While some clubs are known for their big boppers and others for their speedy backlines, it's long been known that to stand above the pack in theย NRL, you need an elite half-pairing to steer the ship.
With newly formed combinations preparing for their debuts in round one and tested duos gearing up for another crack at a premiership, these halves pairings look set to lead their team to glory in 2025.
1Cameron Munster & Jahrome Hughes (Melbourne Storm)
Craig Bellamy's Melbourne Storm is home to the cream of the crop regarding elite halves. For years, it seemed that Maroons star Cameron Munster had to be clicking if the Storm were to see any success.
However, even with Munster suffering from ongoing groin issues throughout the year, his now Dally M winning halves partner, Jahrome Hughes, showed he could also pack a punch.
Hughes' 2024 season was his best by far, despite not having his star five-eighth alongside him. He led his side to a minor premiership while showcasing both his individual brilliance and his inspiring leadership.
The New Zealand Kiwis representative was crucial to his side's success and will look to continue his purple patch of form into 2025.
On the other side of this duo is Cameron Munster, who will be left with a sour taste after an injury-riddled season.
This led to him losing his Maroons jumper to North Queensland Cowboys' star Tom Dearden, which may just light a fire under Munster as he looks to reclaim it.
Between his Origin hopes and Craig Bellamy's high expectations for the 30-year-old, 'Munny' looks set for a massive year in 2025.
What a load of crap, storm halfs r No.1 they have been together 4 years and are AVG as, reno an hunt kill it as a pairing to the storm halfs. Bronx have a betta kicking games and way betta game players. Storm finish 6th Bronx top 2.
I’m always dubious when I see articles like this which compare the _existing_ with the _potential_. Though I understand that if the author didn’t do that then he would have very little to write about !
OK, Reynolds and Hunt are certainly the Oldest pair going around, and they are the most experienced of the players. They should be good. I say “should” because they are two dominant halves who haven’t played together before. It may be a match made in heaven or it may be a fight between the two alpha males.
Hunt seems to be always fit, and Reynolds less so. Mamm will be out for only nine weeks, so – leaving personalities aside – the pairing for greatest continuity would be to play Hunt at 7 and Reynolds/Mamm at 6. I can’t see that happening.
The Wests pairing may have a lot of potential, but if the Wests forwards are not going forward, then maybe Luai and Galvin will look pretty ordinary. Who knows ?
The Storm halves are not as effective as they were a few years back because Munster has been regularly injured, or up and down in form. Notwithstanding, those two have played a lot together and know what each other is likely to do under any circumstances. So, maybe – as a tried and tested combination – they deserve their #1 spot in the article.