Just like the teams they play for, every year players move forward, and some move backwards.
Whether it be their form, their ladder position, every season is a year of fluctuations. So while some players reach the end of the line or hit a rough form patch, others breakout and enjoy career-best years, catch the eyes of fans and coaches alike.
While some sides struggled, even the worst sides had players on the up, whether it be a rookie growing into themselves, or an established star reaching a new level, every club had a player that got better this season.
Joey Manu was already one of the best centres in the comp, how can he be most improved?'
Because people weren't discussing Manu as the NRL's best player last season.
Joey has shot up the rungs this season, especially when playing in the spine as he will for the Kiwis, dominating performances in a way we've never seen Manu do before. He was already close to if not the best centre in the game last season.
Both Ben Dobbin and Brian Fletcher has floated Manu as the NRL's best over the past few weeks, and it's not hard to see why.
