Just like the teams they play for, every year players move forward, and some move backwards.
Whether it be their form, their ladder position, every season is a year of fluctuations. So while some players reach the end of the line or hit a rough form patch, others breakout and enjoy career-best years, catch the eyes of fans and coaches alike.
While some sides struggled, even the worst sides had players on the up, whether it be a rookie growing into themselves, or an established star reaching a new level, every club had a player that got better this season.
Arguably one of the more underrated players in our game, Croker seamlessly transitioned from 'fill in until Manase Fainu returns' to 'Manly's full-time hooker' through a number of hard-nosed displays.
Croker has scored tries, kicked 40-20s, and averaged over 40 tackles a game this year. With Fainu now out of the picture, it's Croker's time to run riot.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Lachlan Croker of the Sea Eagles celebrates scoring a try during the round 7 NRL match between the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders at Lottoland on April 28, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
