Managing the salary cap is absolutely crucial when it comes to achieving success in rugby league.
Clubs can't just stack a team with 20 superstars on huge money and watch the wins pile up.
Coaches are paid big dollars to get the most out of players.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of each season is seeing which players develop into stars.
Today I am here to highlight ten such players who achieved that this year. Moreso those who improved in a big way.
Rookies won't be included for obvious reasons. Mark Nawaqanitawase was not considered for this reason.
These are ranked but honestly the difference between them is so small I'd be happy to swap any position, other than the undisputed number one.
Below are the 10 most improved players from the 2025 season:
Honourable Mentions: Jaxon Purdue, Jack Williams & Simi Sasagi.
5. Jye Gray
Jye Gray entered 2025 almost as an afterthought. Ok he might get some game time if injuries stack up.
Following his ridiculous efforts in 2025 Bunnies fans are now calling for a permanent shift to the centres of Latrell Mitchell to ensure Gray continues at fullback.
Gray's stats aren't magnificent but he was Souths best player in an otherwise dire season. If you got paid on effort, Gray would have cleared two million this season.
He legitimately kept Souths in games. He was so spectacular this year that the rebel Rugby Union group are reportedly offering him huge money to switch.
