David Middleton's 2025 NRL Team of the Year

The selected players for the 2025 NRL Team of the Year include:

1. REECE WALSH (Broncos)
2. MARK NAWAQANITAWASE (Roosters)
3. HERBIE FARNWORTH (Dolphins)
4. STEPHEN CRICHTON (Bulldogs)
5. XAVIER COATES (Storm)
6. CAMERON MUNSTER (Storm)
7. NATHAN CLEARY (Panthers)
8. PAYNE HAAS (Broncos)
9. HARRY GRANT (Storm)
10. JOSEPH TAPINE (Raiders)
11. HUDSON YOUNG (Raiders)
12. ELIESA KATOA (Storm)
13. ERIN CLARK (Warriors)

Herbie Farnworth from the Dolphins stands out in this year's Team of the Year as he is the only player who did not participate in the NRL Finals Series.

His absence was largely due to a hamstring injury suffered in Round 22 against the Warriors, which potentially derailed the Dolphins' chances of reaching the finals for the first time. This was a devastating setback, especially after the Dolphins had established themselves as one of the best attacking teams in the league.

Farnworth's teammate, Stephen Crichton, also faced injury at a critical point in the season. He significantly contributed to the Bulldogs finishing in the top four for the first time since 2012 but suffered an ankle injury during a qualifying final against the Storm. Consequently, he was unable to play in the semi-final match against the Panthers the following week.