What an extraordinary year it’s been for rugby league. Like every sport, and every person, in every facet of life, COVID has had an effect. But very few sports used the pause in proceedings as well as our game.

The strength and nerve of Peter V’landys allowed him to make changes to the NRL that others would not even dare consider. And it’s changed the dynamics of the game for the better.

Since the recommencement here’s my 10-to-1, Men of Influence. The very best that this incredible sport has to offer.

Do you agree? Let us know your top 10 in the common section.

10. CLINT GUTHERSON

Parramatta’s terrific first half of the season had so much to do with Gutherson, he consistently came up with big plays at important times.

The other thing Clint does is ease creative pressure off halves, Mitchell Moses and Dylan Brown. Gutho is great at counting numbers up short-sides and creating through the centrefield with footwork and short passing.

One of the reasons the Eels’ attack has faltered is because they’ve slowly moved toward a style too structured and sideways, which has moved away from Gutherson’s strengths.

9. RYAN PAPENHUYZEN

The Melbourne fullback has been consistently outstanding, week in, week out.

His speed causes defensive problems every time the ball hits his hands and he has learnt the skill of combining with playmakers.

Eighteen months ago he was the Storm’s third or fourth choice of fullback, and was offered to most clubs….there were no takers. Can you believe that?

8. CODY WALKER

Cody has enjoyed a quality season but in the last month he’s returned to his very, very best. In fact, his form and impact on games is greater than when he was selected for Origin last year. Cody’s a pure footballer, he has great instincts which doesn’t require him to so much, count numbers, but sense opportunity.

The Souths forwards are now firing, Adam Reynolds and Damien Cook are now hitting their straps, but Cody Walker is the man.

7. JACK WIGHTON

Last year Jack Wighton went from a player of potential to a player of enormous influence, and his progression has continued.

The rule changes, which have loosened the middle-field, suits halves who have a run first attitude, and not many do it as effectively as Jack.

This season, when the Raiders need something, he delivers it.

Excelling in last year’s State of Origin series has given Wighton the big game experience and belief to dominate this Finals series.

6. ROGER TUIVASA-SHECK

What a champion. It’s been documented weekly, about the challenges the Warriors are dealing with this season, and let’s not forget the fact a number of their most influential players returned home.

Roger’s leadership and his incredible talent has kept the Warriors alive in the competition when it would’ve been so easy for them to sink to the bottom.

Given what Roger has delivered in these difficult circumstances this season confirms my opinion that he is the Warriors’ greatest ever player.

5. JOSH PAPALII

The speeding up of the game has taken a toll on the big middle men, but the challenge of it has made Josh Papalii even better.

His yardage game is relentless, his leadership outstanding and that incredible chase and try saver at the Gold Coast on half, Jamal Fogarty, is my play of the season.

Ricky Stuart recently said, Josh will be remembered as one of the Raiders’ greatest.

Given who have played for that club, it says it all.

MORE NRL

NRL 2020: Wayne Bennett welcome back at Brisbane Broncos, chairman Karl Morris says

NRL 2020: Trent Barrett’s Bulldogs coaching team revealed

The Fifita Heist: How the Titans stole the NRL’s hottest talent from under Broncos noses

4. LUKE KEARY

Has had a bit of a disrupted last six weeks, but Keary continues to rise in status.

During Cooper Cronk’s time at the club, Keary unselfishly was happy to play the role of, ‘2nd Banana’, but this season he’s seamlessly gone into the primary playmaker role.

Unlike a lot of halves, Luke now swings to both sides of the field and that’s increased his influence.

I’m certain an Origin jersey awaits him at season’s end.

3. CAMERON SMITH

Smith’s a phenomenon, he’s closing in on Forty and remains one of the game’s most influential performers. The greatest of all time.

In some matches this season he’s been best on ground and daylight second.

There’s talk he’ll retire, I can’t understand why he would, in fact I think he could play for at least another two seasons.

In big games, he knows how to win better than anyone in this competition.

The young Panthers are flying but can they beat a team with Cameron Smith in it on the biggest stage?

2. JAMES TEDESCO

There have been some games this season where Tedesco has been unstoppable.

His dominance at times takes me back to my under-14s days and in the opposition team was a kid a foot taller, 20kg heavier who had a three day growth…you couldn’t stop him.

The speeding up of the play the balls has given James even greater impact.

I can barely remember a player having as dominant a performance as the night he demoralised the Bulldogs at Bankwest in Round 5.

Size, power, speed and class is a pretty good combination.

1. NATHAN CLEARY

As they say in the classics, “When a boy….becomes a man.”

Nathan’s strength has always been poise and composure but this year he has blossomed creatively.

As he hits 100 NRL games, he’s learnt how to dictate a contest and how to control the tempo of a game through the nature of his kicks.

Getting repeat sets, driving the ball into touch, keeping the ball in play, allows the pace of the game to increase or decrease.

Last week Penrith were a way off their best against Brisbane but Nathan got them home with just a few clever kicks and plays. He’s been 2020s best player. But challenges never stop. His next, being as dominant in Finals Football.

Phil Rothfield’s top 10

1 James Tedesco

2 Nathan Cleary

3 Luke Keary

4 Jack Wighton

5 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

6 Jared Waerea Hargreaves

7 Josh Papalii

8 Cameron Smith

9 Clint Gutherson

10 Billy Kikau

A slashing performance against the Canberra Raiders last week again proved why Roosters superstar and Dally M champion James Tedesco is still the No.1 player in the game.

He is a dynamite attacking player and can now be rated alongside the all-time great fullbacks including Billy Slater.

I have included three fullbacks in the top 10 – Tedesco, Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Parramatta Eels captain Clint Gutherson.

We’ve known for years Tuivasa-Sheck is a champion but Gutherson has emerged from being a good player to a great one.

The most improved player in the competition this year without doubt is Penrith Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary. If an Australian side was being chosen this week, Mal Meninga would surely choose him ahead of Daly Cherry Evans or any other halfback.

The top 10 shows why Queensland is going to struggle this year on Origin. They have only one player in Canberra Raiders front-rower Josh Papalii.

The top four players are all available for Freddy Fittler’s NSW Blues.

Michael Carayannis’s top 10

1 Nathan Cleary

2 Cameron Smith

3 Api Koroisau

4 James Tedesco

5 Josh Papalii

6 James Fisher-Harris

7 Luke Keary

8 Jack Wighton

9 Junior Paulo

10 Clint Gutherson

Nathan Cleary has led the Panthers resurgence which results in three players sitting inside the top 10 from the form team of the competition. Cleary along with Api Koroisau and James Fisher-Harris make-up a superb trio in a long list of form players for the Panthers. He was two points behind the leaders when the Dally M medal count went behind closed doors but would not be favourite to win the award for the first time. Cameron Smith is still as influential as ever despite missing a few weeks with injury. The stocks of Junior Paulo and Clint Gutherson are slowly slipping as the Eels struggle at the back end of the season. If this was happening two months ago it would have been littered with Parramatta players. Roosters duo James Tedesco and Luke Keary have again been among the best while Canberra’s duo Josh Papalii and Jack Wighton have also performed consistently.

Those unlucky to miss out include Ryan Papenhuyzen, Shaun Johnson, Payne Haas, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Harry Grant.

David Riccio’s top 10

1 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

2 James Tedesco

3 Cameron Smith

4 Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

5 Nathan Cleary

6 Tom Trbojevic

7 Josh Papalii

8 Luke Keary

9 Cameron Munster

10 Jack Wighton

Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is enjoying a better season than when he won the 2018 Dally M Medal for the game’s best player.

Think about what the Warriors fullback has had to endure compared to his rivals this season off the field, but also on the field and particularly in his fullback position.

Unlike James Tedesco – who is an obvious selection for best player in the game – like it or not, he is a beneficiary of a stunning Roosters pack.

Tuivasa Sheck’s forward pack has been decimated at-times this year, needing reserve grade loan players to come into the side and help.

We all know the impact of a fullback can be diluted if his team has a weakened pack.

But that doesn’t seem to matter for RTS.

He has run for a competition-high 3622 metres and produced a ridiculous 77 tackle breaks.

He’s the most valuable player in the NRL and his leadership of the Warriors in a torturous year should deservedly see him named Dally M captain of the year.

Dean Ritchie’s top 10

1 Cameron Smith

2 James Tedesco

3 Jason Taumalolo

4 Kalyn Ponga

5 Luke Keary

6 Cameron Munster

7 Viliame Kikau

8 Jack Wighton

9 Josh Papalii

10 Latrell Mitchell

As they say, the original and still the best. Each year, those chasing the ‘game’s best player’ tag, come charging at Cam Smith – and annually he somehow, despite being aged 37, fends them off. Smith is still the cagiest player in rugby league – a superstar with the rare ability to slow an entire game down to his required speed. He has more impact on a game than any other player. The two ‘JT’s’ are next – James Tedesco and Jason Taumalolo – just a bee’s whisker behind Smith. As great as Smith is, gee I found it difficult putting him ahead of Tedesco, who has quickly become the NRL’s finest fullback since Billy Slater. I also had to find a spot for Raiders prop Josh Papalii, the game’s most dominant prop. Latrell Mitchell’s inclusion could be deemed slightly contentious but when he’s fit, fresh and focused, my goodness, he is some player. I just couldn’t omit Ponga, Keary, Munter, Kikau and Wighton.

Peter Badel’s top 10

1. James Tedesco

2. Nathan Cleary

3. Cameron Smith

4. Luke Keary

5. Cody Walker

6. Josh Papalii

7. Cameron Munster

8. Damien Cook

9. Kalyn Ponga

10. Ryan Papenhuyzen

James Tedesco as the NRL’s No. 1 player in my top 50 earlier this year and I’ve seen no evidence this season for the Roosters dynamo to be kicked off his throne.

If greatness is measured by the ability to deliver on the biggest stages, in the ultimate clutch moments, then Tedesco is still the man. The Roosters fullback again leads the NRL for tackle busts (119) and it was no surprise his masterclass against Canberra came on the eve of the finals, a stage when the best of the best step up.

But Tedesco cannot afford to be complacent as a wave of prospective top dogs eye off his crown. A number of NRL stars have rocketed into the frame this season, including Penrith halfback Nathan Cleary, who, at 22, is playing with the time and surety of a 32-year-old. In terms of playmaking development, I believe Cleary is ahead of Johnathan Thurston at the same age.

Luke Keary, Cody Walker and Ryan Papenhuyzen have had some magical purple patches in 2020 and Cam Smith is a champion, but Tedesco deserves the top ranking.

Paul Crawley’s top 10

1 Nathan Cleary

2 James Tedesco

3 Luke Keary

4 Ryan Papenhuyzen

5 Cameron Smith

6 Clint Gutherson

7 Jack Wighton

8 Kalyn Ponga

9 Adam Reynolds

10 Api Koroisau

When Nathan Cleary copped a two-match suspension and a $30,000 fine for his TikTok dance video it really had the potential to cause huge damage to Penrith’s season.

But while there were early fears that Cleary was so shell-shocked by the controversy that it had left him in a really delicate headspace, the way he has bounced back is testament to his character and toughness.

There has not been a more consistent or composed player this season than the Panthers’ halfback who is just ahead of Sydney Roosters stars James Tedesco and Luke Keary for mine.

Melbourne’s Ryan Papenhuyzen and the evergreen Cameron Smith have also been consistently outstanding, as has Clint Gutherson, Jack Wighton, Kalyn Ponga, Adam Reynolds and Api Koroisau.

But Cleary is definitely the standout.

The big test now for 22-year-old Cleary is whether he can continue it into the big end of season games where there is going to be massive pressure on him.

Nick Walshaw’s top 10

1 Nathan Cleary

2 Cameron Smith

3 Luke Keary

4 James Tedesco

5 Clint Gutherson

6 Kalyn Ponga

7 Jack Wighton

8 Jason Taumalolo

9 Ryan Papenhuyzen

10 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

A year ago, Nathan Cleary was in all sorts.

Remember that?

Back when this young Penrith No.7 was copping it from everyone – and everywhere – because of his inability to find points, try assists, anything really.

Same deal with NSW.

Sure, the young bloke tried hard.

Always does.

But when it came to the small matter of putting people across the white stripe, Cleary’s spark was so badly missing it could’ve been printed on the back of a milk carton.

But now?

Well, his Panthers sit atop the NRL ladder.

With Cleary, undoubtedly, the key component of a side not only boasting top spot, or TAB premiership favouritism, but an unbeaten run of 12 straight.

The TikTok saga?

Seems a lifetime ago for this 22-year-old whose game continues to evolve thanks to all many of factors – including an improved mental approach, new No.9 Api Koroisau, even his work with Panthers assistant Trent Barrett.

Currently, we have Cleary ahead of even Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith – who may be the greatest ageing athlete since Cliffy Young – and Roosters duo Luke Keary and James Tedesco.

Nick Campton’s top 10

1 James Tedesco

2 Cameron Smith

3 Jason Taumalolo

4 Nathan Cleary

5 Luke Keary

6 Josh Papalii

7 Kalyn Ponga

8 Cameron Munster

9 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

10 Shaun Johnson

Tedesco is still the best player on the best team – among a galaxy of stars at the Roosters, he shines the brightest and remains their most important player. North Queensland are stuck in a rut but that’s no fault of Taumalolo, who remains the best running forward in the world, while Kalyn Ponga and Nathan Cleary’s improvement this year demanded their inclusion. Cleary in particular has taken a great leap forward and should be counted as the best halfback in the competition. There might be speculation over Cameron Smith’s future but there’s still nobody who does it better. Luke Keary’s, Cameron Munster’s and Josh Papalii’s pedigree speaks for itself and Tuivasa-Sheck has been a tower of strength in a remarkably difficult season for the Warriors. Shaun Johnson just snuck in ahead of Payne Haas and Addin Fonua-Blake – the Kiwi superstar is unfairly maligned by many, but he quietly become one of the league’s elite creative players, which is backed up by his excellent try assist numbers.

Fatima Kdouh’s top 10

1 James Tedesco

2 Nathan Cleary

3 Josh Papalii

4 David Nofoaluma

5 Viliame Kikau

6 Harry Grant

7 Brett Morris

8 Josh Morris

9 Cameron Smith

10 Clint Gutherson

Coaches always talk about consistency and closing the margin between a good and bad performance, well if that approach were to manifest itself in a player there would be no greater example than Sydney Roosters fullback James Tedesco. He’s headed for back-to-back Dally M Awards.

Tigers duo Harry Grant and David Nofoaluma have delivered week in week out in an outfit that has otherwise been treading water in 2020.

Then there’s the evergreen Morris twins who have elevated their game to another level proving without a classy roster, like they have at the Roosters, talent can very easily go to waste.

Yes, he’s had a balanced and very confident team of players around him but there is no doubt Penrith’s ascension to the top of the NRL has been orchestrated by the game’s form halfback in Nathan Cleary.

Clint Gutherson doesn’t get the accolades he deserves, you’d be hard pressed to find a more competitive and effort driven player in the NRL than the Parramatta skipper and fullback.

Gilbert Gardiner’s top 10

1. Cameron Smith (Storm)

2. James Tedesco (Roosters)

3. Luke Keary (Roosters)

4. Cameron Munster (Storm)

5. Jason Taumalolo (Cowboys)

6. Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

7. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (Warriors)

8. Clint Gutherson (Eels)

9. David Nofoaluma (Tigers)

10. Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)

Quite fittingly, if Smith was to retire at the end of the season, the Storm captain and G.O.A.T would do so as the best and most damaging player in the competition. Smith’s wizardry needs no introduction after two decades of sustained brilliance but worth noting the 37 year-old remains on track to post career-highs in try and line-break assists. Roosters’ premiership stars Tedesco and Keary round out the top three from Munster, with Taumalolo the best big man in the game. Cleary has the hallmarks of a top-three contender next season, if not sooner on the back of a strong finals campaign. Warrior Tuivasa-Sheck has been all class in an incredibly difficult season for the club. Gutherson has enjoyed a stellar season and put the Eels in a position to secure a spot in the top four. Nofoaluma runs hard and boasts incredible finishing skills. The only knock on Papenhuyzen would be games played (38) because the lightning Storm fullback ticks every other box: Skill, speed, courage and temperament.

Chris Honnery’s top 10

1 James Tedesco

2 Roger Tuivasa-Sheck

3 Nathan Cleary

4 Cameron Smith

5 Kalyn Ponga

6 Shaun Johnson

7 Josh Papalii

8 Brett Morris

9 Harry Grant

10 Jason Taumalolo

In a season like no other, it’s somewhat comforting to see that some things don’t change and that includes James Tedesco terrorising an opposition’s defensive line.

Two tries and 18 tackle busts against Canberra last week all but assured fans that the reigning Dally M medallist is getting better with age.

But he’s not the only No.1 player in the comp, with Warriors star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck reaching new levels – and could arguably be regarded as the best considering the upheaval of his team in 2020.

RTS leads the comp for most run metres and averages 197m per game all while having to live away from home.

Meanwhile Penrith’s surge into incredible form has come off the back of their young maestro Nathan Cleary who has found another gear in 2020.

Even though things haven’t been great for the clubs north of the Tweed this year, at least Queenslanders have been able to cheer about the likes of Cameron Smith, Kalyn Ponga, Josh Papalii and Harry Grant who have been shining lights for their respective clubs.