We name the NRL's top 10 underrated players heading into the 2014 season Ahead of the 2014 NRL season we take a look at some of the competition's most underrated players who could prove unsung heroes for their sides again this season. Versatile Rooster Mitchell Aubusson has a 2013 premiership ring that says he's a serious player. AHEAD of the new season we name who we view as the top 10 underrated players in the NRL. The top try-scorer in the NRL last year, Simmons is often the forgotten man. A former Cronulla Shark, the 29-year-old has developed into a quality winger during his four seasons at the foot of the mountains. Simmons is safe under the high ball, agile, quick and has a knack of finding his way to the tryline. Panthers winger David Simmons evades Billy Slater to score one of his 19 tries last season. Not rated by the Parramatta decision makers, Horo put the doubters in their place with an impressive 2013. A the end of 2012, the 27-year-old backrower was unsure whether he would even be playing in the NRL until the Sea Eagles picked him up in what proved to be one of the buys of the year. With leg speed, upper body strength and solid defensive technique, Horo is pushing his case for New Zealand selection. Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans and Justin Horo celebrate Jorge Taufua scoring a try. The 26-year-old has been tipped as a future NSW Origin player for good reason. A centre-backrower, the premiership winner is a consummate professional. Boasting an elusive running game, solid tackling technique and ability to find a hole on the field, Aubusson's ability to run clever angles makes life easy for the likes of Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney. Versatile Rooster Mitchell Aubusson heads for the tryline against Gold Coast. Named by most as the hardest hitter in the game, many describe running into the Penrith prop as like hitting a brick wall. In his 10th season of playing in the NRL, the 30-year-old not only provides rock-solid defence but ample go-forward, which lays the platform for his outside backs to work off of. Panthers forward Nigel Plum buries one of his feared shoulders into Jarryd Hayne. Whether he is playing halfback or hooker, Thompson is silky smooth with the ball whether it is in hand or on foot. Injury has plagued him throughout his short career and while he is returning from a broken jaw this year, the 24-year-old has established a formidable combination with Johnathan Thurston. Cowboys playmaker Ray Thompson celebrates scoring a try against the Panthers. It is easy to forget the former Kiwi international is a 15-Test veteran. Having started his career at the Wests Tigers back in 2003, Halatau is a utility in every sense. With the ability to play in the centres, hooker, backrow and lock, the 30-year-old is a premiership winner. A hard worker with a no-nonsense attitude to the game, Halatau's leadership will be invaluable for a young Tigers side this season. Handy utility Dene Halatau will be back in Wests Tigers colours this season. The interchange forward is another no-nonsense type of player. He runs hard and he runs straight. With a hard-hitting solid frame, it is little wonder he is pushing his claims for a Queensland State of Origin debut. The 23-year-old is capable of playing plenty of minutes and a long-term prospect at the club. Broncos prop Josh McGuire tackles Eels rival Mitchell Allgood. The 29-year-old is a more than handy replacement for Jamal Idris at the Gold Coast. Like a fine wine, the former Knight and Panther continues to better with age. Not only does Tighe have agile feet and a very handy left-foot step, he also pace to burn. Tighe can not only work as a member of a team but is also capable of producing individual brilliance. Titans recruit Brad Tighe is settling into the Gold Coast after a club swap with Jamal Idris. A new recruit from Canberra, the Indigenous All Stars representative can pull off an inspirational hit just when his team needs it. A rangy backrower who can double as a centre, the 25-year-old has leg speed, a handy offload and deceptive upper body strength. Despite leaving the Raiders to sign a rich three-year-deal with the Dragons, Thompson's ability to hit a hole and find space will be a huge gain for the Red V. Joel Thompson, far right, will be a powerful addition to the Dragons pack this season. In a team of superstars where the Big Three receive all the accolades, the Melbourne centre often goes unnoticed. The owner of a handy right-foot step, Chambers' fancy footwork often has him find his way to the tryline. Not only is the 25-year-old is safe under the high ball but he has blistering speed, which was exemplified last season when he bailed Shaun Johnson into touch having run him down from the other side of the field in cover defence. Storm centre Will Chambers crashes over for a round 26 try last season.