The bench warmer tag in the modern game of rugby league holds no insignificance. The 14 to 17 jerseys used to have a stigma but now it is a role cut out for a specialised player, breeding a unique impact that only certain characters can do week in week out.

Craig Wing best represented the value of a utility who could turn it up in a number of positions.

The 256-game Roosters and Rabbitohs legend came off the bench 60 times in his career, making a name in the No.14 jersey at Origin level for his speed and versatility when replacing star hooker Danny Buderus.

While Wing was a staple starter at club level throughout his career, the NRL today boasts a certain kind of player – one who is best off the field to start the contest, only to come on after a period and ply their trade within a fatigued setting.

The likes of Preston Campbell would tear down opposition middles as a No.14 now – he did so as a super sub in 1999, coming off the bench six times as Cronulla charged their way to the preliminary finals.

It seems the bench is cut out for a player with one of three builds:

1. A light, swift-footed back with the durability and skills to play either position in the halves, fullback, or dummy-half.

2. Sledgehammer build with similar effect – six foot three and up, with long limbs and athleticism in bounds. Can offload, truck it up and provide aggression in defence.

3. Nugget like frame that can play nearly any position on the field. Good for 50 minutes and a talisman in defence.

These builds and the players that inherit them can change the result within a moment, or a half – through either insane skill or a grudge match, wearing down the opposition and fighting on every play.

So who makes up the best NRL bench? Those who are happy packing a punch after a few whistles and succeed when doing so. Here is the Dally M interchange of the season so far.

14. Connor Watson

Value is a huge part of rugby league – how much you get out of a player when considering their worth. At $300,000 a year, Watson is a crazy bargain. If a No.6, 7, 9, 13 or even Tedesco goes down, Watson has the experience and versatility to cover it.

The 28-year-old burst onto the stage in 2016 with the Chooks, playing eight games off the bench which showcased his lightning acceleration and step at the time.

Granted he has lost a little of that youth and dazzle, but his bigger frame also allows him to provide minutes as a capable lock.

Watson has played 74 of his 134 NRL games on the interchange and knows his place as a specialist fix-it man.

His speed around the ruck, service and deception has benefitted the Roosters greatly in 2024 – so much so that it has powerbrokers questioning the worth of starting hooker Brandon Smith.

Defensively, Watson is vulnerable when at five-eighth, although as a middle due to the lack of space, he is a solid tackler who is a terrific support player.

Watson has been sidelined with a throat injury since round 12, but was averaging 69 minutes after starting at hooker and five-eighth as cover.

His best and most effective role is 14 – coming on after the first 25 minutes to rev up the ruck and step around loose forwards who may be feeling the pinch.

Kurt Mann is a similar figure at the Bulldogs and is largely underrated for his impact. The lock interchange is just as flexible and is an experienced ball-player.

15. Thomas Hazleton

You could be mistaken for thinking big Tom Hazleton made his debut in 2024. That’s how different style a player he is this season – due to his explosive stints off the bench.

Hazleton has played 32 games – just one of those as a starting second-rower. All other 31 appearances are in a 14 plus jersey.

The 25-year-old fits the frame of build two, a 198 centimetre, 116 kilogram sledgehammer. He has scored five tries in 13 games for Cronulla this season, most of those a reward for his barnstorming runs, where he often carries multiple defenders over the chalk with him.

The Goulburn-born big man averages 10 hit ups a game and 98 run metres – along with 20 odd tackles at a 96% success rate.

His intimidating presence on the field contributed to Cronulla’s early run, busting through 23 tackles and putting in near 40 minutes of power every game.

Melbourne Storm enigma Nelson Asofa-Solomona should be in this spot on his day – although the Kiwi wrecking ball has struggled with fitness and effect this season.

16. Lindsay Smith

Wow, this bloke has impressed in 2024. Lindsay Smith may not be Spencer Leniu, but Penrith have done well integrating him into their general 17.

Smith has been involved in all 13 games this season for the Panthers and has been reliable as ever. While not a mega impact player, Smith is the type of settling character every side needs on their bench to provide reliability and strong, consistent minutes.

He has started on the bench six times this year and subbed in for James Fisher-Harris (shoulder injury) as a starting prop early on.

He also averages 10 hit ups for 101 metres – yet it’s his work in defence that is most admirable.

As a six foot four body, 50 minutes off the bench is extremely commendable. Smith made 61 tackles against the Dragons in round 13, which has flown under the radar. If there was an award for a quiet achiever, Smith must be nominated.

Honourable mentions to Jack Williams and Erin Clark. While different types of players, the two are real assets to their sides and genuine bench sparks. Williams can be a little volatile at times and make a string of errors, while Clark’s fitness also varies.

17. Josh Curran

If anyone wants to argue with me here, go and rewatch any game Josh Curran has appeared in. This guy is one of the most hardworking, efficient and impactful players in the league.

To avoid a double-up on teams, Terrell May was omitted from this bench – but he is equally as valuable and deserving for this position on the bench.

Unfortunately, the Dogs utility had a nasty head knock last week – but prior to his concussion, Curran was impeccable.

The headgear bandit came off the bench 10 times from his 13 starts and has been putting in 50 minutes a game – filled with attack and defence.

Take this for 40 minutes of impact – in round 12 against the Dragons, Curran ran for 173 metres, made 22 tackles with two offloads and two tackle breaks.

The 25-year-old is only just hitting his straps and is a huge loss for the Warriors, who should’ve kept him in the roster purely for his discipline and consistency.

Curran rarely puts in a sub-par performance and features in all facets of the game – he pops up everywhere and is a crucial part of Canterbury moving into the future.