Club: Warriors (173 appearances 2006-2015), Huddersfield Giants (43 appearances 2016-2017), Toulouse Olympique (14 appearances 2018)
Country: Kiwis (13 tests 2007-2011)
He was a consistent performer who always left everything on the field – especially during his years at the Warriors – and was named among the reserves in the Kiwis’ World Cup-winning squad.
49. Alex Glenn
Club: Broncos (288 appearances 2009-2021)
Country: Kiwis (12 tests 2011-2015), Cook Islands (three tests 2017, 2024)
A hard-working edge forward renowned for his leadership and work rate, he became the Broncos’ youngest captain at 22 and served as the club’s permanent skipper for the final two years of his career. A second-rower by trade, he had the versatility to play anywhere in the pack.
48. Paul Whatuira
Club: Warriors (five appearances 2000), Storm (six appearances 2001), Panthers (62 appearances 2002-2004), Tigers (58 appearances 2005-2007), Huddersfield Giants (67 appearances 2008-2010), Eels (one appearance 2011)
Country: Kiwis (16 tests 2005-2007)
At the peak of his career, Whatuira was instrumental in fostering a winning culture. He won premierships with the Panthers and Tigers, and was a key contributor in the Kiwis’ run to Tri Nations glory in 2005.
47. Sam Perrett
Club: Roosters (148 appearances 2004-2012), Bulldogs (108 appearances 2012-2016)
Country: Kiwis (21 tests 2007-2013)
Always a consistent performer on the wing for both club and country. Started for the Kiwis in the World Cup triumph over Australia, and featured in multiple grand finals with the Bulldogs.
46. Nathan Fien
Club: Cowboys (91 appearances 2000-2004), Warriors (105 appearances 2005-2009), Dragons (81 appearances 2009-2013)
Country: Kiwis (22 tests 2006-2012)
The start of Fien’s Kiwis career was rocky, after he was ruled ineligible during the 2006 Tri Nations, despite having already played for New Zealand. After receiving clearance, he contributed to two iconic moments – playing a key role in the 2008 World Cup triumph and scoring the match-winning try in the 2010 Four Nations final. He also scored a try in the 2010 NRL Grand Final with the Dragons.
Nathan Fien during the 2008 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Photosport
45. Awen Guttenbeil
Club: Warriors (170 appearances 1996-2006), Castleford Tigers (43 appearances 2007-2008)
Country: Tonga (four tests 1995, 2008), Kiwis (10 tests 2002-2005)
A true hardman on defence, he was central to the Warriors’ foundation years and a driving force in their run to the 2002 grand final.
44. Matt Utai
Club: Bulldogs (127 appearances 2002-2009), Tigers (40 appearances 2011-2013)
Country: Kiwis (four tests 2002-2005), Samoa (three tests 2008)
A try-scoring machine in his prime years, when he was regarded as one of the NRL’s best wingers. In 2002, he won the NRL 2002 Rookie of the Year award and scored a brace in the Bulldogs’ 2004 grand final triumph.
43. Francis Meli
Club: Warriors (110 appearances 1998-2005), St Helens (223 appearances 2006-2013), Salford Red Devils (19 appearances 2014)
Country: Samoa (eight tests (2000, 2008, 2010), Kiwis (14 tests 2001-2004)
A world-class try-scorer in both the NRL and Super League. In 2003, his 23 tries for the Warriors was a record that stood for two decades. With St Helens, he won the Challenge Cup, Super League and World Club Challenge.
42. Frank Pritchard
Club: Panthers (144 appearances 2003-2010), Bulldogs (104 appearances 2011-2015), Hull FC (26 appearances 2016), Eels (eight appearances 2017)
Country: Kiwis (27 tests 2005-2013), Samoa (eight tests 2014-2017)
Often recognised as one of the hardest ball runners of the modern era, while being capable of laying on big hits. Was a regular in the Kiwis squad and featured in two NRL grand finals with the Bulldogs.
41. Joe Galuvao
Club: Warriors (27 appearances 1998-2000), Panthers (78 appearances 2001-2005), Rabbitohs (23 appearances 2006-2007), Eels (34 appearances 2008-2009), Sea Eagles (78 appearances 2010-2013)
Country: Samoa (two tests 2000), Kiwis (four tests 2003-2004)
While his time in the black jersey was limited, Galuvao carved out a successful NRL career as a powerful edge forward. He won premierships with the Panthers and Sea Eagles.
40. Lesley Vainikolo
Club: Raiders (69 appearances 1997-2002), Bradford Bulls (152 appearances 2002-2007)
Country: Kiwis (14 tests 1998-2005)
Although the NRL never saw his best, Vainikolo was one of Super League’s most dominant players in the early 2000s. In 2004, he broke the record for most tries in a season, scoring 36 in 26 appearances – a mark that stood for 12 years. He scored 136 of his 149 tries in Super League, the most by a Kiwi in the competition.
Lesley Vainikolo in action for the Bradford Bulls. Photo / Photosport
39. Brent Webb
Club: Warriors (103 appearances 2002-2006), Leeds Rhinos (155 appearances 2007-2012), Catalans Dragons (10 appearances 2013-2014)
Country: Kiwis (17 tests 2004-2008)
A versatile fullback who was a true strike weapon with ball in hand. Had many memorable moments but the prime years were spent in the UK, having been squeezed out of the Warriors following salary cap issues.
38. Greg Eastwood
Club: Broncos (65 appearances 2005-2008), Bulldogs (177 appearances 2010, 2011-2018), Leeds Rhinos (21 appearances 2010)
Country: Kiwis (28 tests 2007-2016)
Primarily a lock, Eastwood possessed skills that saw him cover every position during his career bar fullback. Was part of the Kiwis’ World Cup triumph and the Four Nations success in 2010 and 2014.
37. Jerome Ropati
Club: Warriors (145 appearances 2003-2014)
Country: Kiwis (11 tests 2005-2009)
One of the most underrated centres in the NRL of recent memory. Injury cut his career short, but he was incredibly talented. Scored a try for the Kiwis in the 2008 World Cup final.
36. David Kidwell
Club: Rams (16 appearances 1997-1998), Eels (33 appearances 1999-2000), Warrington Wolves (32 appearances 2001-2002), Roosters (19 appearances 2002), Storm (103 appearances 2003-2006), Rabbitohs (38 appearances 2007-2009)
Country: Kiwis (25 tests 1999-2008)
A player who built his game on defence and who has now transitioned into a relatively successful assistant coach. Is part of one of the most iconic moments in recent Kiwis history when he shoulder-charged Willie Mason in retaliation for his disrespect towards the haka.
35. Sia Soliola
Club: Roosters (92 appearances 2005-2009), St Helens (117 appearances 2010-2014), Raiders (128 appearances 2015-2021)
Country: Kiwis (12 tests 2006-2009), Samoa (three tests 2013)
His longevity in the sport is to be admired, considering he started his career as a pacey centre, before becoming a hard–hitting prop.
34. Lance Hohaia
Club: Warriors (185 appearances 2002-2011), St Helens (81 appearances 2012-2015)
Country: Kiwis (28 tests 2002-2011)
Small in size, but never afraid of a challenge. The only player to feature in both the Warriors’ grand final appearances. His ability to literally play every position made him one of the best utilities in the NRL era.
33. Tony Puletua
Club: Panthers (211 appearances 1997-2008), St Helens (137 appearances 2009-2013), Salford Red Devils (27 appearances 2014-2015), Hull KR (14 appearances 2015)
Country: Kiwis (22 tests 1998-2007), Samoa (nine tests 2008-2013)
Was part of the Panthers’ formidable forward pack in the early 2000s and is regarded as one of the club’s best ever players in the modern era.
32. Jordan Rapana
Club: Titans (five appearances 2008), Raiders (214 appearances 2014-2024), Hull FC (23 appearances 2025)
Country: Cook Islands (three tests, 2013-2015), Kiwis (16 tests 2016-2018, 2022)
Burst onto the scene as a teenager before stepping away to embark on a Mormon mission. Found a home at the Raiders, where he became a cult hero, scoring many memorable tries.
Jordan Rapana in action for the Kiwis against Australia in 2017. Photo / Photosport
31. Clinton Toopi
Club: Warriors (129 appearances 1999-2006), Leeds Rhinos (27 appearances 2006-2008), Titans (27 appearances 2010-2011)
Country: Kiwis (22 tests 2001-2007)
A premier centre during his prime, with a highlight being when he scored a hat-trick against the Kangaroos en route to the Kiwis’ 2005 Tri Nations triumph. Won the Super League with the Rhinos.
30. Jason Nightingale
Club: Dragons (268 appearances 2007-2018)
Country: Kiwis (33 tests 2008-2017)
While he was never the most talented, his effort and flamboyant style of play made him stand out, especially his ability in the air. Won an NRL title with the Dragons and was part of some memorable moments in a Kiwis jersey.
29. Roy Asotasi
Club: Bulldogs (84 appearances 2002-2006), Rabbitohs (133 appearances 2007-2013), Warrington Wolves (58 appearances 2014-2015)
Country: Kiwis (24 tests 2004-2009), Samoa (one test 2013)
A strong carrier of the ball and a leader. Was part of the Bulldogs’ premiership side in 2004 and the Kiwis’ Tri Nations triumph the following year.
28. Shaun Kenny-Dowall
Club: Roosters (224 appearances 2007-2017), Knights (53 appearances 2017-2019), Hull KR (93 appearances 2020-2023)
Country: Kiwis (21 tests 2007-2016)
A reliable and strong performer on defence. He sits third all-time on the Roosters’ try-scoring list with 121, with the most memorable being his game-winning intercept against the Tigers in the 100th minute of their finals clash in 2010.
27. Thomas Leuluai
Club: Warriors (85 appearances 2003-2004, 2013-2016), London Broncos (40 appearances 2005-2006), Wigan Warriors (323 appearances 2007-2012, 2017-2022)
Country: Kiwis (40 tests 2003-2017)
In an era where it was rare for Super League players to represent the Kiwis, Leuluai was a constant in the side. He had more success in the UK, where he won multiple Super League and Challenge Cup titles. He was part of the Kiwis’ World Cup triumph.
Thomas Leuluai during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup. Photo / Photosport
26. Jeremy Smith
Club: Storm (68 appearances 2004-2008), Dragons (30 appearances 2009-2010), Sharks (42 appearances 2011-2012), Knights (75 appearances 2013-2016).
Country: Kiwis (22 tests 2007-2012)
Known as a big-game player, Smith won premierships with the Storm and Dragons, although the former one was stripped as part of the salary cap scandal. Started at lock and scored a try in the 2008 World Cup final.
25. Nathan Cayless
Club: Eels (259 appearances 1997-2010)
Country: Kiwis (39 tests 1998-2008)
A tireless front rower who was a natural leader, becoming Eels captain in 2000 and leading them to two grand finals. His crowning moment was captaining the Kiwis to World Cup glory in 2008.
24. Adam Blair
Club: Storm (121 appearances 2006-2011), Tigers (71 appearances 2012-2014), Broncos (74 appearances 2015-2017), Warriors (65 appearances 2018-2020)
Country: Kiwis (51 tests 2006-2019)
Was always a niggly customer on both sides of the ball. Became just the second Kiwi to play 50 tests, and just the third to play 300 NRL games. Was part of the Kiwis’ World Cup success and would go onto captain the side at the ill-fated 2017 World Cup.
23. Steve Matai
Club: Sea Eagles (230 appearances 2015-2016)
Country: Kiwis (10 tests 2006-2010)
Matai was renowned for his brutal defence and ferocious tackling style. In 2020, he was voted the hardest hitter of the modern era.
Steve Matai tackles Dylan Walker during a NRL match. Photo / Photosport
22. Ben Matulino
Club: Warriors (212 appearances 2008-2017), Tigers (36 appearances 2018-2019)
Country: Kiwis (23 tests 2009-2015)
A player who quietly went through his work and was among the best front rowers in the game. Had the ability to offload the ball with impeccable technique. Was strong on defence, well known for the shoulder charge before it got banned from the NRL.
21. Ali Lauitiiti
Clubs: Warriors (115 appearances 1998-2003), Leeds Rhinos (200 appearances 2004-2011), Wakefield Trinity (86 appearances 2012-2015)
Country: Kiwis (19 tests 2000-2006), Samoa (seven tests 2007-2010)
While the NRL didn’t get to see Lauitiiti at his peak, there is no denying his skill with ball and the ability to offload, combined with his freakish playmaking ability. At the Rhinos, he was part of four championship-winning sides.
20. Jahrome Hughes
Club: Titans (one appearance 2013), Cowboys (one appearance 2016), Storm (173 appearances 2017-present)
Country: Kiwis (10 tests 2019-2023)
One of the cooler stories from going unwanted at the Cowboys and Titans before becoming a name with the Storm, where he’s developed into one of the premier halfbacks. Sadly injuries have prevented him from taking his talents more regularly to the Kiwis.
19. James Fisher-Harris
Clubs: Panthers (203 appearances 2016-2024), Warriors (23 appearances 2025-present)
Country: Kiwis (20 tests 2016-present)
A dominant force who leads with his actions over his words. Won multiple premierships with the Panthers and now the Warriors are starting to benefit from his presence. Will be the captain of the Kiwis for this year’s World Cup.
18. Manu Vatuvei
Club: Warriors (226 appearances 2004-2017), Salford Red Devils (eight appearances 2017-2018)
Country: Kiwis (29 tests 2005-2015), Tonga (two tests 2017)
Vatuvei found the try line 152 times during his years at the Warriors, a club record which will likely stand for many years to come. Also featured in many memorable Kiwis matches including the Tri Nations, World Cup and 2014 Four Nations. His legacy was later tarnished by a conviction for importing methamphetamine.
17. Nigel Vagana
Club: Warriors (71 appearances 1996, 1998-2000), Warrington Wolves (20 appearances 1997), Bulldogs (76 appearances 2001-2003), Sharks (61 appearances 2004-2006), Rabbitohs (32 appearances 2007-2008)
Country: Kiwis (37 tests 1998-2006)
Vagana was a try-scoring freak at both club and country, while he had the ability to play in the halves if needed. Won the NRL premiership with the Bulldogs and was part of the 2005 Tri Nations team.
16. Tohu Harris
Club: Storm (117 appearances 2013-2017), Warriors (117 appearances 2018-2024)
Country: Kiwis (16 tests 2013-2016)
Would be considered one of the best locks of the modern era, who changed the style of play for the positions with the ball-playing style. Was a tireless leader for both club and country, and often his versatility and skill set went underappreciated during his career. Injuries saw him hang up the boots earlier than expected.
Tohu Harris leads the Warriors out in their comeback match in Auckland against the Tigers in 2022. Photo / Photosport
15. Joseph Tapine
Club: Knights (20 appearances 2014-2015), Raiders (221 appearances 2016-present)
Country: Kiwis (24 tests 2016-present)
Is regarded as one of the best current middle forwards in the NRL along with being an exceptional leader. Plays with an aggressive style and high-intensity.
14. Issac Luke
Club: Rabbitohs (188 appearances 2007-2015), Warriors (83 appearances 2016-2019), Dragons (three appearances 2020), Broncos (12 appearances 2020)
Country: Kiwis (43 tests 2008 – 2017)
The man from Hāwera was always a pest on the field and is regarded as one of the best modern hookers in the NRL. Luke was a lethal dummy half runner and was part of the Kiwis’ World Cup winning side. Was controversially suspended for the 2014 NRL grand final.
13. Joey Manu
Club: Roosters (181 appearances 2016-2024)
Country: Kiwis (17 tests 2018-2023)
During his time in the 13-man code, Manu was considered the best centre in the game, even though his skillset was better suited to being a fullback. Won two premierships with the Roosters. Hope still remains over a future return to the NRL.
12. Jesse Bromwich
Club: Storm (295 appearances 2010-2022), Dolphins (43 appearances 2023-2024)
Country: Kiwis (34 tests 2012-2023)
Played the second most games for a Kiwi in the NRL, only behind Benji Marshall, but holds the most for finals appearances with 28, with five of those being in grand finals with the Storm. Did captain the Kiwis for a period of time.
11. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves
Club: Sea Eagles (six appearances 2009), Roosters (310 appearances 2010-2022), Hull KR (24 appearances 2025)
Country: Kiwis (33 tests 2009-2022)
The definition of an enforcer. Safe to say he would have played more games, if not for the suspensions. Always commanded respect, and won three NRL premierships with the Roosters, a Super League title with Hull KR and the 2010 Four Nations.
10. Stephen Kearney
Club: Western Suburbs (46 appearances 1992-1994), Warriors (79 appearances 1995-1998), Melbourne Storm (139 appearances 1999-2004), Hull FC (24 appearances 2005)
Country: Kiwis (45 tests 1993-2004)
Well known for his determination and durability in the second row during his career on the field. Played a key role in helping establish the Storm as a premier club, which included winning a premiership in their second season. Was the head coach when the Kiwis won the World Cup in 2008.
Kiwis Assistant Wayne Bennett (left), captain Nathan Cayless (centre) and coach Stephen Kearney (right) after the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final. Photo / Photosport
9. Sonny Bill Williams
Club: Bulldogs (73 appearances 2004-2008), Roosters (50 appearances 2013-2014, 2020), Toronto Wolfpack (five appearances 2020)
Country: Kiwis (12 tests 2004-2013)
Had plenty of success in league, but also dabbled in rugby union, where he was part of two World Cup wins with the All Blacks. While he might be remembered more for those accolades, there is no denying the skill he had during his stints with the Bulldogs and Roosters. Had he spent more time in the 13-man code, he would have likely been in the top three. Won premierships at both the Bulldogs and Roosters.
8. Kieran Foran
Club: Sea Eagles (196 appearances 2009-2015, 2021-2022), Eels (nine appearances 2016), Warriors (17 appearances 2017), Bulldogs (40 appearances 2018-2020), Titans (56 appearances 2023-2025)
Country: Kiwis (34 tests 2009-2025)
If there was one word to describe Foran, it would be resilient. He had plenty of success at the start of his NRL career, winning the NRL title in 2011 with the Sea Eagles, before injuries and off-field issues took over. He rejuvenated his career and finished on a strong note, helping the Kiwis win the 2025 Pacific Championships. His willingness to always wear the black jersey is an honourable trait.
7. Simon Mannering
Club: Warriors (301 appearances 2005-2018)
Country: Kiwis (45 tests 2006-2017)
Will always be remembered as one of the consistent players in the game, starting out as a skinny centre before becoming a mainstay in the pack. Became the fourth Kiwi member of the 300-game club. While he won’t be remembered as the flashy skilful player, his effort will be unmatched.
Simon Mannering (left) presents Shaun Johnson (right) with the Warriors Player of the Year award. Photo / Photosport
6. Shaun Johnson
Club: Warriors (224 appearances 2011-2018, 2022-2024), Sharks (44 appearances 2019-2021)
Country: Kiwis (35 tests 2012-2024)
A freakish talent, who produced many game-winning plays with mesmerising skill and nimble footwork. On his day, there was none better to watch with ball in hand. The one sad thing about his career was the three years at the Sharks – if there was a player who deserved to be a one-club player, it was Johnson.
5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Club: Roosters (84 appearances 2012-2015), Warriors (150 appearances 2016-2021, 2024-present)
Country: Kiwis (20 tests 2013-2019), Samoa (five tests 2024-present)
One of two Kiwis to win the NRL Dally M award. Will always be remembered for his skill and footwork with the ball in hand. Won a premiership with the Roosters before joining the Warriors where he would go onto captain the side. Was lost to the game for a brief stint in union, but is still playing to a high level, with his leadership being vital for the Warriors in 2026.
4. Jason Taumalolo
Club: Cowboys (287 appearances 2010-present)
Country: Kiwis (10 tests 2014-2017), Tonga (22 tests 2013, 2017-present)
There was a period where the Auckland-born star was the most dominant ball carrier the NRL has ever seen and it was often a scary sight as he ran powerful lines off a Johnathan Thurston cut-out pass. Won the NRL title with the Cowboys in 2015, the Dally M in 2016, while his decision to defect from the Kiwis to Tonga in 2017 changed the landscape of the sport. Has had a resurgent 2026 campaign after some challenging seasons.
3. Stacey Jones
Club: Warriors (261 appearances 1995-2005, 2009), Catalans Dragons (45 appearances 2006-2007)
Country: Kiwis (48 tests 1995-2006)
During his peak, Jones was regarded as one of the best players in the NRL. He led the Warriors to their maiden grand final in 2002, the same year he won the golden boot award, while he kept coming out of retirement to help the Kiwis lift the Tri Nations crown. Jones had one last stint at the Warriors which didn’t go to plan, but he remains very influential in the game, where he works as an assistant at the club, along with being Kiwis head coach. Inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2019.
Ruben Wiki (left) and Stacey Jones (right) ahead of the Tri Nations. Photo / Photosport
2. Ruben Wiki
Club: Raiders (224 appearances 1993-2004), Warriors (87 appearances 2005-2008)
Country: Kiwis (55 tests 1994-2006)
A player who commanded plenty of mana during his career, who set the tone for those who followed in the NRL era. Wiki was the first Kiwi to play over 300 NRL games while nobody has donned the black jersey more. He was part of several iconic moments, including that Tri Nations decider in 2005, while helping the Raiders win the Premiership in 1994. Inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2019.
1. Benji Marshall
Club: Tigers (257 appearances 2003-2013, 2018-2020), Dragons (54 appearances 2014-2016), Broncos (13 appearances 2017), Rabbitohs (22 appearances 2021).
Country: Kiwis (31 tests 2005-2019)
The Whakatāne kid is a worthy recipient of top spot due to the long-lasting impact he’s had on the game. Kids still to this day say they want to be like him while, despite their mediocrity over the years, players want to go to the Wests Tigers to play under him. He won a Premiership with the Tigers in 2005, which featured his iconic flick pass while he scored a memorable try in the Kiwis’ World Cup final.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.