Rugby league has produced some extraordinary athletes. With every era, there have been legends and unforgettable moments. From the powerhouse clubs of the past to the modern dynasties, the NRL (and its predecessors) is the product of the players who demonstrated skill, leadership, and passion. Nobody will ever agree on the top 10 players of all time, but here's our attempt. If you feel there are any glaring omissions, let us know in the comments!
1. Andrew Johns
Kicking precision, creativity, and control helped the Newcastle Knights win two premierships. He inspired countless young halves across Australia. He transformed how the game was played and led club and country with his skill. He was a coach at New Zealand Warriors for a year.
From the early days of the NSWRL to the global NRL era, each generation has produced players who changed the way rugby league is played. Clubs like the Sydney Roosters, Brisbane Broncos, and Melbourne Storm built dynasties around these icons.
Whether it’s the power of Queensland’s forwards or the creativity of Penrith’s halves, the league’s history is filled with athletes who mastered the balance between skill, speed, and strategy. These all-time greats didn’t just win grand finals; they defined eras, inspired fans across Australia and New Zealand. They raised the standard for every player who followed.
2. Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith's career set the bar for longevity. Nearly two decades of professionalism, vision, game management, and leadership. He guided his club to several premierships. With over 400 matches played, there won't be many who come close to playing as much as he did in the NRL. Cameron Smith's lucrative contract of approximately $1.1m per year would have put him among 2025's highest-paid NRL players.
NRL games, the most in league history.
3. Darren Lockyer
The ultimate team leader, Darren Lockyer, shifted from fullback to five-eighth and became one of Brisbane's greatest captains. His flair and composure helped his team win four premierships. His play shaped how modern playmakers operate.
4. Johnathan Thurston
Johnathan Thurston was known for being a competitor and entertainer in the NRL. He never gave up and brought his teams many match-winning moments. His creativity, kicking accuracy, and leadership made him one of the most respected figures in the sport. Nathan Cleary, one of the best NRL players right now, is often compared to Thurston and might make his way into this list one day.
Becoming one of the best NRL players of all time takes more than natural talent. It requires leadership, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure. Legendary names like Andrew Johns, Darren Lockyer, and Johnathan Thurston combined intelligence with creativity, helping their teams dominate in finals and State of Origin contests. Across decades, these players mastered defence, kicking accuracy, and decision-making; skills that remain benchmarks for rising stars in clubs from Queensland to Sydney.
5. Wally Lewis
Nicknamed the "King of Origin", Wally Lewis brought fierce leadership and tactical brilliance, defining an era of rugby in the process. Inspiring the generations that followed, his passion for his state and club is hard to match. He was one of the most influential captains in league history.
State of Origin series wins, cementing his place among rugby league’s immortals.
6. Billy Slater
Thanks to his speed, timing, and attacking awareness, Billy Slater revolutionised the fullback position. He was a key part of the Melbourne Storm dynasty, helping the club to multiple premierships. Thanks to his partnership with Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk, he changed the way modern rugby league is played.
7. Mal Meninga
An inspirational leader for Canberra and Australia, Mal Meninga was a powerhouse centre for Canberra and Australia. Strength, consistency, and leadership in spades, he was a cornerstone of the Raiders' success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He's now Australia's national coach and an ambassador for the sport. Meninga is of partial Polynesian heritage, but if you're wondering why we haven't included any Māori players, it's because they have their own dedicated article.
8. Arthur Beetson
Arthur Beetson was a trailblazer who opened doors for Indigenous Australian rugby players. He captained Australia and became one of the first true icons of the modern game. Beyond the game, he shaped the culture of rugby league in Queensland and Sydney.
While the early greats like Arthur Beetson and Mal Meninga laid the foundations, modern legends such as Greg Inglis, Billy Slater, and Brad Fittler have carried that spirit into a faster, more global game. With NRL clubs expanding their reach across Australia and New Zealand, these players have influenced generations through coaching, commentary, and community work. Their contribution ensures the NRL's heritage remains strong; bridging the gap between past and present while celebrating the passion of fans from Brisbane to Canterbury and beyond.
9. Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis combined speed, strength, and skill. A grand final hero for South Sydney and a mainstay for Queensland, his versatility in any position made him dangerous. Just watch his highlights to see what we mean.
10. Brad Fittler
Brad Fittler led both Penrith and the Roosters to premierships. He also captained Australia. Poise, leadership, and adaptability were the qualities that made him one of the game's most reliable stars during the 1990s and early 2000s. He's not a coach and commentator.
| Player | Club(s) | Position(s) | Career Span | Premierships | Major Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Johns | Newcastle Knights | Halfback / Five-Eighth | 1993–2007 | 2 (1997, 2001) | 3× Dally M, Clive Churchill Medal, Rugby League Immortal |
| Cameron Smith | Melbourne Storm | Hooker | 2002–2021 | 3 (2012, 2017, 2020) | 2× Dally M, 2× Golden Boot, Rugby League Immortal |
| Darren Lockyer | Brisbane Broncos | Fullback / Five-Eighth | 1995–2011 | 4 (1997, 1998, 2000, 2006) | Golden Boot, Clive Churchill Medal, Australian Captain |
| Johnathan Thurston | Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs; North Queensland Cowboys | Halfback / Five-Eighth | 2002–2018 | 1 (2015) | 4× Dally M, 2× Golden Boot, Clive Churchill Medal |
| Wally Lewis | Wynnum-Manly Seagulls (BRL); Brisbane Broncos | Five-Eighth | 1978–1992 | 0 (Pre-NRL era champion) | Golden Boot, Rugby League Immortal, QLD Captain |
| Billy Slater | Melbourne Storm | Fullback | 2003–2018 | 2 (2012, 2017) | 2× Clive Churchill Medals, Golden Boot Winner |
| Mal Meninga | Canberra Raiders | Centre | 1979–1994 | 3 (1989, 1990, 1994) | Rugby League Immortal, Australia Captain |
| Arthur Beetson | Balmain Tigers; Eastern Suburbs; Parramatta Eels | Prop Forward | 1966–1981 | 2 (1974, 1975) | Rugby League Immortal, First Indigenous Captain |
| Greg Inglis | Melbourne Storm; South Sydney Rabbitohs | Fullback / Centre | 2005–2019 | 1 (2014) | Golden Boot Winner, Clive Churchill Medalist |
| Brad Fittler | Penrith Panthers; Sydney Roosters | Five-Eighth / Centre | 1989–2004 | 2 (1991, 2002) | Golden Boot Winner, Australian Captain |
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