Power rankings: Six of the best centres in the NRL at present
We look at six of the best centres in the NRL right now.
6: Josh Morris
Even at the age of 33, Morris still looks to show he can make an impact in the league and he did just that when he signed for Cronulla last year.
By the end of the season he finished as the Sharks’ top try scorer with 15 in 23 appearances, showcasing a great deal of production and work rate. Once the 2020 season is up and running again, he will re-join his twin brother Brett at Sydney, giving the Roosters two of the most solid and experienced backs in the league.
5: Kotoni Staggs
In a year in which saw some of Brisbane’s young starlets make a name for themselves, there was the 21-year-old who burst on to the scene alongside the likes of Payne Haas and David Fifita.
The 2019 season proved to be great rookie year to remember for Staggs, after scoring the second most tries throughout the season by a Broncos player with 11 and right now, he remains one of the most exciting young players in the game. Before the 2020 season was suspended, Staggs was living up to the hype once again after scoring four tries in the space of two games.
4: Bronson Xerri
The 19-year-old had a phenomenal rookie year in 2019 and showed the league exactly what he has to offer, with his electric pace, dynamism, and eye for the try-line all on show.
Even in a stacked rookie class he was still probably rather unfortunate not to win Rookie of The Year. The suspension to the 2020 season probably came at a good time for Xerri as it allows him to fully recuperate from a shoulder injury and once it starts up again you can imagine there will be plenty of eyes on the young prodigy going forward.
3: Joey Leilua
The 28-year-old’s big frame and elite ball handling skills continue to make him an imposing force in the league and he was vital part of Canberra’s run to the 2019 NRL Grand Final.
The Samoa international constantly troubles his opposition and connects with his team-mates so well. After signing with the Tigers in time for the 2020 season, the western Sydney club have both Leilua brothers in their midst and it will be interesting what kind of connection and chemistry both Samoan internationals can bring to the club.
2: Joseph Manu
In the last two years, Manu formed a Championship winning centre combination alongside Latrell Mitchell whilst at the Roosters.
The 23-year-old was impressive again in 2019 and was a nightmare for his opponents to deal with as his slick passing and superb offload ability set him apart. Now with no Mitchell, Manu will certainly be called upon to take his game to another level this coming season.
1: Jarrod Croker
As steady and solid a performer as they come, and it is amazing to think he still does not have a New South Wales or Australia appearance to his name.
The 29-year-old narrowly missed out on claiming his first NRL title last year but again his leadership, work rate and ability to perform the fundamentals to perfection possibly make him the best centre in the league today.
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