Given all the negativity surrounding the game prior to the holiday break, we thought it might be fun to take a not so serious look at the game.
In the face of negative headlines, the NRL is always looking for positive moments and headlines.
The best way to promote the game is by promoting its most likeable stars.
Although the likes of Smith, Gallen and Cherry-Evans all have huge profiles, the general feeling is they're not the most likeable players.
The below five players are the five who first come to mind when I think of the NRL's most marketable stars.
This is supposed to be a very light-hearted look at five players who could front NRL promotions and be pushed as the face of the game.
It is designed to be a discussion point and we'd love to hear who you believe the game's most marketable players are.
5. Shaun Johnson
In signing Shaun Johnson the Sharks not only signed one of the game's premier halfbacks and players, but also one of the game's most marketable superstars.
Johnson has been, for at least the past five years, the literal face of the game in New Zealand. His face was absolutely everywhere when it came to marketing both the club and the code in the Union-mad nation.
Arguably the game's most exciting player, Johnson has a highlight reel that would excite any fan.
He's has a very presentable look at the temperament to match. He comes across as an extremely down to earth and likeable player with a huge social media following.
He's always sporting a smile and looks like he's having fun whilst playing in the most open competition in the world.
All these, along with his obvious talents combine to make him a huge asset off the park for his new club.
The Warriors lost their best player and most noticeable face when they lost Johnson. The Sharks were all to happy to welcome the mega star into the fold, and for good reason.
For a club struggling to attract sponsors, no player in the game would have been more attractive overall than their new marquee recruit.
Personally I’d say that J Turbo is more marketable than his brother. Yes, Tommy does the things that attract fans and make the game interesting but Jake is a natural leader, not afraid to do the hard yards and can still produce the odd offload that leads to a flash bit of play.