Cameron Murray returned to the top 50 after missing the entire 2025 season with a pre-season injury, an absence that was keenly felt by his Maroubra-based side.
He is among six players who did not feature last year but appear between positions 30 and 21 in this year's countdown.
Jason Taumalolo also re-enters the list, having gone unranked last year.
The Cowboys forward produced his best season in many years and was arguably among the elite middle-third players, as well as his team's best.
He delivered consistently, improved his output with the ball, and appeared to have found a role under coach Todd Payten that could suit him through to the end of his career.
Payne Haas remains elite, but has dropped considerably from his second-place ranking last year as both he and Brisbane had a weaker season.
The prop, who will join the South Sydney Rabbitohs next year, ran for fewer metres and made 25 offloads, down from 70.
He was the only Bronco included in this year's top 50.