The 2018 season has once again seen a number of players light up the competition. These 10 players have managed to defy most expectations and excel throughout the year. No rookies were included on the list.

5. Benji Marshall

After a rocky 2017 season many NRL viewers thought that Benji Marshall’s career was all but finished. However, Marshall has had a major career revival in 2018, taking the Tigers to within a few wins of finals return. The famous five-eighth has been so good that the Tigers resigned him for another season.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 17: Benji Marshall of the Tigers runs with the ball during the round two NRL match between the Melbourne Storm and the Wests Tigers at AAMI Park on March 17, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)