It’s undoubtedly true that every successful NRL side has a strong spine - the spine players inject creativity, guidance and structure, and touch the ball more than any other player on the field.
The fullback, halfback, five-eighth and hooker control all of the action, direct traffic and are normally the best players on the park, receiving much of the credit when things go right, but equally much of the backlash when things go wrong.
In recent years, the NRL has been blessed with some of the greatest ever spine talent, with Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk, Billy Slater, Johnathan Thurston, Jake Friend (to name a few) as well as current megastars Nathan Cleary, James Tedesco and Daly Cherry-Evans.
With 2022 set to be as fast, physical and competitive as ever, the sides with the best spines will continue to blow bottom sides out of the water.
Remembering that this is a ranking of spines rather than a ladder prediction, here is how we view each of the club's best spine options for 2022.
8. (9) Brisbane Broncos
Jamayne Isaako, Tyson Gamble, Adam Reynolds, Jake Turpin
Everything hinges on Adam Reynolds. The ultimate professional enters the next stage in his already illustrious career with a big job to do.
The unfortunate injury of Tesi Niu will see Jamayne Isaako or Selwyn Cobbo slide into the fullback role, with Tyson Gamble’s tough defence at five-eighth a good fit for Reynolds.
Jake Turpin has improved as a rake, however, realistically, he doesn’t need to do too much to feed the Broncos’ monster pack with Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan. If Reynolds can take charge and manage this Broncos side strongly, the Broncos are still a chance of making the top eight despite their horror last two years.
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