Positional power rankings: Top 10 centres in the NRL
WE’VE looked at the fullbacks and wingers, so now it’s time for the centres. Check out our positional power rankings for the NRL’s top 10.
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WE’VE looked at the fullbacks and wingers, so now it’s time for the centres.
Check out our positional power rankings for the NRL’s top 10.
10. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
The experienced Roosters centre had a solid year in what otherwise was a disappointing year for the club. He averaged an impressive 120 metres per game and was hard to bring down, busting a total of 96 tackles — the eighth-most in the NRL. He once again played for New Zealand in 2016, making four Test appearances.
9. Justin O’Neill
The two-time premiership-winning centre helps form a lethal backline at North Queensland. He bagged 13 tries from 25 appearances for the Cowboys this year and his performances at club level earned him an Origin call-up, where he played all three games for the victorious Queensland Maroons. He then went on to make his debut for Australia in the Four Nations, featuring in two games.
8. James Roberts
The lightning fast centre, who claims to have “more speed than Oxford Street”, took a few games to adjust to his new club Brisbane, but he still posted some impressive numbers including nine tries, 16 linebreaks and 94 tackle busts. He averaged 110 metres and 10.6 runs per game.
7. Tyrone Peachey
Not too long ago, you wouldn’t have even considered Peachey’s name being in this list. The Penrith utility, who still doesn’t know what his preferred position is, made a successful shift to the centres early in the season when injuries struck his side. He made the spot his own, scoring 13 tries. The 25-year-old averaged 11.8 runs and 106 metres per game and notched up a total of 15 linebreaks and 79 tackle busts. Peachey will most likely have to make way in 2017 for returning stars Peta Hiku and Dean Whare, but at least coach Anthony Griffin knows he’ll be able to count on him again if need be.
6. Will Chambers
Chambers a large chunk of the season due to a foot fracture, but when he was on the park he no doubt made Melbourne a better team. While this year wasn’t one of his best, he still averaged 111 metres and 12.4 runs per game. He played in the grand final and scored a try.
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5. Jack Bird
After playing his first NRL season at five-eighth, Bird relished the move to centre in 2016. He earned an Origin debut for NSW, playing in games two and three. The 21-year-old has an evasive running style which perfectly complemented outside back teammate Valentine Holmes. The pair formed a dangerous combination on the right edge for the Sharks. He averaged 111 metres per game, and notched up 13 linebreaks and 75 tackle busts.
4. Solomone Kata
Kata has become one of the NRL’s most feared ball runners. His kamikaze-style attack makes him a daunting prospect for opposition defenders — just ask Anthony Don, who was left lying face down on the turf from a monster Kata fend. In 2016, the Warriors centre scored an impressive 15 tries from 21 appearances. He averaged 113 metres per game, as well as racking up 17 linebreaks and 90 tackle busts. He went on to make his New Zealand debut, featuring in five games.
3. Blake Ferguson
Ferguson played a number of roles for the Roosters in 2016, but it’s out wide where he does his best work. This year he played 22 games, scoring 11 tries. He averaged 120 metres per game, set up eight tries and busted 62 tackles. The 26-year-old returned to the representative arena, featuring in all three Origin clashes for NSW. He made his debut for Australia, playing in all six games for the Kangaroos.
2. Joseph Leilua
2016 was by far Leilua’s best season in the NRL. His partnership with Jordan Rapana became the most dangerous right edge in rugby league. He scored 11 tries himself and set up another 10 more. In full flight, he’s one of the most unstoppable players in the NRL and that’s evident in the 125 tackle busts he made this year — second only to Rapana. One of his highlights of the season came in round 26 against the Tigers when he made that crazy behind-the-back flick pass to set Rapana up.
1. Jarrod Croker
Take a look at Croker’s stats and it’s hard to believe he’s never played at Origin or even Test level. The Raiders skipper racked up a monstrous 296 points in 2016. In round 24 he broke the club’s record for most individual points in a season (previously 246). This year he scored a career-equalling best 18 tries, made 21 linebreaks, 68 tackle busts and had a goalkicking conversion rate of 81 per cent.
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Originally published as Positional power rankings: Top 10 centres in the NRL
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