THESE are the best of the best.

The 10 players who more than any others thrill the crowds and hold the fortunes of their teams on their backs.

Two players who weren’t even in the top 50 last season make the final cut in 2020, while five of our stars have gone back-to-back by making it in again. Check it out here and tell us what you think in the comments below.

PART ONE: Cowboys stars tumbles down the ranks

PART TWO: Broncos need to get the best out of Milford

10 Valentine Holmes

(Cowboys)

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Granted, Holmes didn’t play in the NRL last season but when he left the game for his American NFL dalliance, Val was one of the code’s emerging superstars. Seventeen tries in 13 Tests for Australia and eight in five Origin games for Queensland is testament to his freakish talent. Holmes’ NFL training will make him an even more explosive athlete. He will hit the ground running this season and be a regular match-winner for the Cowboys.

9 Daly Cherry-Evans

(Sea Eagles)

LAST YEAR: 10

One of the code’s elite playmakers. Underlined his value to Queensland by being crowned Origin captain and impressed with the leadership in rugby league’s toughest arena. At club level, Cherry-Evans was again dominant for the Sea Eagles, firing Manly back into title contention under Des Hasler. A cool, calm customer with a knack for landing match-winning field goals in extra-time.

8 Jason Taumalolo

(Cowboys)

LAST YEAR: 3

Had claims to being the NRL’s No.1 player two years ago but has dipped slightly since then, co-inciding with the Cowboys missing the finals in back-to-back seasons. Still, the 110kg wrecking ball is a formidable presence who consistently bends the line for the Cowboys, charging for 3538 metres last year. It was below his personal record of 5435m and that’s why big Jase drops in the rankings, but no question he remains a top 10 performer.

7 Jake Trbojevic

(Sea Eagles)

LAST YEAR: 17

The NRL’s true Mr Consistency. Trbojevic may lack the all-out power of Taumalolo or Haas but he is the most complete forward in the NRL. If there’s a hole to be plugged or a trysaver to be made, Trbojevic is on the spot. Consistently plays 80 minutes and while he relishes the graft, he has the smarts to play in the line or before it. The backbone of Manly’s success.

6 Cameron Munster

(Storm)

LAST YEAR: 6

Another dominant campaign from Munster who has become the most important member of Melbourne’s backline. A natural footballer with a ruthless competitive streak. Battled injury at times last season but his performance in a losing Queensland Origin series rammed home his class. Was so good in Origin III at fullback he almost snatched the trophy from the Blues. At 25, he is a serious Dally M contender.

5 Payne Haas

(Broncos)

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I believe Haas, 20, will become the greatest prop we have ever seen. A 118kg front-row monster who is so fit he plays 80 minutes on his ear and beats Brisbane’s backs in fitness drills at training. Set a record last year when he became the only teenager to amass more than 3500m in a single season. Made his NSW Origin debut after just 10 NRL games and finished the year with an Australian jumper. A genetic freak.

4 Josh Papalii

(Raiders)

LAST YEAR: 42

Big ‘Papa’ has surged up the rankings after the best season of his 10-year career. The forward hulk was among Queensland’s best in the Origin series and his rampaging charges catapulted the Raiders into the grand final. Finding consistency and maturity was always Papalli’s challenge but at 27, the 197-game veteran has found both.

3 Cameron Smith

(Storm)

LAST YEAR: 2

At this rate, Cam will be playing at 40. Smith turns 37 this year and, after a record 411 NRL games, there is no rival who can match his guile, awareness and ability to stay on the park. Age, however, eventually wearies even the best. Smith has lost a yard of pace and spark but such is his unrivalled game sense he is still one of the most influential players in the code.

2 Luke Keary

(Roosters)

LAST YEAR: 15

Deserves his promotion into the top 10 after another outstanding season. Steered the Roosters to back-to-back premierships and would have made his NSW Origin debut if not for a head knock which ruled him out of Game One. Every great playmaker has time with ball in hand and Keary has it. Will go to another level this season succeeding Cooper Cronk and is a serious threat for the Dally M Medal.

1 James Tedesco

(Roosters)

LAST YEAR: 1

King Teddy cannot be dethroned. The best players relish the big stage and Tedesco delivers the biggest plays under pressure. Any player who can win a grand final and an Origin series with late tries – as Tedesco did in 2019 – is the ultimate dominator. Averaged 205 metres per game and no rival could match his 166 tackle busts last season. At 27, Tedesco is in his prime years and makes every defender nervous.