In a year with many constants; Penrith Panthers' continued dominance, a third-consecutive wooden spoon for the Wests Tigers, and the exit of yet another Blues coach, there were also plenty of plot twists.
This season saw the resurgence of many veteran players, as well as the rise of some younger footballers who finally hit their potential. Five players stood out in particular, elevating their game to heights many didn't see coming.
With some players fighting tooth and nail for a new contract, and others getting the opportunity to shine in fresh circumstances, it's safe to say that these players will all be mainstays in their respective clubs for years to come.
11. Zac Lomax (St George Illawarra Dragons)
It's difficult to find a more improved player in recent years than Parramatta Eels' newest recruit, Zac Lomax.
A player who fans often wondered would ever reach his potential, a positional and coaching change helped him to surpass what we all thought was possible for the high-flying outside back.
Much to St George Illawarra Dragons fan's dismay, it was in Lomax's final season with the club that his form sky-rocketed.
Lomax revealed to Triple M earlier in the year that he had been planning his exit for a while and just wanted to focus on his footy, stating "I just try and keep my head down and train as hard as I can."
The 25-year-old earned a debut in the sky-blue in this year's Origin series, where he scored three tries and eight goals in his three games with the Blues.
He was also called up to play for the Kangaroos in the 2024 Pacific Championships, where he racked up two tries in three games.
Eels fans will be eagerly awaiting round one next year to see Lomax in action, in hopes he can replicate the career-best form he showcased.
He scored 186 points for the Dragons, the seventh-most in the NRL, and claimed 14 tries and 63 goals in his 21 regular season appearances.
That’s one of the most interesting articles I have read recently.
If you had asked me to name one of the five “most improved” I might have picked Lomax, but until you pointed out what the others had done, I would not have considered any of them.