The 2025 NRL season is officially underway, and the competition is already heating up. With teams battling for early-season momentum, the league’s biggest stars are stepping up to prove their worth. From explosive playmakers to dominant forwards, the talent level in the NRL has never been higher.

As the season kicks off, we’ve taken a closer look at the standout performers and ranked the 30 best players in the game right now. From emerging talents to seasoned veterans, here’s our definitive list of the top stars in the NRL for 2025

30. Nicho Hynes (Sharks)

A former Dally M Medal winner, Hynes has established himself as the heart of Cronulla’s attack. With his precise kicking, vision, and playmaking skills, he remains a key figure in the Sharks’ ambitions for premiership glory.

29. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui (Titans)

The Titans’ powerhouse forward is a relentless force on the field. Known for his aggressive carries and leadership, he’s a mainstay for Queensland and Australia, making an impact in every game he plays.

28. Herbie Farnworth (Dolphins)

A dynamic center with exceptional footwork and strength, Farnworth has quickly become one of the most reliable attacking threats in the NRL. His ability to break tackles and create opportunities makes him invaluable for the Dolphins.

27. Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)

Despite struggling with injuries in recent seasons, Papenhuyzen remains one of the most electrifying fullbacks in the game. His speed and agility make him a constant danger to opposition defenses when fit and firing.

26. Zac Lomax (Eels)

A versatile backline star, Lomax made a name for himself with his exceptional goal-kicking and aerial ability. Now with the Eels, he is set to play a crucial role in their push for a return to the top of the table.

25. Brian To’o (Panthers)

To’o is the definition of a workhorse winger. His powerful carries out of defense and finishing ability have made him a key part of Penrith’s success over the past few seasons.

24. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow (Dolphins)

Nicknamed “The Hammer,” Tabuai-Fidow is one of the fastest players in the NRL. His ability to turn half-chances into tries makes him an exciting player to watch and a vital asset for the Dolphins.

23. Tom Dearden (Cowboys)

Dearden has emerged as one of the most promising halfbacks in the league. His composure and game management continue to improve, making him a crucial player for the Cowboys and a likely future representative star.

22. Pat Carrigan (Broncos)

A leader on and off the field, Carrigan has become one of the most dominant middle forwards in the competition. His defensive work rate and ball-playing ability make him an invaluable asset for the Broncos.

21. Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles)

At 35, Cherry-Evans continues to defy age with his game management and kicking prowess. As Queensland’s captain, he remains a key figure at both club and representative level.

20. Addin Fonua-Blake (Cronulla)

Fonua-Blake’s move to the Sharks has made waves across the league. His ability to dominate the middle with powerful runs and defensive aggression makes him one of the best props in the game.

19. Cameron Murray (South Sydney)

Murray is one of the most complete locks in the NRL. His tireless work rate, strong defensive efforts, and quick play-the-ball make him an essential part of South Sydney’s forward pack.

18. Latrell Mitchell (South Sydney)

A player with immense natural talent, Mitchell is a game-changer when fully fit and focused. His physicality, goal-kicking, and ability to produce moments of magic keep him among the league’s elite.

17. Liam Martin (Penrith)

One of the toughest second-rowers in the game, Martin is a relentless competitor. His defensive intensity and hole-running ability have been key factors in Penrith’s continued dominance.

16. James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)

Although no longer the first-choice fullback for Australia and NSW, Tedesco remains a top-tier player. His ability to create opportunities, break tackles, and lead from the back keeps him among the game’s elite.

15. Reece Walsh (Brisbane)

At just 22 years old, Walsh is already one of the most electrifying fullbacks in the NRL. His speed, footwork, and playmaking ability make him a nightmare for defenses. If he continues his rapid development, he could be a future Dally M Medalist.

14. James Fisher-Harris (NZ Warriors)

A dominant enforcer in the middle, Fisher-Harris brings a relentless work ethic and brutal defensive presence. Now leading the Warriors, he will be crucial in their quest to establish themselves as genuine title contenders.

13. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)

After a challenging 2023, Crichton bounced back in style last season. A strong ball-runner and a fierce defender, he remains one of the most impactful second-rowers in the game and a key figure in the Roosters’ pack.

12. Cameron Munster (Melbourne)

Munster’s ability to control a game with his instinctive play and creativity is what sets him apart. The Storm five-eighth has proven himself time and time again in big matches, making him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league.

11. Jarome Luai (Wests Tigers)

Having left the Panthers dynasty, Luai faces a massive challenge in leading Wests Tigers out of their slump. With his game-breaking ability and leadership, he could be the catalyst for the Tigers’ long-awaited resurgence.

10. Stephen Crichton (Canterbury)

A three-time premiership winner with Penrith, Crichton has emerged as one of the best centers in the game. His combination of size, speed, and skill makes him a lethal attacking weapon for the Bulldogs.

9. Payne Haas (Brisbane)

A wrecking ball in the Broncos’ forward pack, Haas is arguably the best prop in the competition. His motor, ability to eat up meters, and defensive dominance make him a crucial asset for Brisbane.

8. Tom Trbojevic (Manly)

When fit, “Tommy Turbo” is one of the most devastating attacking players in the league. His ability to create and finish scoring opportunities makes him a game-changer for the Sea Eagles—if he can stay healthy.

7. Mitchell Moses (Parramatta)

Moses proved his ability to perform at the highest level with dominant displays for both NSW and the Kangaroos. His kicking game, vision, and leadership will be pivotal as the Eels rebuild in 2025.

6. Isaah Yeo (Penrith)

A cornerstone of Penrith’s continued dominance, Yeo’s consistency and leadership have made him one of the best locks in the NRL. His ability to distribute the ball like a halfback while maintaining elite defensive standards is unmatched.

5. Dylan Edwards (Penrith)

Edwards has cemented himself as one of the best fullbacks in the game. His tireless work ethic, defensive awareness, and ability to create attacking opportunities make him a key figure in Penrith’s dynasty.

4. Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle)

Few players possess the natural talent and game-breaking ability of Ponga. Whether playing fullback or five-eighth, his skill, speed, and vision make him one of the most dangerous players in the competition.

3. Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne)

The reigning Dally M Medalist, Hughes has evolved into one of the premier halfbacks in the NRL. His kicking, decision-making, and ability to control the game make him Melbourne’s most influential player.

2. Harry Grant (Melbourne)

The best hooker in the game today, Grant has seamlessly taken over Cameron Smith’s mantle at Melbourne. His quick service, defensive work rate, and ability to create scoring opportunities from dummy-half make him invaluable.

1. Nathan Cleary (Penrith)

The undisputed best player in the NRL, Cleary has led Penrith to four consecutive premierships and continues to set the standard for excellence. With his pinpoint kicking, game management, and ability to rise in clutch moments, he is the complete halfback and the heartbeat of the Panthers.