David Middleton's top 5 NRL players of 2025

In its 39th year, the Official Rugby League Annual delivers a comprehensive overview of the remarkable 2025 season.

Authored by esteemed historian David Middleton, the publication details every match of the NRL season, the NRLW Premiership, and thorough accounts of the State of Origin and Pacific Championships.

Paying tribute to his impressive performance, Haas was pivotal in the Broncos' historic triumph in 2025, dominating on the field where games are often decided. His formidable size and endurance allowed him to maintain long play durations, particularly highlighted during the intense preliminary final clash against the Panthers, where he played the entire match. The towering front-rower showcased remarkable durability, participating in 24 of the club's 27 games, missing only one due to injury. Moreover, he frequently played through discomfort, managing a quadriceps tear early in the season and dealing with a bulging disc in his back.

Coach Michael Maguire opted to utilize Haas' abilities more judiciously in the grand final, strategically deploying him for two impactful 26-minute periods. This tactic ensured he was available to make crucial contributions when the outcome was still undecided, retaining energy for the final moments.

Previously, Haas had refuted comparisons made by former legends suggesting his accomplishments had surpassed those of esteemed front-rowers like Glenn Lazarus and Paul Harragon, stating that a premiership ring was necessary for such discussions. However, his narrative shifted following the Broncos' 26-22 victory on grand final night.