Top 10 NRL Veterans of 2017

The NRL features a number of players that continue to excel despite playing against younger opposition. These men are all over the age of 30, have played more than 200 NRL games and yet they are still some of the best the competition has to offer. Jason Nightingale [caption id="attachment_28175" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 12: Jason Nightingale of the Dragons looks dejected after a Bulldogs try during the round 14 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on June 12, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)[/caption] St George Illawarra Dragons The Dragons veteran winger had an excellent season in 2017. Jason Nightingale finished the season with 16 tries, the most for the club, and had 15 line breaks in one of his best seasons to date. Peter Wallace [caption id="attachment_29337" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 15: Peter Wallace of the Panthers passes the ball during the NRL Semi Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on September 15, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/Getty Images)[/caption] Penrith Panthers The move to hooker proved a good one for Peter Wallace, who was set to make a State of Origin return had he not been injured. Despite missing a number of games the Penrith Panthers No. 9 still made over 600 tackles and provided quality service throughout the season. Gavin Cooper [caption id="attachment_27559" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Gavin Cooper of the Cowboys looks on during the round seven NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the North Queensland Cowboys at WIN Stadium on April 15, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Matt Blyth/Getty Images)[/caption] North Queensland Cowboys Gavin Cooper earned a Queensland Origin recall in 2017 due to his consistent work rate and great attitude. He has captained the North Queensland Cowboys well this year and helped to lead them much further into the competition than anyone could have expected. Simon Mannering [caption id="attachment_25396" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 20: Simon Mannering of the Warriors looks on after losing the round three NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and the Melbourne Storm at Mt Smart Stadium on March 20, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)[/caption] New Zealand Warriors Simon Mannering continues to give his all in a side that is below par. Mannering finished the 2017 season with 2600+ running metres, over 300 hit ups and was just short of 1000 total tackles. Luke Lewis [caption id="attachment_28365" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JULY 01: Luke Lewis of the Sharks in action during the round 17 NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Cronulla Sharks at Central Coast Stadium on July 1, 2017 in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla Sharks Luke Lewis has not slowed down in 2017, his 7 line breaks and more than 550 tackles proving his all-round skill. He remains one of the most consistent second rowers in the game and always puts in 100%. Michael Gordon [caption id="attachment_28239" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MAY 28: Michael Gordon of the Roosters makes a line break during the round 12 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Sydney Roosters at GIO Stadium on May 28, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Sydney Roosters Michael Gordon has been impressive at the Sydney Roosters in 2017. He has helped the Roosters reach second on the ladder with continual good performances, and has been one of the better fullbacks in 2017. Cooper Cronk [caption id="attachment_26224" align="aligncenter" width="2520"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 27: Cooper Cronk stretches during the Melbourne Storm NRL training session at Gosch's Paddock on February 27, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Prezioso/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Cooper Cronk is one of the most consistent halves in the NRL and has continued playing great football in 2017. Continually puts in great performances for his club side and at representative level. Billy Slater [caption id="attachment_26339" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Billy Slater of the Storm runs the ball during the round seven NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Melbourne Storm at Lottoland on April 15, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm Billy Slater’s NRL return in 2017 has been nothing short of terrific. The champion fullback has scored 7 tries, made 12 linebreaks and recorded 16 try assists. Slater even earned an Origin recall, showing he is one of the greatest of all time. Paul Gallen [caption id="attachment_27572" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 29: Paul Gallen of the Sharks looks on during the round nine NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Cronulla Sharks at Leichhardt Oval on April 29, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)[/caption] Cronulla Sharks Paul Gallen has been terrific for the Cronulla Sharks since he retired from State of Origin football. He recorded a whopping 4000+ running metres from over 440 hit-ups to go along with 750 tackles. Gallen has proven that he can easily play on in the top level in 2018. Cameron Smith [caption id="attachment_28395" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Cameron Smith of the Storm kicks ahead during the round 20 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Melbourne Storm at GIO Stadium on July 22, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Melbourne Storm The Melbourne, Queensland and Australia captain passed Darren Lockyer for most premiership games played this season and is still performing at an extremely high level. Cameron Smith is one of the best players of all time and has proven his class once again this season.