NRL Power rankings: Which centre has been the best in 2016?

IN the fifth instalment of our NRL Power Rankings we look at which centre has been the best so far in season 2016.

NRL Power Rankings: centres.

THE regular season is a third of the way through so it’s time we run the rule over the players leaving their mark on the competition.

In the fifth instalment of our NRL Power Rankings we look at which centre has been the best so far in season 2016:

5. Kevin Naiqama

When we last examined how the centres were faring at the end of season 2015, we noted how Naiqama had struggled with his switch in from the wing at the back end of the year.

But the athletic Fijian has managed to turn things around to become one of the most dangerous centres in 2016.

His strong performance against the Sea Eagles in round two made it clear he was ready to make his new position his own. In a showing that was as slick as his numerous hairstyles, Naiqama scored a try, assisted in two other and made two linebreaks.

Overall, he’s scored six tries, made seven linebreaks, registered four try assists and 25 tackle busts so far in 2016.

Kevin Naiqama has been a shining light in a struggling Tigers side.

4. Michael Jennings

Even in matches where attacking opportunities seem limited, a flash from brilliance of Michael Jennings can turn a game on its head.

The incumbent Blues centres is one of the toughest in the game to contain thanks to his speed and strength.

His combination with Semi Radradra has added another dynamic to Parramatta’s already potent left edge.

The 28-year-old is a constant threat to opposition defensive lines whenever the ball is in his hands, as showed by his second-half double against the Sea Eagles in round seven.

So far this season Jennings has scored six tries, made 30 tackle busts, two line breaks and one line break assist.

If the Eels are any chance of making the finals in the wake of the salary cap scandal then Jennings’ experience and form will prove invaluable in their push to reach the playoffs.

Michael Jennings has added another dynamic to the Eels’ attack.

3. Solomone Kata

Some teams are known for having flair, others are notoriously gritty and the Warriors ... well they’re probably best known for their inconsistency.

Not Solomone Kata though. This nuggety centre has not only been consistently one of New Zealand’s best but one of the competition’s best in his position.

The 21-year old continues to go from strength to strength and has backed up his debut season with some barnstorming form in 2016.

He’s dubbed “The Beast 2.0” and it’s easy to see why. He may only stand at 177cm but with 97kgs of brute force behind him, Kata is a very difficult proposition for opposition defences.

In the opening rounds he’s crossed the line for seven tries, made six linebreaks and 35 tackle busts.

Solomone Kata has been one of the form centres of 2016. pic Mark Evans

2. James Roberts

After a slow start, “Jimmy the Jet” is now firing on all cylinders.

If there’s a hole to be exploited or a linebreak to be had then Roberts will leave defenders clutching at thin air thanks to his scorching speed.

His scintillating streaks down Brisbane’s right edge make him one of the most exciting centres in the game.

The lethal ball runner is in the kind of form that has sparked talk of representative footy and it is now surely a matter of when and not if he’ll wear the sky blue of NSW.

Roberts’ remarkable turn of pace and strength have seen make a huge 33 tackle busts and nine linebreaks in 2016.

The 23-year old has also scored three tries and assisted in three others.

James Roberts is firing on all cylinders.

1. Joseph Leilua

Leilua and Jordan Rapana have combined for Canberra to form the most dangerous right edge combination in the competition.

The hot-headed centre has been one of the most explosive ballrunners over the opening rounds of the season.

Like Rapana, Leilua is almost impossible to tackle and has a massive 41 tackle busts and 23 offloads to his name — more than anyone else on this list.

His ill-discipline can be costly at times but that could almost be forgiven when you take into account his potent attacking game.

On top of his huge tackle busts tally, Leilua has scored two tries, assisted in three others. made four line breaks and five line breaks assists.

Joseph Leilua has made 41 tackle busts in seven games.

Originally published as NRL Power rankings: Which centre has been the best in 2016?