NRL Second Rower Power Rankings 2026: Joel’s Top 5 Heading Into the Season

Joel Johnston

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Fact Checked by Ryan Tucker

Last updated: Thu 29 Jan 2026 10:48

Joel Johnston 29 Jan 2026

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Hudson Young leads NRL's 2026 second rower rankings.
Players selected based on influence, reliability, and game impact.
Angus Crichton and Viliame Kikau also feature in the top 5.

Hudson Young of the Raiders. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

NRL Second Rower Power Rankings 2026: Joel’s Top 5 Heading Into the Season

The edge forward position might be the most stacked role in the NRL right now.

NRL Second Rower Power Rankings 2026: Joel’s Top 5 Heading Into the Season
5. Beau Fermor (Gold Coast Titans)
4. Viliame Kikau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)
3. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)
2. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)
1. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)
Just Missed the Cut: Eli Katoa

Second rowers are no longer just hole runners and defensive workhorses. The elite ones influence games through power, skill, aerial ability, line-running, and sheer presence. They bend defensive structures, create momentum shifts, and often decide big moments without ever touching the ball twice in a set.

That evolution mirrors what we’re seeing across the middle, particularly when compared to the elite forwards highlighted in our NRL Prop Power Rankings 2026.

After breaking this position down on the League of Inches podcast, one thing became very clear. This was the hardest list to lock in so far.

There is serious depth. There are genuine superstars missing out. And context matters more than ever with health, role clarity, and how much responsibility a player carries within their system all played a part.

These rankings reflect what I believe we are getting in 2026, not careers, reputations, or Supercoach output. This is about influence, reliability, and game impact.

5. Beau Fermor (Gold Coast Titans)

Beau Fermor’s rise has quietly been one of the more impressive stories of the last two seasons.

After returning from an ACL injury, there were fair questions about whether he would be eased back in or take time to rediscover his best form. Instead, Fermor returned like nothing had happened.

What stands out is trust.

The Gold Coast Titans made a clear call to back Fermor on the left edge, even pushing David Fifita out of that role. That tells you everything you need to know about how highly he is rated internally.

Fermor runs hard lines, competes defensively, and brings consistency to a Titans side that desperately needs it. He may not always dominate highlights, but his presence stabilises Gold Coast’s edge and gives their attack shape.

If the Titans take a step forward in 2026, Fermor will be a big reason why.

4. Viliame Kikau (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs)

This is the version of Viliame Kikau people have been waiting for.

For a long time, Kikau’s talent was obvious, but his impact came in bursts. In 2025, that changed. He became more involved, more assertive, and far more influential across full games.

When Kikau is engaged, few edge forwards are harder to stop close to the line. His size, power, and leg drive force defences to compress, which opens space elsewhere.

The key for Kikau is stability around him.

If the Canterbury Bulldogs can settle their spine and give him consistent ball in good areas, his ceiling rises sharply. He now looks like a player who understands exactly what he is and leans into it.

3. Liam Martin (Penrith Panthers)

Liam Martin is not a flashy pick, but he is an elite one.

He does not dominate stat sheets. He does not rack up highlight reels. What he does is turn up in big moments.

Every time Penrith Panthers need momentum, Martin is involved. A pressure tackle. A brutal carry. A perfectly timed line. His influence shows up when games tighten, not when they’re already open.

Martin plays on the edge like a throwback. He brings aggression, competitiveness, and edge that lifts those around him. Even as his body shows signs of wear, his impact in high-leverage games has not faded.

You may not notice him early. You will notice him when it matters.

2. Angus Crichton (Sydney Roosters)

Angus Crichton remains one of the most complete second rowers in the competition.

Even without producing his best attacking season statistically, Crichton stayed influential in 2025. He defended at a high level, disrupted edges, and remained a presence teams had to plan for.

That edge impact becomes even more important when you look at how second rowers influence attacking shape, something we broke down further in the NRL Five-Eighth Power Rankings 2026.

Crichton's versatility is his key strength, he can play as a wide-running edge, tighten into the middle, or act as a secondary ball-player when needed. That flexibility keeps him relevant even when the Roosters’ attack isn’t flowing.

With a more settled Sydney Roosters spine in 2026, there is a strong chance Crichton’s attacking output rebounds. The foundation is still there.

1. Hudson Young (Canberra Raiders)

Hudson Young is now an elite second rower, full stop.

What he produced across the last 18–24 months cannot be dismissed as form or confidence alone. This is sustained development turning into dominance.

Young runs with intent, plays above the ball in attack, and has added genuine aerial threat to his game. He also offers ball-playing skill that allows the Canberra Raiders to shift shapes without changing personnel.

Even when his output “dips,” his influence remains high. That is the sign of a top-tier edge forward.

With Canberra entering a transition phase, Young’s role becomes even more important. He is now the player who can grab a game and drag momentum back his way.

Right now, heading into 2026, he sets the standard.

Just Missed the Cut: Eli Katoa

If Eli Katoa were available in 2026, this list would look very different.

Katoa has developed into one of the most destructive edge forwards in the game, combining power, timing, and aerial skill in a way few can match. Unfortunately, ongoing concussion concerns mean he will not feature this season for the Melbourne Storm.

When he returns, he will immediately re-enter the top-tier conversation.