Top Dogs

Kieran Foran - I think it would be hard to argue that Foran is the best #6 in the NRL. He's as tough as they come, has next to no defensive weakness and of course he has all the attacking aspects sorted. He's probably the most stereotypical #6 in the game as well as his attacking play is focused on running the ball, but his ball playing down Manly's left edge is equally as awesome.

Gareth Widdop - He's stepped out of the shadows and in to the spot light with the Dragons and despite not being on point each and every week, Widdop's showing that he's one of the best. His influence on the Dragons was immediate thanks to his all round play making ability, whether it be running the ball, distributing or a pin point kicking game. He's got a cool, calm nature as well which ensures that no matter the situation both he and the Dragons are zoned in on what needs to happen.

Almost theres

Jamie Soward - Soward is definitely the benefactor of a change of scenery and his ranking reflects his great play with the Panthers this season. Soward probably isn't the 3rd most talented player on this list, but the way he does his job with the Panthers is nearly footy perfection. He's shown that he's high in confidence with his running game back in full effect and he does a great job of getting their back line set up. The Panthers play a style where everyone must chip in and do their roles very well, Soward is the man making sure that everything is in place for that to happen.

Josh Reynolds - He's been well rewarded for his performances in the NRL and Reynolds has shown that he has all the skills to be a very good #6. Equally at home running the ball or setting things up for those around him, Reynolds has enjoyed playing alongside some very talented players where his job is pretty simple. To reach the next level, Reynolds has to influence the outcome of big NRL games and show that he's well rounded enough to lead the Dogs to some sort of glory.

John Sutton - The Rabbitohs benefit from having Sutton play #6 because he's big enough to be a damaging ball runner but he's got all the skills and tricks of a half. When lining up on an edge, you're pretty much defending two back rowers and Sutton is a danger whenever he's playing. Where he ends up with Luke Keary now in the frame will be interesting, but Sutton has shown how important he is with the 6 on the back of his jersey and .......

James Maloney - Who knows why, but Maloney simply hasn't been as good as he has in the past - notably last season. It's a testament to Maloney's ability that while he hasn't quite been at his best so far this season, he's still better than half the other battlers in the NRL. It might be because the Roosters simply have too many weapons for Maloney to really shine which is in no way a bad thing. While we've seen glimpses of his near perfect hole running and classy kicking game, it just hasn't been consistently enough.

Keep troopin'

Jarrod Mullen - He's had a solid season but with his Knights side suffering from a rough year which has been reflected on the pitch, Mullen must cop some of the blame. We've seen moments of his class, but he hasn't been able to kick on a gear for what ever reason.

Chad Townsend - Unlike Mullen, Townsend has emerged as a reasonable #6 and is someone who could climb up the rankings with a good season in 2015. There's nothing flashy about his play but he's a smart half who executes his role well which is pretty impressive given it's his first season of consistent footy.

Ben Barba - Well a recent shift to the #6 jersey has provided Barba fans with a bit more hope that he could make the most of it. A small sample size definitely hinders Barba but we haven't seen the solid half play in that time either.

Robert Lui - Peep the trend here ... a solid performer with the ability to go up a level but we simply haven't seen enough of him. He's got the wide range of skills to be successful but we need to see him play at a higher level week in week out.

Aidan Sezer - Sezer feels like a combination of Lui and Barba - we got a taste of what he's capable of but injury struck and we've been starved. He's got the most promise of this group and he's the type of player and character that a club can be built around.

Battlers

Ben Roberts - A battler who has done a nice job with the Storm this season. It feels like the perfect spot for him because he's got everything laid out for him and just has to execute. The fact that he's been a wee bit up and down screams battler ... but a good battler.

Terry Campese - He used to be a DreamTeam gun, but I imagine his value has slipped ... or basically disappeared (I gave up on DreamTeam so who knows). He had the chance to really relish working with Ricky Stuart and being Canberra's go to man again, but he just hasn't. Poor lad