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
8. Ethan Bullemor
Given the ridiculous, big name talent on the northern beaches, I understand why Bullemor's efforts fly under the radar. They shouldn't though.
His 23 games, 19 of which came from the interchange bench saw him run for over 100 metres per game and tackle at 95%.
A no nonsense forward who runs hard, tackles harder and provides 110% effort on every play!? Every club in the game needs one off the bench.
Bullemor's best days are still ahead of him. He's mastered his role off the bench to near perfection.
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 !