Here are the players (not in any order of greatness) whom I consider to be, [ias of today[/i, in a class of their own as the world's "best of the best":

Billy Slater
Ben Barba
Greg Inglis
Johnathan Thurston
Cameron Smith

My only uncertainty is whether Benji Marshall belongs in this group, making it then the world's six best players.

What do you think?

I must admit I was biased by performances I saw in the NRL Indigenous vs NRL All Stars game. Benji Marshall did not perform at the "best of the best" standard. But maybe I am being unfair in leaving him out of the top group because even the best players can have an off day.

Six months from now I might want to add Sonny Bill Williams to the list (making it "the World's seven best players."icon_wink.gif. But no one knows how good he will be on his return to rugby league, so as of today he doesn't belong on any list.

There are lots of top class players I haven't mentioned (e.g. Brett Stewart, Matt Bowen, Sam Tomkins, Josh Morris, Michael Jennings, Akuila Uate) but I am trying to pick out those who are in a special class above the rest.

Do readers agree with my selection?

Isaac Luke is unfortunate not to get a mention in your second batch but yeah I'd say you are spot on correct with your top 5.

I love Paul Gallen, a very different player but I'd want him fighting my battles.

Paul Gallen
Cooper Cronk
Would both be close.
Barba needs a bit more time to establish himself I believe.

I agree with that. Gallen and Inglis are my favourite two players.

For me, Inglis is the best in the world. Some players have some great attributes; Inglis has everything!

1: Slater
2: Barba
3: Smith
4: Thurston
5: Cronk

An inform Hayne must get close too. If Sean Johnson continues his development, he'll be knocking on the door of that elite group too I think.

Quote ="St. Rughead"An inform Hayne must get close too. If Sean Johnson continues his development, he'll be knocking on the door of that elite group too I think.'" Have a look at this www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSCCWEHfePE

Quote ="St. Rughead"An inform Hayne must get close too. If Sean Johnson continues his development, he'll be knocking on the door of that elite group too I think.'" Have a look at this www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSCCWEHfePE

Given you need backs and forwards to make a RL team, if I was starting a new team and could buy any 5 players I'd have

1. Inglis
6. Thurston
7. Cronk
9. Smith
13. S Burgess

I know you cons can't see beyond the barrier reef but you would be hard put not to want James Roby in your team.

I would now revise the list slightly to include Sonny Bill Williams, and drop Ben Barba, based on 2013 performances.

Greg Inglis
Johnathan Thurston
Cameron Smith
Billy Slater
Sonny Bill Williams

Looking at the date you posted this I wholeheartedly agree with you,but now,14 months later you have got to add Sam Burgess to your list,I hate having to praise a pommy player but I try to be honest with my callings.

Greg Inglis
Jonathan Thurston
Sam Burgess
Billy Slater
Cameron Smith