldogs.
The Rabbitohs were a different side without their little halfback, and not for the better.
Initially they struggled to win without him, missing his cool head and his pinpoint general play kicking game.
With Reynolds fit and healthy and on the back of Sam Burgess’ return, the Bunnies’ premiership ambitions will be alive and kicking come 2016.
8. MOSES MBYE — Bulldogs
Forced to play second fiddle to Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson, Mbye gets the chance to cement his spot as a first choice half in 2016.
He was hit and miss at times when he was forced to take responsibility in Hodkinson’s injury-enforced absence in 2015 but there is no denying the young-gun’s potential.
Mbye was a lot more effective playing on the left-hand side, where he was able to showcase his footy smarts and instinctive style of play.
A lot of his success at halfback will be determined by how well his combination with firebrand five-eighth Josh Reynolds develops over the course of the season.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
9. AIDAN SEZER — Raiders
Aidan Sezer’s strengths as a playmaker work to cancel out Blake Austin’s weaknesses as a five-eighth and together they could form a formidable attacking combination in Canberra.
Former Titan Sezer is likely to slot into the halves as a foil to Austin’s style of play, where he’ll take control of the kicking and organising.
The 24-year old’s effective short kicking game will prove invaluable to the Raiders who struggled to close out the tight matches in 2015.
Sezer is a competition leader in forcing dropouts, giving the green machine the edge they need to grind out the tight ones.
10. BENJI MARSHALL — Dragons
Famous for his flamboyance, Benji’s attacking game is now a lot more composed and controlled than it was back in his heyday at the Tigers.
The flashy stuff is still there but his ball playing is a lot more measured and he’s done away with most of the coach-killing plays in his game.
Benji 2.0 set up 23 tries, had 23 linebreak assists and handled the ball on average 50 times a game in 2015.
11. TRENT HODKINSON — Knights
Trent Hodkinson heads to Newcastle with the responsibility of being the dominant organiser the Knights side has been missing.
New coach Nathan Brown says Hodkinson’s composure and kicking is the perfect foil to five-eighth Jarrod Mullen’s game.
And this role will suit the NSW State of Origin No. 7 perfectly, because he does lack the creativity in attack that the leading halfbacks possess.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
12. KANE ELGEY — Titans
DCE’s backflip means rookie half Kane Elgey is now likely to play the role of chief playmaker at the Titans.
While there is some conjecture as to which number he will wear on his back we think he’s likely to be named at No. 7, alongside new recruit Tyrone Roberts.
The up and coming 21-year old has a clever kicking game and set up 13 tries in just 16 games in his debut season in 2015.
With a unique running style and deft passing game, the 2014 NYC Player of the Year has all the makings of an elite halfback.
13. CHAD TOWNSEND — Sharks
Townsend hardly set the world on fire during his first stint at the Sharks, but his game improved in leaps and bounds during two seasons across the ditch at the Warriors.
The 24 year-old has a decent tactical kicking game, doesn’t overplay his hand and knows how to take pressure off the dominant player.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
14. LUKE BROOKS — Tigers
Thanks to his natural footballing talent and his build, the comparisons to a young Andrew Johns almost seemed inevitable.
The biggest question raised about Luke Brooks was whether he could handle the physical rigours of the NRL on a week-in week-out basis — and despite flaws in his defence he’s shown he can take the big hits.
He’s also growing in confidence and more willing to rake the role of general on the field over Robbie Farah.
15. COREY NORMAN — Eels
Increasingly a playmaker’s role has more to do with where he plays on the field rather than what number he wears on his back.
And this cannot be more true for the Eels with questions marks as to how the their halves combination will line-up in 2016.
Coach Brad Arthur did say prize recruit Kieran Foran is likely to wear the No. 7 jersey but don’t be surprised if he tinkers with the combination.
As for Norman, he was one of the Eels’ best in 2015 — his ball-playing is strong, his kicking game solid and he has great on-field vision.
16. PETER WALLACE — Panthers
When on song, Wallace has the goods to control a contest to near perfection thanks to his impressive long kicking game.
But with a couple of dodgy knees and a coach who is hardly his biggest fan, the 30-year old’s days at the foot of the mountain could be numbered.
YOUR SAY: Rate every halfback from 1-16 here
Originally published as NRL Power rankings: We rate every halfback from 1-16
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