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Jarryd Hayne on the way to the tryline during the Week 1 Playoff NRL match between the Dragons and the Eels at Win Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009. The Eels beat the Dragons 25-12. (AAP Image/Action Photographics, Renee McKay)
Now that the beer coaster that I had used to write on has dried out, it’s time to reveal the Roar’s NRL Team of 2009. By way of introduction, it is worth mentioning that there were a number of debates that centered around a few different areas.
First, what is better, consistent effort or explosive impact? How do you compare a forward that plods and plunders away for 80 minutes with one that unleashes hell for 50 minutes and gets plenty of time to recharge the batteries?
What is more valuable, a backrower that makes fifty tackles, or one that lurks out wide and creates havoc whenever they get the ball?
Do you want a halfback that guides the team around the park or one that has all the party tricks?
What about wingers? What is the right balance between someone who makes no mistakes but is unlikely to score length of the field of tries when their stars are alignment?
And, finally, does should the team have a “No Dickhead” policy?
No wonder the coaster took so long to dry.
So after much debate, here is the Roar’s team of 2009:
Fullback Jarryd Hayne: Well, the first one was easy.
Wing Brett Morris: Classic finisher and defined consistency. Must be close to a NSW jumper.
Wing Luke Burt: The panel couldn’t go past his consistency, lack of errors, defensive reads and finishing skills.
Near Miss: Taniela Tuaiki. The big unit was a big shout, but was just pipped.
Centre Greg Inglis: Sure an off-field incident was unsavoury, but it’s still hard to think of a more dominant player in the game.
Centre Michael Jennings: Was the reason Penrith had such an over-achieving year. Attacking freak and there’s plenty to like about his defence as well.
Five-eighth Jamie Soward: There had to be a reason St George won the minor premiership. Soward was a great week-in-week-out performer.
Near Miss Benji Marshall: The above reason was why Benji missed out. So many great highlights but also some periods of anonymity during the season.
Halfback Scott Prince: The ultimate general with a number seven on his back.
Prop Fui Fui Moi Moi: Too too big big and and too too strong strong to to ignore ignore.
Hooker Michael Ennis: Lots of mongrel and a competitor.
Near Miss Cameron Smith: Or is it still just Cam? Too nice to win everything.
Prop Ben Hannant: The Polar Bear is the perfect foil for Hurricane Moi Moi, an 80 minute player with all the fruit.
Second row Frank Pritchard: Back to his devastating best for the Panthers this year.
Second row Ben Creagh: Almost the model modern day secondrower for the Dragons.
Near miss You name them, Hindmarsh and Watmough in particular, but there is an embarrassing glut of quality backrowers at present.
Lock David Stagg: Mr Consistent for the vastly improved Bulldogs.
So now we are done with the winners, what about the losers?
The worst of 2009?
Stacey Jones, with daylight second. His comeback was a disaster.
Manly’s Tony Williams failed to live up to any of the hype. There were times when you weren’t sure he actually knew what game he was playing.
Reece Williams, Chris Bailey and Chris Heightington: all had poor years for players who had previously set themselves high standards.
Chris Sandow, Jarrod Sammut and Anthony Watts looked to struggle with the extra responsibility, but they still have huge potential.
Finally, despite being Dally M Rookie of the Year, Jamal Idris looked to start his second year syndrome about four weeks early. Watch out.
Let the debate start!
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