It is very, very difficult to win a competition without a truly elite five-eighth. We certainly saw the cream rise to the top comes the finals.
That seems like an obvious statement, but getting the spine right in modern Rugby League is paramount.
In 2022, we saw a series of world-class five-eight performances. While I believe there is a clear number one in the position, grading the next nine was very, very difficult.
Here are the Top ten five-eighths from 2022. Again, this doesn't necessarily mean they are the best in the position, with performances in 2022 the only factor.
For a player to qualify, he must have played more games in the six than in any other position this season.
8. Matt Moylan
The Sharks veteran would have been at $1000 to one odds to be on this list in the pre-season. If not for a late season fade out he would have placed even higher.
Moylan proved a perfect foil for Nicho Hynes in 2022. Their combination was almost solely responsible for the Sharks success this year.
Five tries, 12 try assists, 15 line break assists, 81 metres run per game, 72 metres run per game and 80% tackle efficiency were stats well beyond what Moylan's was expected to provide.
Moylan seemed to find fitness and speed he lacked in the past two to three seasons. He was rewarded with a new two-year deal which he richly deserved.
