The three most important players at every NRL club in 2026

With the NRL season well and truly underway, and the competition heating up, it is time to look at who are the three most important players at every club around the competition. From players who are Origin stars and in form, to others who have missed the mark this year but still hold the keys to their entire team's operation, these are the players your team can simply not perform without. Brisbane Broncos Reece Walsh Walsh single-handedly won the 2025 premiership for the Broncos and is the man most likely to break them out of their form slump which now stands at eight straight losses. Walsh is electric, has a motor on him and can change a game at a snap of his fingers. Reece Walsh is the most important player for the Brisbane Broncos based on his talent, and highlights. Payne Haas Haas is an absolute weapon, no matter if playing for the Broncos or the Blues. For a big man, Haas has a lot of footy skill, he can pass, kick, and has considerable speed for a front rower. The most impressive thing about Haas and what makes him a crucial cog in this Broncos team is his determination and resilience. Haas can go and go for extended periods of time, playing the game at a fast and aggressive pace. Patrick Carrigan Carrigan is one of the most important cogs in the Brisbane Broncos machine. In attack he is sublime and in defence he is a wall. Carrigan is arguably one of the most important players for the Broncos based on his work rate, his quality of game and his footy IQ. Canberra Raiders Hudson Young The representative second-rower is the clubs most important player, with speed, size, and an offload, Young can change a game at the drop of a hat. Not only does Young bring experience, but he also brings mongrel and grit in the back row. Ethan Strange The young five-eighth has really come of age, representing his state this season. Ethan Strange is an off the cuff, running playmaker that can take a game from zero to a hundred. Strange possesses a great kicking game, elite passing game, and a sidestep to cut the ankles of many a defender. Kaeo Weekes Kaeo Weekes is an exciting, energetic, and talented player to watch and the Canberra Raiders gain a boost everytime he takes the field. Weekes is fast, electric and can score from anywhere on the park. Kaeo Weekes is one of the most important players in this Canberra Raiders lineup. Canterbury Bulldogs Stephen Crichton Critta is the lifeblood of the Bulldogs and although he may not be the flashiest or most skilful player, he is seen as the clubs “spiritual leader.” Crichton leads on and off the field and when he is absent from the team, his lack of presence is highly felt. Moving into a role in the halves, the Origin player has become even more important to this club. Matt Burton Leading into this season, Burton was the most important player in the Bulldogs squad however, a few positional changes and lacklustre team performances have brought a damper to Burton's game. When the team is up, Burton is on and becomes an integral part of this side - a real danger for opponents. Matt Burton is still important to the Bulldogs and will continue to prove his skill and ability throughout his career. Lachlan Galvin The much-maligned half is a man on a mission in 2026. Galvin has been playing out of his skin and has gained a newfound lease on life as he becomes the Bulldogs hopes of making the top 8. Galvin has a fantastic running game and is starting to become one of the most important players in the Bulldogs squad. Cronulla Sharks Braydon Trindall When Trindall plays without his halves partner in Nicho Hynes, the Sharks seem to be better off. Trindall is vital to the Sharks success and has become one of the most important players within the squad. With a great running game and a kicking game to match, Trindall is taking this competition by storm and proving his value to this Cronulla side. Nicho Hynes Hynes epitomises what it means to be a Shark. He works hard, plays harder and has the backing of the entire club. Nicho is great when it comes to controlling this side and knows the right plays and the right direction to steer this team. Although at time Hynes can be overbearing for his playmaking partners, there is no doubt he is a quality player who offers more value than less. Blayke Brailey Brailey has really come of age the past two seasons. The hooker is extremely integral to this Sharks side and is great at getting the team on the front foot and in a position to attack the oppositions line. When it comes to crafty hookers, few come close to the level Brailey is at. Brailey can create something from nothing and has become highly significant to the Cronulla Sharks. Dolphins Isaiya Katoa Katoa is going to be something special in rugby league - the kid can play. Katoa has become the most important player to the Dolphins in their brief history and is consistently improving his craft. When it comes to quality playmakers, Katoa is moving himself into a status among the greats of this generation and the comparisons with legends of the game are beginning. Herbie Farnworth There are none greater in the modern game than Herbie when it comes to elite centres. The way in which Farnworth has improved his game and become one of the most valuable assets to this Dolphins outfit is incredible. Farnworth is a threat anywhere on the field and whether he's running on the left or out the back to the right, Herbie can score anywhere. The value that Herbie brings to this Dolphins outfit is second to none and he will go down as one of the best centres all time. Jamayne Isaako When it comes to wingers, they are skillful players who do their job of scoring tries but can be replaced quite easily. Isaako is not that winger and adds extreme value to this Dolphins team. Not only is Jamayne and incredible finisher when scoring tries but he is an elite goal kicker too. Gold Coast Titans Tino Fa'asuamaleaui Club captain Fa'asuamaleaui is the heart of the Gold Coast Titans, and as the leader on and off the field, he becomes the most important player in this team. Tino leads from the front and is building a winning culture at the Gold Coast. Jayden Campbell A fantastic player who in his own right has really come of age since his time in the halves for the Titans. Campbell is the Gold Coast and is the man that can turn a game in his sides favour. Whether using his boot or through some elite cutout passes, Campbell is always looking to get his side on the front foot. Keano Kini The electric fullback is exciting to watch and lightning fast when in space. Kini bleeds the turquoise and gold as he puts in 110% effort everytime he plays. Kini is becoming one of the most important players for the Titans and is already highly popular with fans. His ceiling is huge and it is only up from here. Manly Warringah Sea Eagles Tom Trbojevic Fullback and captain, Tom Trbojevic is one of the most important players for this Manly outfit and within the NRL. A talented player who possesses so much skill and ability - unfortunately, injuries have been the Achilles Heel over the past few seasons. When fit and firing, few can stop Turbo as he can score, set up tries and turn a loss into a win for the Sea Eagles. Jamal Fogarty The new man at Manly, filling the massive shoes of Daly Cherry-Evans, has made his mark within this squad. Fogarty has brought experience and a refreshing outlook for this side, making it his own. When Jamal is on his game, Manly are flourishing and Fogarty has cemented himself as one of the most significant players for the Manly Sea Eagles. Haumole Olakau'atu If this question had been asked a few years ago, it would have been hard to go past Jake Trbojevic as most important, and even though he still is vital to this side, over the past few seasons Haumole Olakau'atu has become the man at Manly. Olakau'atu has all the ability, he can pass, bump off four defenders and score for fun, while also being a tackling machine. With the trajectory that he is on, Haumole could be considered a great when the time comes. Melbourne Storm Harry Grant Hookers have always been highly regarded at the Melbourne Storm, and somehow the Storm keep churning out these absolute weapons. Harry Grant is no exception and has cemented himself as the single most important member of the Melbourne Storm team. The Queensland representative is a cunning player who reads the game better than most and his vision to set up a try or create a play is wild. Cameron Munster When the team from Victoria is mentioned, Cameron Munster is included in the same sentence. There are few players in the league that epitomise what it means to be “that club” but Munster is that guy. Munster is the chief playmaker and majority of the decisions go through him. Munster is highly regarded at the Melbourne Storm. Sua Fa'alogo One of, if not the most exciting player to watch currently within the game of rugby league. Sua is a freak, who can do things that many cannot. His electric running game is combined with an elite vision when attacking the try line. Fa'alogo has made himself undeniable in this Storm side and is consistently one of the first picked. Being young, the ceiling is so high for Sua, who knows where he could end up. Newcastle Knights Kalyn Ponga Ponga is the Newcastle Knights' most important player; the fact of the matter is that Ponga bleeds red and blue and tries his heart out for the Newcastle club. Ponga's ability to cut defenders down and destroy them in attack has made him a vital cog in a once well-oiled machine. Kalyn is their leader and continues to light up McDonald Jones Stadium whenever available. Jacob Saifiti This one is an interesting take and one that many fans alike do not agree with, but Jacob Saifiti is extremely important to this Knights outfit. Leading from the front, Saifiti runs hard, tackles harder and adds some much needed grunt. Saifiti brings experience and power, two things that are hard to find these days and he has become very important to the Newcastle Knights. Dylan Brown The 13-million-dollar man was much maligned coming to the Newcastle Knights in 2026 however, with a few games under his belt now, Brown has become an important vessel for the Knights. Brown is the halfback and the chief playmaker and with that position comes scrutiny. Brown has handled this scrutiny well and is playing with so much free will, which is great to see. Brown has become vital for the Newcastle Knights and will continue to prove his worth. The Warriors James Fisher-Harris Fisher-Harris comes with lots of experience having won 4 comps with the Penrith Panthers before returning home to New Zealand. The prop has become the first player selected each week and leads by example. If Fish does not do it, he does not expect anyone else too. Fisher-Harris is the last one at training and works the hardest on and off the field. A true inspiration to the young players around him. Erin Clark Clark has been incredible player for the Warriors since his time there. Clark is highly versatile but has found a home at lock where he has really made the position his own. Erin Clark is vital to the way the Warriors attack opposition trylines and is a solid defender. Tanah Boyd/Te Marie Martin A double one here for the Wahs, Tanah Boyd has been a shining light for the Warriors at the start of the 2026 season and was one of the most in-form players of the competition. Before Boyd succumbed to injury he looked on track for a Dally M. Te Marie Martin has stepped into that role very well without missing a beat and has done the halfback jumper proud. North Queensland Cowboys Tom Dearden Although currently injured, Tom Dearden is the most important player at the Cowboys. He is vital in attack, with a potent passing game and elite kicking game. Dearden is also the captain and has really thrust himself into North Queensland “great” status. Jake Clifford has done an incredible job in the absence of Dearden and would be on this list if speaking only about 2026. Scott Drinkwater Drinkwater almost plays like a second playmaker, grabbing the ball in space, spreading it wide and kicking if needed. Drinkwater has become an important part of the Cowboys system and his ability to turn a game has been a welcome addition. He can have plenty of rocks and diamonds moments and when he is not delivering it is hard to imagine he is in this conversation, but it is his diamond moments that outweigh the bad. Drinkwater brings tons of value to this Cows side. Jason Taumalolo Over the past few seasons, Taumalolo's form has dipped and there's no disputing that he hasn't been at the heights that saw him win a Dally M but the fact is “JT” has become so important to the Cowboys that he is still one of the first players picked week in, week out. Taumalolo has just played 300 games for the club and has an aura about him that makes others want to play and perform for the big man. Parramatta Eels Mitch Moses It has been a tough year for Moses who cannot seem to find much rhythm, but this Eels side is much better with Mitch in the team then without him. Moses possesses a kicking game that has kicked Parra out of trouble many times and is one of the fastest halves in the competition. When it comes to players that can change a game quickly, Mitch is one of the best in the business. As the captain, Moses also becomes vital for the Eels. Josh Addo-Carr The Fox is still one of the fastest men in the competition and it is incredible to watch him in full flight. Although in a bit of a try-scoring drought as of late, Addo-Carr is a senior player of this club that brings tons of experience and great camaraderie to the Eels. Fox leads this team off the field with his fun and loving nature but also trains hard and ensures professionalism within the squad. Dylan Walker A veteran of the sport, Walker brings experience and versatility to any side. Dylan has been huge for the Eels since joining the club and has changed many results that at first looked bleak. Walker's ability to play anywhere on the park makes him super important when coming into a team and for the Eels, he has filled many positions. Walker will be a big loss in 2027. Penrith Panthers Nathan Cleary The greatest halfback in the competition is not only the Panthers most important player, but he is the most important player in the NRL. Cleary is a class above and the skill and attitude he has makes him so valuable. Nathan provides spark to the Panthers, and his vision of the game is a treat to watch. Isaah Yeo One of the most important locks in the game, the way in which Yeo plays rugby league is hard, fast, and full of experience. Yeo provides incredible defence and an added ball player when the Panthers run plays throughout each game. Yeo has shown real class, and the pedigree is there for all to see. Dylan Edwards Edwards might not be the flashiest fullback, or the best attacking one at that, but he is ever consistent and the best defensive fullback in rugby league. What Dylan Edwards brings to the Panthers is the ability to chime in when needed whether it be through his passing skills or running. Edwards often comes off the back of a Nathan Cleary pass to set up his centres or wingers for tries and this makes him so vital to the Panthers. South Sydney Rabbitohs Cameron Murray Murray changed the way locks played rugby league and showed a real difference in playmaking. At the Rabbitohs Cam Murray plays as if he is a second halfback, becoming the link man for many tries. Not only is Murray's attack so important to this side but he has been known to chop down an attacker or two with his defence. The captain of the club and the man others want to play alongside, Murray is the most important for the Rabbitohs. Latrell Mitchell Latrell is currently injured for the Bunnies but there is no denying his class and ability to change a game. When Mitchell gets the ball, magical things happen. The Rabbitohs often spin the ball out to Mitchell's side and let him do whatever he needs to whether it be taking the line on himself or floating a ball out to his winger and leading try-scorer Alex Johnston. Wherever Mitchell plays, he is dangerous and has become hugely popular with the South Sydney faithful. Alex Johnston The all-time leading try-scorer in NRL history is one of the most important players for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Without Johnston in this side, the Bunnies would have a lot less tries to their club's name. Johnston does not just score tries from ten metres out but often scores on his own from well inside his half. Johnston is a legend of the game and continues to get better year after year. St George Illawarra Dragons Clint Gutherson Gutho comes with an incredible resume and has been an elite fullback of the competition for many years. Since joining the Saints, Gutherson has not been at the peak of his powers and has slowed down a lot, as he approached the back end of his career, but what he adds off the field is extreme value. Gutherson leads with his ability to get the most out of his players and tries his guts out every game even if the results do not show it. Damien Cook Cookie has been a fantastic player over a lengthy period and since joining the Dragons has become vital to them winning games. Cook brings speed and experience to this side which is invaluable in this competition. As a co-captain, Cook leads through actions and is a tackling machine. His speed has dropped off over the past few years but with that loss Cook has become crafty and found other ways to get the most out of his position. Toby Couchman The future of the Dragons is the Couchman brothers and although still young, Toby Couchman has made this Dragons side better with every game he plays. Couchman tackles his butt off each match, is strong in attack and can provide a sneaky offload or two. Toby Couchman will be a future captain of this club and lead them to great things. Sydney Roosters James Tedesco The lifeblood of the Sydney Roosters, James Tedesco gets better with age. Tedesco is so elusive when running through tired forwards and has become a great third receiver setting up multiple tries. The reigning Dally M medalist, Teddy is so strong in attack and safe as houses under the high ball. Tedesco is the most important player of the Sydney Roosters. Sam Walker Walker has changed his game over the past few seasons since coming into first grade. Walker used to be quite erratic and struggled a lot with his decision making at halfback. Fast forward five years and Sam Walker has become an extremely important player for the Roosters. Walker not only plays incredible ad lib football but can score tries at will, set up tries for fun and has one of the best short kicking games in the competition. State of Origin has made Walker's game even better and has elevated him from a good halfback to a great one. Mark Nawaqanitawase Few players can do what Marky Mark can, the guy is a freak who can score tries from 20 metres out, running down the sideline and flicking the ball back in. Over his two seasons of rugby league, Nawaqanitawase has scored some incredible tries. When Mark does not play the Roosters do not often win, that is how important he has become, Wests Tigers Adam Doueihi Adam Doueihi has become somewhat of a must have when picking the Tigers team each week. When Doueihi was out, the Tigers struggled to attack and it's clear to see how much attack Doueihi provides. Doueihi is stamping his mark in this Tigers team, and he relishes the power to lead this side at halfback. Jarome Luai Luai comes with experience and a level head that was required for this young Tigers squad. Luai has added valuable ability and playmaking that allows other players to play off the back. When the half enters a room he lights it up and inspires those around him which is a particularly important skill to have in any football side. Alex Twal Twal is the heart of and soul of the Wests Tigers providing power, skill and a thirst for success. Twal lives and breathes this team and works his butt off to make sure the Tigers are in a position to win or at least progress. Although not the flashiest player, Twal brings friendship, a hunger for Rugby League and a desire that cannot be matched.