An unsung hero, every team has got them. They're not flashy and they won't have a massive highlights reel on YouTube for you to watch, but each club can't do without the men listed below.
Though he may not make flashy breaks like Damien Cook, or big body-dumping tackles, make no mistake, Andrew McCullough is the player that makes the Broncos tick.
Heading into his 12th season at Red Hill, McCullough has been the model of consistency for the Broncos over the years. Having finally been rewarded for his dependable form with a State of Origin jumper in 2018, following this and playing through various injuries last season, McCullough is set to take his game to another level in 2019.
The 29-year-old is a metronome for the Broncos, registering impressive numbers of 42 tackles per game (9th in the NRL) at an efficiency of 93.5%, whilst being ranked 6th in the NRL for total receipts. McCullough is Cameron Smith like in the way that he will provide regularly quality service to his halves, and although he doesn’t run much when he does snipe around the ruck, he makes it count.
McCullough is the man every team needs, not flashy or flamboyant, but he leads by example and does the jobs no one else wants to. With his increased involvement in the Broncos leadership combined with the arrival of dynamic coach Anthony Seibold, look for McCullough to have a big year for the Broncos.
Having returned to the NRL after a four-year stint with St Helens, Iosia Soliola has more than proven himself to be up to standard in the NRL.
Since moving to Canberra Soliola has been extremely versatile, featuring for the Raiders at prop, lock, second-row, and in the centres.
Having changed his game from being a flashy centre at the Roosters in the late 2000s to a tough no-nonsense middle forward, Soliola puts up respectable numbers of 87.3 running metres per game, as well as 29 tackles per game. Handy statistics for a man who is constantly shifting positions.
One aspect of his game that can’t be quantified is his ability to fold opposition players in half due to his devastating tackling technique. Most notably in round 12 when he snapped an un-suspecting Luke Keary.
Although this may not fall within the realms of the rugby league field it would be wrong not to mention that Soliola appears to be one of the best blokes in the competition. Regularly featuring in feel-good stories spread throughout the papers, such as when he drove a distraught mother through the suburbs of Canberra looking for stolen items, as well as giving her some money to ‘buy the kid’s something’.
A classic no-frills centre, Kerrod Holland is coming off his finest season to date in the NRL having racked up 20 appearances in 2018 under Dean Pay’s tutelage.
He may not be overly big, strong or fast, but that doesn’t take away from the trouble Holland causes opposition players on the edge. In fact, statistically speaking Holland was the most dangerous centre in the NRL for season 2018. Having provided 6 line breaks and 6 line break assists, to average 1.2 line breaks involvements per game, narrowly edging out Blues and Kangaroos superstar Latrell Mitchell who averaged 1.18 from his 24 appearances.
He may not draw the attention of all fan’s but ‘Dutchy’ does the job that is required of him by rookie coach Dean Pay, putting forth respectable number's of 6 tries, 4 assists and 7-line breaks in his breakout 2018 campaign.
A local junior who lives and breathes Cronulla, Jayden Brailey is one of the finest hooking prospects in the competition.
Following in the big footsteps of premiership winner Michael Ennis, the Sharks haven’t missed a beat since the great man’s retirement, and it’s a testament to Brailey that the Sharks have been able to maintain a high level of performance since Ennis hung up the boots.
The local Aquinas Colts junior has also proved himself to be no pushover, having already bounced back from a nasty broken jaw and ear surgery to return to his high standards of performance that he set pre-injury.
Tipped by many as a Sharks captain in waiting, Brailey pulls his load in the team, averaging 30 tackles per game at an impressive efficiency of 92.2%, as well as being ranked 7th in the competition for total receipts last season.
With another NRL pre-season under his belt and the opportunity to put some more size onto his frame, look for Brailey to push for representative honours in the next few years.
Following an early release from his contract at the Bulldogs to return to his home state, Brenko Lee finally showed what all the hype was about in 2018.
Having never struggled in terms of his attacking skillset, an increase in his defensive efforts and fitness levels coincided with a prolonged stay in the Titans starting line-up at the back end of 2018.
Although he may not get the same plaudits as fellow youngsters such as AJ Brimson and Phill Sami, the Logan Brothers junior put out extremely impressive numbers from his 14 games. The former Queensland Under 20s representative averaged an extremely impressive 3.1 tackle breaks and 137 running metres per game, not to mention the 3 tries scored and 6 he laid on for his teammates.
Off the back of some savvy off-season recruitment from the Titans and coach Garth Brennan, netting the likes of promising centre Brian Kelly, look for Lee to take his game to another level in 2019 following these pre-season challenges.
After being released a year early from his Dragons contract on compassionate grounds, second-rower Joel Thompson has displayed exactly why Trent Barrett was so desperate to get him to the peninsula.
Known by former teammates at the Dragons as "the toughest man in the NRL", Thomspon earned this nickname due to having played through multiple injuries, including corks, twice splitting his tongue and also playing on with floating bone’s in his elbow.
Nonetheless, the childhood Sea Eagles fan doesn’t let these ailments influence his high levels of performance. With the Indigenous All Stars representative averaging an impressive 94.4 running meters per game, 25 tackles per game and 7 tries in his debut season for the Silvertails.
The man who is known as 'Goat by his teammates has more than proved to be the hardman the Sea Eagles needed to round out an already impressive forward pack, providing aggression, speed and surprising agility for a man of his size.
He may not possess the speed of Tyson Frizell or the offloading prowess of Villiame Kikau, but Thompson is the tough no-nonsense player that every club requires. A man who for his team would put his head where most wouldn’t even put their feet.
If Craig Bellamy could hand-draw and design a player to suit his needs as a middle forward, it would be Dale Finucane. The former Bulldog is an out and out workhorse, constantly putting in a big shift for his team by leading the defensive line speed through the middle.
The Bega junior is also extremely durable, having missed three games in his first three seasons since switching Belmore for Melbourne.
Having been long touted as an Origin player in waiting following his impressive performances in the City vs. Country clash, Finucane was once again a shining light of consistency for the Storm at lock. Averaging an impressive 30.5 tackles per game with a 90.7% efficiency, and 106.2 running metres per game from 10.2 hit ups.
Heading into the 2019 season, don’t look for much to change for Finucane. He’ll just continue to get on with his work, doing whatever is best for his team with minimal fanfare.
Having switched the glitz and glamour of Bondi for the more laid back Newcastle, Aiden Guerra had one of his finest seasons to date in 2019. Having taken home both the Coaches Award and Gladiator Award at the annual Danny Buderus Medal night.
Guerra was signed by coach Nathan Brown to be a leader for the Knights young and inexperienced forward pack, but he proved to be an asset for his performances not just his leadership in 2018.
Having played every game for the Knights in 2018, Guerra was an absolute workhorse, being equally adept on the edge or in the middle at lock. The Townsville Brothers junior was a rock for the Knights pack, putting up an extremely impressive 40 tackles per game at a 90% efficiency rate, as well as 99 running metres per game.
The former Queensland State of Origin representative has two years remaining on his initial three-year deal with the Knights and will have a big role to play for Nathan Brown in helping his young forward pack transition into the dominant force they have the potential to be.
Scott Bolton is North Queensland to a tee, having been recently inducted as a life member of the Cowboys and being born and raised in Innisfail, there is perhaps no player in the squad that typifies more what the Cowboys are all about.
Having never thrust himself into the limelight or nailed down a starting spot in the Cowboys juggernaut pack, Bolton has proved himself to be a more than capable replacement in the past few years when injuries have struck the likes of Matt Scott and Jordan McLean.
Although they had a rough 2018, the Cowboys have rarely missed a beat when Bolton has slotted into the starting team in place of a more notable teammate. He had another fine season in 2018 despite the struggles of his teammates, averaging 101.8 metres per game as well as 25.68 tackles, impressive numbers for a man heading into his 13th season in the top grade.
With the return of Jordan McLean from injury as well as the recruitment of Origin stalwart Josh McGuire, look for Bolton to play a vital role off the bench for the Cowboys in 2019. With the Innisfail Brothers junior set to be tasked with maintaining the momentum created by their star-laden starting forward pack.
Having been at the Eels since the age of 14, Tepai Moeroa has experienced plenty of ups and downs in his young career out West.
Following his debut as an 18-year old against the Warriors in 2014, Moeroa has steadily built up an impressive rugby league CV. Having already notched up 90 appearances for Parramatta, Moeroa has cemented himself as one of Parramatta’s go to edge players. Thanks to his devastating running lines and impeccable tackling technique.
Having had an interrupted 2018 due to receiving a suspension for a shoulder charge, Moeroa appeared 19 times for the Eels. Recording impressive numbers of 33 tackles per game at a 90% efficiency rate, as well as racking up 86.8 running metres per game from the edge. For context, in Matt Gillett’s last full season prior to his long injury lay-off, he averaged 95 metres per game.
Moeroa is also a key member of the Eels entire defensive unit, as he often leads the team’s defensive line speed due to his penchant for flying out of the line and making bone-crunching tackles.
After the collective disappointment of Parramatta's 2018 season, look for Moeroa and his teammates to go into the new season refreshed and reinvigorated following a big pre-season.
Having largely flown under the radar since his debut in 2014, Isaah Yeo has cemented himself as a mainstay on the Panthers right edge.
The Dubbo Roos junior played his formative years in the centres but has transitioned into a genuine NRL quality back-rower. Putting up impressive numbers of 112 running metres per game, coupled with 31 tackles per game at an efficiency of 92.8%
Yeo has made himself indispensable for Penrith, with the 23-year-old filling in as captain at time throughout 2018 as well as winning the Merv Cartwright Medal as Player of the Year for Penrith.
Another under-rated aspect of Yeo’s play is his defensive capabilities, having often had to increase his workload and cover for the less defensively able James Maloney when defending one in from him on the right edge.
Following the arrival of new coach Ivan Cleary, Yeo will have to prove himself once more and as a result, should take his game to another level in 2019.
After struggling with some early season injuries, youngster Campbell Graham finished 2018 strongly, cementing himself as one of Souths’ first choice wingers.
Having debuted for the Rabbitohs whilst still in high school, the lanky winger has more than proven himself to be of NRL standard, scoring seven tries in 16 appearances in a stop-start 2018 season. He also aided his forwards in getting out of their own half, averaging a noteworthy 113.6 running metres per game.
Graham is also seen as a future leader by the Souths hierarchy, having captained the Australian Schoolboys in 2017 as well as having played all his junior football in the South Sydney competition.
Due to his imposing figure and try scoring prowess, it’s extremely easy to forget that the Coogee Wombats junior is still in his teens. With the arrival of super coach Wayne Bennett to Redfern, look for him to nurture Graham into the representative standard footballer he seems destined to be.
Having joined the Dragons from the Rabbitohs prior to the 2017 season, Cameron McInnes hasn't looked back since shifting to Wollongong.
McInness is vital to the Dragons style of play, regularly playing 80 minutes and putting in equally impressive shifts in attack and defence.
Having duelled with former Souths teammate Damien Cook for the NSW Origin number 9 jersey for much of the early part of the season, this healthy competition allowed McInness to take his game to another level.
In 2018 McInnes put up one of the best seasons by a hooker in recent memory, recording some extraordinary numbers. In his 26 appearances, he was 2nd in the NRL for receipts, laid on 9 try-assists (1st in the NRL for hookers), a 93.5% tackle efficiency (9th in the NRL) and 60.8 running metres per game (2nd in the NRL for hookers).
If it weren't for Damien Cook having the season of his life, McInnes should've seen himself earn an NSW and potentially Kangaroos jumper.
It may seem a bit of a stretch to Call McInnes an 'unsung' hero as he gets his fair share of plaudits, but the reason I've listed him as such because I'm not quite sure that people appreciate just how good he is.
Probably the man most deserving of featuring on this list is Roosters stalwart Mitchell Aubusson. Heading into his 13th season at the tri-colours, Aubusson typifies the professionalism that has seen the Roosters return to the top in recent seasons.
Although he may not be the most physically gifted or imposing, it's the things that can't be expressed in terms of numbers that the Ballina Seagulls junior brings to the table. Most notably his leadership and versatility.
Aubusson is a coach's dream. He will play anywhere that the team requires, from the centres to lock, as long as there's a tangible benefit. He is also a three-time Clubman of the year and is a shining light for the young players coming through the rooster's system in terms of his professionalism and durability. Displayed by the fact that he has averaged 22 games a year over his long 12-year career.
Having been shifted from position to position under coach Trent Robinson in 2018, look for the two-time premiership winner and Roosters Mr. Fix-It to continue his role with minimal fuss and maximum effort in 2019.
Having made a name for himself following a promising debut season in 2016, Tevaga cemented himself as the Warriors X-factor coming off the bench in 2018.
Tevaga featured 20 times for the Warriors in 2018, in which 19 of those appearances came off the bench. Tevaga's role was sharing the hooking duties with Isaac Luke.
Whilst the Samoan international wasn't often afforded big minutes, he made the most of those which he was provided. Tevaga was always a threat for the Warriors around the ruck, averaging 1.65 offloads per game (12th in the NRL), as well as 37 tackles per game at an efficiency of 90.4%.
Although the Burnham Chevaliers junior wasn't rewarded for his consistent form with many starting opportunities, Tevaga was recognised at the Dally M Awards when he received the first-ever Interchange Player of the Year Award.
With Isaac Luke getting no younger and Tevaga displaying he is more than capable at the top level, look for the bench hooker to push Luke for a starting spot in 2019.
Having switched Parramatta for Concord mid-way through 2017, Alex Twal has gone onto cement himself as a vital cog in the Tigers forward rotation.
Tall, strong and surprisingly mobile for a man of his size, Twal had a breakout season in 2018. Featuring 21 times with all but one of those coming off the bench.
Twal’s output makes for impressive reading, clocking up an average of 94 running metres per game from 7.9 hit ups, and also making 27 tackles per game at an efficiency of 95.3%, the highest efficiency of any player in the NRL.
The Parramatta junior is still a baby in front-row terms at 22, with plenty of good years to mature physically and mentally as well as learn more about his game in the coming seasons.
With the arrival of noted harsh taskmaster Michael Maguire at the helm of the Tigers, Twal is set to go into 2019 in the best shape of his life following one of Madge’s trademark pre-seasons from hell.