NRL Underrated Team of the Season so far

Photo: Zero Tackle

1. Scott Drinkwater

Will be a big loss for the Cowboys and a big gain for the Dragons next season, Drinkwater has been performing yet again. With 14 try assists and 7 tries already this season, his efforts in attack have been top quality.

2. Setu Tu

One of the few bright sparks for the Dragons so far this season. Making his debut at 27 this season he has a great story of perseverance and has been very consistent for the Dragons, scoring 6 times this season.

3. Hugo Savala

A revelation in the centres this has been a surprise masterstroke for the Roosters. A genuine two-way threat Savala has impressed defensively, with an 88% tackle efficiency, and average over 1 try involvement per game.

4. Paul Alamoti

A somewhat forgotten cog in the Panthers machine. Alomoti has enjoyed another great start to the season which would get more attention if he was on another team. With 9 linebreaks this season, 85% tackle efficiency, and goal-kicking ability, he is an important player for the Panthers.

5. Alofiana Khan-Pereira

A patient man, Khan-Pereira has finally been getting games for the Warriors. In his 8 games, he has bagged 9 tries and as many linebreaks. If he continues in this form, he could be a QLD bolter for game 3.

6. Braydon Trindall

One of the most underrated halves in the competition, only Nathan Cleary and Jahrome Hughes have more try assists so far this season. Able to work as a great combination with Nicho Hynes, and performing even better without him, he is arguably the most influential player for the Sharks.

7. Jake Clifford

Unlucky not to get an Origin jumper, Jake Clifford has been one of the most improved players this season. In previous seasons he struggled with consistency. This season not the case. His ability to read the game and impact the game with his running and kicking game has been a game changer for the Cowboys.

8. Thomas Mikaele

Another Cowboy, and another player who has been very patient. Performing so well Todd Payton was forced to start him, and has been incredible this season. His hard and direct running combined with is offloading and ability to get post-contact metres has made him a must start player.

9. Tom Starling

Was touted as a potential NSW Origin bolter. Starling has been such a hard worker at hooker for the Raiders. With nearly 500 tackles so far this season his impact has been massive in defence as well at attack.

10. Taniela Paseka

A player the Sea Eagles sorely missed last season through injury, Paseka has been top quality so far this season. With 95% tackle efficiency, and 2 tries, averaging over 130 run metres per game, his reliability was sorely missed for the Sea Eagles.

11. Sitili Tupouniua

Bulldogs player of the season so far and is only now in recent weeks getting his due props. Becoming a genuine try-scoring threat, this season he has 6 try involvements and is a defenders worst nightmare for a crash play close the the line.

12. Isaiah Papali'i

Another almost forgotten cog in the Panthers machine, Papali'i is back to his Eels form at the Panthers. Similarly to Tupouniua, he is a genuine try threat with 6 involvements so far this season.

13. Ray Stone

One of the best bench threats in the competition, it's a surprise the Dolphins haven't extended his current deal beyond 2026. A real cult hero, his style of running through players with no regard for his body makes him someone you'd love on your team and hate to play.