Although no kid grows up dreaming of being a bench player, the impact that they can have on the game is just as significant.

Case and point the NSW Origin team for 2018, although Jack De Belin started at lock for the Blues, Jake Trbojevic is a far superior player in terms of his tackling and running output.

However, Brad Fittler thought that Trbojevic had greater potential to change the game off the bench than De Belin, so he made the selection accordingly.

So take a look below at who we think are the best bench players in the NRL.

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5. Bunty Afoa

Another surprise packet to feature on this list is 22-year-old Warriors prop Bunty Afoa. Perhaps previously best known for his wild haircut, Afoa is now making a name for himself amongst NRL clubs thanks to his impressive output.

After debuting for his hometown club at the tender age of 20, Afoa had his best season to date in 2018. Featuring 23 times for the Warriors, he was only ever absent from the team-list due to a dislocated elbow sustained against the Sharks in round 16. Amazingly, Afoa returned only two rounds later against the Storm, displayed some serious ticker if I may say so myself.

Although he is still growing into his body, Afoa is starting to come good on the promise he showed in the Warriors youth systems. Putting up impressive numbers from only limited minutes, averaging 86.2 running metres per game from 6.7 hit ups, and also possessing a 94.6% tackle efficiency, the 5th highest in the NRL.

Afoa is as tough as they come, with his no holds barred ball-running style endearing him to the Warriors faithful and NRL fans alike. If I'm ever watching a Warriors game as a mutual, there aren't many better sites than seeing the curly haired tyro with the ball in hand flying towards the opposition defensive line, with no thoughts of self-preservation in mind.

With fellow Kiwi enforcers, Adam Blair and Leeson Ah Mau slowly ageing out, watch out for Afoa to press his claims for a starting jersey in the coming season's.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MAY 12: Bunty Afoa of the Warriors charges forward during the round 10 NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Sydney Roosters at Mt Smart Stadium on May 12, 2018 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
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2 COMMENTS

  1. I thought when Sims came off the bench for NSW at Origin time he was like letting a Pitty off its leash. Masterstroke. Same with Hunt (at hooker) and Ponga coming off the bench for QLD. Back in the days the best guy off the bench was Ifeka Paleasena (probably spelled wrong). Just came on for 10-20 mins and turned it up for the Warriors.

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