With the off-seasis on comes the usual troupes.
Talk of expansion, the divisions talk, player movements and of course post-season rankings.
Today we're here to focus on the rankings. More specifically, the NRL bench specialists and their rankings from 2023.
Please keep in mind that these rankings are based only on 2023.
To qualify, a player must have played off the bench on a majority of appearances. They also cannot appear anywhere else in the rankings. i.e. Cam McInnes ranked in the top locks and thus won't be seen here.
Before we start, I'm going to take a moment to answer some of the usual questions to appear in the comments to any sort of rankings.
Do I even watch football? Yes, every game.
Are my eyes painted on? No. That would be funny though.
Who am I? Just a fan.
With that said, below are the top ten NRL bench specialists based purely and totally on 2023:
Honourable mentions: Wiremu Greig, Bronson Garlick, Emre Guler
9. Josh Curran
I was shocked to see the Warriors allow Josh Curran to move to the Dogs this off-season, especially given his 2023 efforts.
Curran came off the bench for all but six of his 23 appearances in 2023 for four tries, 29 tackle breaks, 11 offloads, 61 metres per game and an almost 92% tackle percentage.
Truthfully his efforts far surpass those numbers, especially in defence. He was often a hit man and changed momentum in sets with a big shot.
Curran's role will likely rise at the Dogs, which for both club and player can only be a good thing.
Interesting, Dan
I’d have liked to see when each of these guys comes off contract.
I could look it up, but I’m just lazy !