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.
2. Boyd Cordner
No players stocks rose more in 2018 than that of Boyd Cordner. Already a big name player and multiple time representative star, Cordner is now the current Roosters, Blues and Kangaroos skipper.
In the past twelve months he has held up the NRL Premiership trophy and the Origin shield while leading the way on and off the field for both teams.
Cordner is a brilliant player and adds to the club off the field just as much. He presents very well and the general feeling is he's the kind of player you want to have a beer with.
Honestly, and I'm sure someone will prove me wrong, I've never heard a bad word about the tri-colours star. He's the kind of player who would walk into literally any rugby league side in the world.
Cordner is rightfully everywhere and become an unofficial face of the game in 2018.
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.