While the 2018 season has featured fewer rookies than many previous years, there have been a number of standout players. These 10 rookies have been the best of the 2018 season.

4. Brandon Smith (Storm)

Though he is known as a hooker, Brandon Smith has been a strong performer off the bench for the Storm. Smith is willing to take tough runs and is a quality defender, as most hookers are.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Brandon Smith of the Storm runs with the ball during the round 13 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Newcastle Knights at AAMI Park on June 2, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)