I'm not sure if you've noticed, but the NRL season is in full swing, and it's an exciting time for fans and analysts alike. As we approach the halfway point, it's the perfect opportunity to dive into the advanced stats and see who's making an impact. But before we get to that, let me take a moment to share my thoughts on the recent resignation of NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. It's a shame to see him go, and I can't help but wonder if the NRL is missing out on a great leader. In my opinion, the NRL needs someone with a fresh perspective and a passion for the game to guide it through the challenges ahead. Now, let's get to the stats! One of the most fascinating aspects of the NRL is the way players' performance can be measured and compared. The Eye Test Player Contribution Rating (ETPCR) is a great example of this, and it's a metric I've been using for years to evaluate players' impact on the game. This season, James Tedesco is leading the way with an ETPCR of +3.747, which is a testament to his incredible form. What's even more impressive is that this is his best season by ETPCR, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. But it's not just about individual performance; it's also about team dynamics. The Cowboys' success this year is on the back of players like Thomas Mikaele, Reuben Cotter, and Coen Hess, who are all making an impact. And let's not forget the impact of coaching styles, like the Panthers' approach, which has led to the most play-the-balls per game in 2026. Now, let's take a look at some of the key stats that are shaping the season. Run Metres Over Expected per run (RMOE/run) is a great metric for identifying which players are over or under-producing in yardage situations. This season, Jayden Campbell from the Titans is leading the way with a huge +3.618 RMOE/run, which is a full metre ahead of last year's number one. But it's not just about individual performance; it's also about team dynamics. The Bulldogs' Blake Lawrie has taken the top spot with an Involvement Rate of 24.64%, which indicates he's completing a run or tackle on nearly a quarter of the Bulldogs' plays this season. And let's not forget the impact of errors. Melbourne's Siulagi Tuimalatu-Brown has the worst error rate in the NRL this season, with five errors in 24 touches of the ball. But it's not just about individual mistakes; it's also about the impact of those mistakes on the team. Now, let's take a look at some of the less traditional stats that are shaping the season. Option Run % is the percentage of team plays where a player runs a decoy or support run. Ray Stone from the Dolphins is leading the way with over 10% of his team's plays featuring a support or decoy run. And finally, let's not forget the impact of run angles. Royce Hunt from the Wests Tigers has the straightest runner in the NRL this season, with a run angle of 13.91 degrees. But it's not just about straight runs; it's also about the width of runs. Scott Drinkwater from the Dragons has the widest run angle in the NRL, with a run angle of 38.3 degrees. In conclusion, the NRL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a lot of players making an impact in different ways. From individual performance to team dynamics, and from traditional stats to less traditional metrics, there's a lot to keep an eye on as we approach the halfway point. So, what are you waiting for? Get involved, and let's see who comes out on top!
