The NRL is full of superstars but very few players come straight into first grade an make in instant impact. For most players the peak of their career is during their late twenties and early thirties. This means that when a player gets a consistent crack in first grade fans tend to see rapid improvement as player begin to demonstrate their potential. Every year there are players that elevate themselves from average first graders to the next level.

So far in 2025 there have been three halves that have truly exceeded expectations and have made huge contributions to the success of their respective sides as they build their reputations in the NRL. Luke Metcalf has done incredibly well to step into the boots Shaun Johnson vacated, his calmness with the ball in hand has been so valuable to a youthful Warriors team who currents find themselves in the top four. For the Bulldogs Toby Sexton has answered all the critics who have called for the team to go out and sign a more experience halfback. Sexton has been the dominant voice in the Bulldogs undefeated start to the season and deserves plenty of credit for keeping his head down and remaining focussed on his craft despite all of the unfair criticism he has faced in the last eighteen months. Fletcher Sharpe is the third half that has shown his improvement multiple times this season. Adam O’Briens decision to move him into the halves has proven a master stroke as the Knights five-eighth is capable of breaking apart defences like few other halves in the game. His strong running game is a sight to behold and he will be putting plenty of pressure on Dylan Brown when he moves to Newcastle because there’s no way the Knights can afford to drop Sharpe when he is in this type of form.

There have been a number of forwards who have also shown that they are deserving of more recognition in 2025. Firstly the Tigers starting front rowers Terrell May and Fonua Pole have been amongst the best props in the NRL to kick off 2025. They match power and athleticism with clever footwork, defensive resilience and are capable to getting their team on the front foot no matter the opposition. At the Dragons there have been a number of experienced players delivering week in week out, but from the young guns coming through none has stood out more than Toby Couchman. The young front rower has had a number of highlight reel moments in 2025 so far with his line break against the Sea Eagles as athletic as any other forward in the game. The workhorse forward is averaging above 100m gained per game as well as more than 40 tackles a game. Undoubtedly he is an origin star of the future.

But the most improved player of the season so far has to be Max Plath. The utility forward has been essential to the Dolphins this year has been so consistent in the way he punches above his weight. His form has been so good they have been moving players around to try and get the most out of him, Tom Gilbert the sides captain has been switched from the middle to an edge to make space for Plath as a lock forward. Whilst he has also demonstrated he is more than capable playing as a dummy half. With Harry Grant’s injury likely ruling him out for game 1 of State of Origin it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see Max Plath included in the side. Whether that is in the starting side or as the utility option of the bench. Max Plath has elevated himself into elite company with his form over the opening rounds of the 2025 season.