The role of the five-eighth is fun!
They play a hybrid attacking game of a fullback mixed with the halfback. Throw in the movement of a centre and often the defensive work of a second rower.
2025 produced some magnificent efforts in the number six. We are here today to try and rank those.
This was the most difficult position to rank. Fletcher Sharpe was on track until his injury. Huge Savala was dropped more than once. Luke Brooks had some great heights and some horror lows.
Again, this is a list of the best ten performers for 2025 only. This isn't a list of the top five-eighths outright.
With that said, below are the top 10 five-eighths for the 2025 season:
1. Ethan Strange
Ethan Strange was the revelation of 2025. The jump he made this year was the main factor in the Raiders run to the Minor Premiership.
His 24 games produced 14 tries, 12 try assists, eight line-break assists, 17 line-breaks, 75 run metres per game and a tackle percentage of over 87%.
It's a shame Strange won't play for the Kangaroos as his form this year certainly warranted it. He'll be in the Origin discussion next year.
As a Sharks fan I'm not going to cry too many tears but his being ruled out for the Semi Final was the moment I knew Cronulla would advance.
The Raiders' highlights video for 2025 is a must-watch. It's one that features Strange regularly. What a season!
I share your uncertainty as to how to classify Ben Hunt. To me, he’s simply the ultimate utility player. If his team needs him to play 6, he’ll play 6 – or 7 or 9, and he probably has the skill to play 1 if he ever ended up at club that needed a replacement full-back for the weekend.
Trindall at 3 ? Hmmm. No. I see him as a 7 rather than a 6 but whilst Nicho is on the big money and is the face of the club, Nicho gets to wear the 7 if that’s what he wants, even though I think 6 is his natural spot.