Top 10 Unexpected Stars in 2017

Each year in the NRL there are a number of superstars we expect to dominate the competition. However new players we don’t expect, always stand up and light up the premiership. Whether though a transfer, return from injury or just a new lease on life, these 10 men defied most viewers’ expectations in 2017. Curtis Sironen [caption id="attachment_28874" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Curtis Sironen of the Sea Eagles runs with the ball during the round five NRL match between the Sydney Roosters and the Manly Sea Eagles at Allianz Stadium on March 31, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Curtis Sironen played 65 games for the West Tigers between 2012 and 2016 but the second rower has really impressed in his first year at the Sea Eagles. The change of clubs has done Sironen well, and he has had his best season to date, despite being injured in Round 16. With a return from injury expected in Round 26 the Sea Eagles will be bolstered heading into the finals series. Cameron McInnes [caption id="attachment_28875" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Cameron McInnes of the Dragons in action during the round 19 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the St George Illawarra Dragons at GIO Stadium on July 14, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] A fringe first grader at the South Sydney, Cameron McInnes played 39 games for the Rabbitohs before moving to the Dragons in 2017. The hooker has been an incredible buy for the Saints, who scrapped long term No. 9 Mitch Rein after a horror 2016. McInnes currently leads the tackles for the competition with more than 1050 and has played more minutes than anyone else in the NRL this season. This much-improved star has shined since he made the switch to the Red V and could be in the NSW Origin conversation next year. Anthony Don [caption id="attachment_28876" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Anthony Don of the Titans scores a try during the round 10 NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on May 13, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Anthony Don has been one of few bright spots for the Titans this year. In a team that has struggled all year and currently sits in 14th position on the ladder, Don has scored nearly as many tries as he did last season. Don’s aerial skills have impressed spectators once again this season and he only seems to be getting more skilful on the wing. Korbin Sims [caption id="attachment_28229" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 01: Korbin Sims lines up for a run during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session on March 1, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)[/caption] Korbin Sims has been consistently good for the Brisbane Broncos in 2017. Slotting in up front alongside Adam Blair, Sims has been a pivotal part of a strong side. Developing his game in all areas this year Sims would be a valuable player in any side. Josh Addo-Carr [caption id="attachment_27893" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Josh Addo-Carr of the Melbourne Storm runs with the ball during the round eight NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the New Zealand Warriors at AAMI Park on April 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)[/caption] Josh Addo-Carr has taken his game to the next level since moving from the West Tigers to the Melbourne Storm. He appeared for the Tigers in nine NRL games last season and despite being named NSW Cup winger of the year, he was allowed to leave the club. The man they call “The Fox” has greatly benefitted from the Storm’s style of play, scoring 16 tries and making 19 line breaks so far this season. Addo-Carr even impressed so much that he earned a NSW City representative side jersey. Jarrod Wallace [caption id="attachment_27774" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Jarrod Wallace of the Titans looks dejected during the round six NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Canberra Raiders at Cbus Super Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/Getty Images)[/caption] Jarrod Wallace has had an outstanding 2017. With over 2700 running metres to go along with 300+ hit ups and 650+ tackles, Wallace has played his heart out in an underperforming team. He even earned a Queensland selection for games two and three thanks to his performances. Luke Keary [caption id="attachment_26353" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Luke Keary of the Roosters passes during the round four NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on March 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Many criticised Trent Robinson’s decision to bring Luke Keary to the Sydney Roosters but the decision has paid dividends. Keary has turned his career around at the Roosters and some even called for the No. 6 to represent NSW this year. Paul Vaughan [caption id="attachment_28397" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Paul Vaughan of the Dragons looks to pass during the round 20 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Manly Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium on July 23, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)[/caption] Let go from the Raiders last season, Paul Vaughan has been the standout prop in the NRL this year. Vaughan has scored seven tries and run for over 3000 metres for the Dragons in 2017. Vaughan was widely tipped to play for NSW this year and will likely make the team in 2018. Angus Crichton [caption id="attachment_27892" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Angus Crichton of the Rabbitohs takes on the defence during the round ten NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium on May 12, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)[/caption] Angus Crichton played only eight games for the Rabbitohs in 2016 so seeing him become one of the competition’s best second row forwards in 2017 was something few expected. Crichton has made more than 2500 running metres and over 650 tackles in just his second season in the NRL and is on his way to representative honours. Clinton Gutherson [caption id="attachment_28399" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Clint Gutherson of the Eels runs the ball during the round 20 NRL match between the Wests Tigers and the Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium on July 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)[/caption] Clinton Gutherson has been a force for the Eels in 2017. The versatile back can play anywhere required in the backline and is arguable the Eels best player. While he was good last year, 2017 has seen Gutherson establish himself as a superstar and one of the best offensive players in the game.