THEY’RE a vital part of a team’s ‘spine’ and crucial to an attacking plan.

Check out our positional power rankings for the NRL’s top five five-eighths.

5. Corey Norman

He had a season plagued with off-field dramas involving his club Parramatta and his personal life, but when he was playing, Norman was on fire. Because he was suspended for the final eight rounds, the 25-year-old was limited to just 16 games. But that didn’t stop him from notching up an impressive 21 try assists, 10 linebreak assists and 32 tackle busts. His form led clubs to come knocking, with St George Illawarra tabling a $2.4 million three-year deal. He instead re-signed with the Eels until the end of 2019 on contract worth marginally less.

Round 20

Corey Norman in action for the Eels. Picture: Mark Evans Source: News Corp Australia

4. Mitchell Moses

The 22-year-old was by far the most improved Tigers player of 2016. He had a slow start to the season, but went to another level in the back half. As his confidence grew, so did the team’s attack, with Moses racking up 22 try assists in total over the season. He crossed for six tries of his own and averaged 218 kick metres per game. He also notched up 12 linebreaks and 15 linebreak assists. He capped off his stellar season being named Wests Tigers player of the year and made his rep debut for the Australian PM’s XIII. Moses was also recently invited to attend a Blues specialist pathways camp where he worked with the likes of Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler. That experience will only benefit him heading into 2017.

TOP 10 WINGERS IN THE NRL

3. Anthony Milford

The Brisbane playmaker had a bit of a rollercoaster season. After a rocky start to the year, Milford found form to lead the Broncos into finals footy. The 22-year-old is electric with ball in hand, and his running game can challenge the best of defensive lines. In 2016, Milford produced 20 try assists, 14 tries and made 17 line breaks. He busted 89 tackles, but led the competition when it came to errors with 43.

Anthony Milford in action for the Broncos. Picture: Darren England. Source: News Corp Australia

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TOP FIVE FULLBACKS IN THE NRL

2. Michael Morgan

The North Queenslander once again showed in 2016 why he’s one of the best five-eighths in the competition. The 25-year-old set up 18 tries in 22 appearances — a career-equalling best — and scored nine himself. He also broke 60 tackles and had a hand in 19 linebreaks. He retained his bench spot for the Maroons for games one and two before suffering a knee injury which saw him miss the dead rubber. This year also saw him make his Kangaroos debut, where he featured in six Tests.

TOP 10 CENTRES IN THE NRL

1. James Maloney

The Cronulla recruit had a stellar season and was instrumental in the Sharks breaking their premiership drought. The 30-year-old racked up 219 points for the season, including seven tries and 94 goals. He set up 10 four-pointers, and made 10 linebreaks and 12 linebreak assists. He was rewarded for his good form with a NSW Origin recall and played all three games for the Blues. At the end of the year, Maloney was selected in the Australian squad for the first time and went on the play two games in the Four Nations. He may not be best playmaker statistically, but the leadership, patience and control he shows on the field is top class.

James Maloney celebrates after winning the 2016 grand final. Source: Getty Images

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