A list of the 50 greatest men's rugby league players of all time, mixing current stars and legends

All-Time Rugby League Greats

1. Cameron Smith (Australia) - One of the best hookers ever, captain and leader.
2. Andrew Johns (Australia) - Legendary halfback, two-time Golden Boot winner.
3. Jonathan Thurston (Australia) - Master tactician and clutch performer.
4. Wally Lewis (Australia) - The "King" of State of Origin.
5. Darren Lockyer (Australia) - Iconic fullback and five-eighth.
6. Mal Meninga (Australia) - Powerful centre, dominant in the 1980s/90s.
7. Arthur Beetson (Australia) - Inspirational forward and first Indigenous Australian to captain Australia.
8. Johnathan Davies (Wales) - Versatile and dominant across both league and union.
9. Ellery Hanley (England) - Dynamic back-rower, key in Britain’s success.
10. Kevin Sinfield (England) - Leeds Rhinos legend, known for leadership and goal-kicking.
11. Billy Slater (Australia) - One of the best fullbacks of all time.
12. Brad Fittler (Australia) - Versatile playmaker, NSW legend.
13. Shaun Edwards (England) - Brilliant halfback and fierce competitor.
14. Allan Langer (Australia) - Legendary halfback, known for his game management.
15. Clive Churchill (Australia) - An all-time great fullback from the 1950s.
16. Brian Bevan (Australia/England) - Prolific try-scorer in British rugby league.
17. Graham Eadie (Australia) - Dominant fullback in the 1970s.
18. Mick Cronin (Australia) - Exceptional centre and goal-kicker.
19. Mark Graham (New Zealand) - One of NZ's greatest ever forwards.
20. Stacey Jones (New Zealand) - The "Little General" of the Kiwis.
21. Dally Messenger (Australia) - Pioneer of rugby league in Australia.
22. Ruben Wiki (New Zealand) - Tough, uncompromising forward.
23. Adrian Morley (England) - One of the most feared forwards of his era.
24. Garry Schofield (England) - Key halfback/centre for Great Britain.
25. Steve Menzies (Australia) - One of the best back-rowers ever.

Best Current Rugby League Players

26. Nathan Cleary (Australia) - The best halfback in the world today.
27. James Tedesco (Australia) - Elite fullback and captain.
28. Tom Trbojevic (Australia) - Powerful and versatile back.
29. Payne Haas (Australia) - Dominant prop forward.
30. Joey Manu (New Zealand) - One of the most versatile backs in the game.
31. Daly Cherry-Evans (Australia) - Key playmaker and veteran leader.
32. Latrell Mitchell (Australia) - Game-breaking centre/fullback.
33. Jason Taumalolo (Tonga) - Powerhouse forward and Tonga’s leader.
34. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (New Zealand) - Incredible footwork and skills.
35. Joseph Tapine (New Zealand) - One of the best forwards today.
36. Brian To'o (Samoa) - Powerful winger, key in Samoa’s rise.
37. Jarome Luai (Samoa) - Dynamic five-eighth.
38. Harry Grant (Australia) - One of the best young hookers.
39. Reuben Cotter (Australia) - Rising star in the forward pack.
40. Cameron Munster (Australia) - One of the most skillful five-eighths.
41. James Fisher-Harris (New Zealand) - Tough enforcer in the forwards.
42. David Fifita (Tonga) - Explosive back-rower.
43. Xavier Coates (Papua New Guinea) - Speedster winger.
44. Stephen Crichton (Samoa) - Key centre in Samoa’s success.
45. Victor Radley (England) - Hard-nosed lock forward.
46. George Williams (England) - England’s key playmaker.
47. Hudson Young (Australia) - Rising back-rower.
48. Herbie Farnworth (England) - Dynamic centre.
49. Dom Young (England) - Towering and speedy winger.
50. Addin Fonua-Blake (Tonga) - One of the best props in the world.

Shop the Names in This Article

Cameron Smith

Andrew Johns

Wally Lewis

Darren Lockyer

Mal Meninga

Ellery Hanley

Kevin Sinfield

Leeds Rhinos

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