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.

3. Naufahu Whyte

NRL Rd 7 – Roosters v Panthers
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 19: Naufahu Whyte of the Roosters looks on during the round seven NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Penrith Panthers at Allianz Stadium, on April 19, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Naufahu Whyte played 23 games last season and 23 games this season.

In 2024, he averaged 77 metres, had 46 tackle breaks, and made 810 post-contact metres. In 2025, he averaged 148 metres per game, broke 69 tackles and made 1,520 post-contact metres.

He went from one of the forwards to the pack leader in the space of a season. The way he stepped in after the loss of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves was a thing of beauty.

Whyte's efforts saw him in contention for the Dally M Team of the Year. I would not have begrudge him a spot if he snared one. Amazing stuff.