The NRL features a number of players that continue to excel despite playing against younger opposition.
These men are all over the age of 30, have played more than 200 NRL games and yet they are still some of the best the competition has to offer.
Jason Nightingale
St George Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons veteran winger had an excellent season in 2017.
Jason Nightingale finished the season with 16 tries, the most for the club, and had 15 line breaks in one of his best seasons to date.
Peter Wallace
Penrith Panthers
The move to hooker proved a good one for Peter Wallace, who was set to make a State of Origin return had he not been injured.
Despite missing a number of games the Penrith Panthers No. 9 still made over 600 tackles and provided quality service throughout the season.
Gavin Cooper
North Queensland Cowboys
Gavin Cooper earned a Queensland Origin recall in 2017 due to his consistent work rate and great attitude.
He has captained the North Queensland Cowboys well this year and helped to lead them much further into the competition than anyone could have expected.
Simon Mannering
New Zealand Warriors
Simon Mannering continues to give his all in a side that is below par.
Mannering finished the 2017 season with 2600+ running metres, over 300 hit ups and was just short of 1000 total tackles.
Luke Lewis
Cronulla Sharks
Luke Lewis has not slowed down in 2017, his 7 line breaks and more than 550 tackles proving his all-round skill.
He remains one of the most consistent second rowers in the game and always puts in 100%.
Michael Gordon
Sydney Roosters
Michael Gordon has been impressive at the Sydney Roosters in 2017.
He has helped the Roosters reach second on the ladder with continual good performances, and has been one of the better fullbacks in 2017.
Cooper Cronk
Melbourne Storm
Cooper Cronk is one of the most consistent halves in the NRL and has continued playing great football in 2017.
Continually puts in great performances for his club side and at representative level.
Billy Slater
Melbourne Storm
Billy Slater’s NRL return in 2017 has been nothing short of terrific.
The champion fullback has scored 7 tries, made 12 linebreaks and recorded 16 try assists.
Slater even earned an Origin recall, showing he is one of the greatest of all time.
Paul Gallen
Cronulla Sharks
Paul Gallen has been terrific for the Cronulla Sharks since he retired from State of Origin football.
He recorded a whopping 4000+ running metres from over 440 hit-ups to go along with 750 tackles.
Gallen has proven that he can easily play on in the top level in 2018.
Cameron Smith
Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne, Queensland and Australia captain passed Darren Lockyer for most premiership games played this season and is still performing at an extremely high level.
Cameron Smith is one of the best players of all time and has proven his class once again this season.