Eight members of the 2026 top ten also appeared in last year's top 50, but only three were top-ten players then.
Four climbed from positions between 30th and 40th, while Isaiya Katoa and James Tedesco were the only members to fall in the rankings.
Katoa, who was fifth last year, slipped a couple of places despite another strong season.
His performances helped the Dolphins score freely, though he still needs to get the club through September.
The assessment says the young half has a lengthy NRL career ahead of him.
James Fisher-Harris was absent from last year's rankings and is one of only two newcomers to this year's top ten.
He earned a place in the Dally M team of the year and the captain of the year award.
Although he could not lead the Warriors to September success, the article describes his campaign as outstanding.
Herbie Farnworth, ranked 11th last year, is judged to be comfortably the NRL's top centre.