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.
3. Jarome Luai
Luai is arguably the game's most polarising player both on and off the field. That said, he is undoubtedly one of the game's stars on the field.
In 20 appearances in 2022 Luai scored seven tries, set up 13, assisted nine line breaks, forced six drop outs and ran for 72 metres per game. All whilst tackling at almost 87%.
Luai's stats are never going to match others on the list due to his role being very different. His halves partnership with Cleary is the game's best.
Origin-aside, I cannot remember the last time Luai was kept quiet or played badly. He's a genuine match winner, which in itself makes him very easy to hate.
