NRL second rowers don't receive anywhere near the accolades they deserve.

Their role dictates they're not going to record the massive run metres of their middle forward counterparts.

They don't have the line-breaks of the centres, or the attacking stats of the halves they spend their time protecting.

We are here today to celebrate and rank the best in the second row position.

The class on show across the competition really is emphasised by the names who do not make this list.

Sharks and international second rower Briton Nikora wasn't even shortlisted. Injury robbed us of a Haumole Olakau'atu entry.

As per the other lists, this is based purely on 2025 performance. It isn't just a blanket best second rower in the competition list.

With that said, below are the top ten second rowers from the 2025 season:

Honourable Mentions: Zac Hosking & Kulikefu Finefeuiaki

3. Viliame Kikau

The Bulldogs are oh so blessed with second row talent with Viliame Kikau joining teammate Jacob Preston as one of 2025's elite performers.

Kikau was absolutely devastating all season. He was one of very few who didn't really feel the pinch of the infamous Dogs form drop.

His 22 games saw him cross for six tries, make five-breaks, assist nine line-breaks, produce 61 offloads, run for over 100 metres per game and tackle at just shy of 90%.

It was a shame Kikau could not represent Fiji in the Pacific Championships as he is one of the game's biggest stars.

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