The NRL’s unsung heroes of 2009

Great Britain's Gareth Ellis, center, releases the ball despite the attention of Australia's Matt Cooper during their Rugby League Tri-Nations match at The KC Stadium, Hull, England, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2005. AP Photo/Paul Ellis

Superstars Jarryd Hayne, Billy Slater and Greg Inglis shined the brightest in sides full of stars, but there have also been other admiral performers this year who managed to provide some bright moments for teams that suffered sustained dark periods during the season.

Whilst teams such as the Wests Tigers, Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks and Sydney Roosters all experienced premiership campaigns they would rather forget, there were some real unsung heroes from these sides that deserve an honourable mention for trying to resurrect a season that failed to live up to previous expectations.

Although most of these players will reflect on season 2009 as a year of disappointment for their team, they should acknowledge the fact that their efforts will be rewarded down the tract with either representative selection or a place in the NRL finals next year.

So here are the unsung heroes of season 2009.

Wests Tigers – Benji Marshall and Gareth Ellis
Although Marshall generally receives a lot of recognition for his performances for the Tigers, it was still very difficult to leave him out of this list, considering he was one of the main focal points for the Tigers winning seven games in a row late in the year to almost book Tim Sheens’ men a place in the finals.

Despite missing the playoffs, Marshall finished the season as the NRL’s leading playmaker, conjuring up 28 try assists.

When he fired, Marshall was arguably the hottest player in the NRL and it took the freakish efforts of an Eels fullback to undo the magic work the Kiwi halfback produced, in order to get his side back in top eight reckoning.

While it took a couple of years for Marshall to really get going in his career, it has only taken one full season for English import Gareth Ellis to leave his mark in the NRL.

Ellis showcased raw power in both defence and attack that was good enough to dent even the sternest of NRL defences.

His ability to constantly get an offload away allowed the likes of Marshall and Farah to weave their magic with the ball in hand and orchestrate the brilliant attacking plays the Tigers are renowned for.

Canberra Raiders – Bronson Harrison and Josh Dugan
After showcasing a lot of enigmatic form with the Tigers, Harrison made the move down to Canberra to cement a regular first grade spot at a side that would end up really needing his best form if they were to compete on a week to week basis.

Thankfully, Harrison obliged and proved to be a constant nightmare for opposition defences, as the Kiwi Test forward managed to produce more offloads than other player this season, with 75 next to his name.

His nearest rival (Sharks player Paul Gallen) produced 52 offloads, showcasing just how good Harrison has become when it comes to providing his side with ample second phase play opportunities.

Whilst Harrison dominated upfront for the Raiders, NRL 2009 debutant Josh Dugan took the world by surprise playing at fullback.

After making his debut for the green machine, Dugan wasted no time in asserting himself as a possible future Kangaroos fullback, making over 3000 metres in just 16 games played for Canberra.

His defensive play was also a highlight, as Dugan regularly showcased courage beyond his years against opponents that have played at the highest level.

Cronulla Sharks – Luke Douglas
Douglas was the only player that could hold his head up above water in a year where the Sharks literally sunk. He was the only one that was able to sink his teeth into opposition defences and fight his way through the other side and make very valuable metres in the process.

Despite playing in a team that was within a whisker of winning the wooden spoon, Douglas was often touted as a possible debutant for NSW in Origin this season such was his form. He finished second only to Fui Fui Moi Moi in yardage gained by a forward this year, making 2867 metres.

With a fit Anthony Tupou and Paul Gallen by his side next season, one can only wish Douglas’s efforts receive the necessary recognition it deserves.

Sydney Roosters – Sam Perrett
In a year where the Bondi-junction club came up with the lowest of the lows, Roosters fullback Sam Perrett arguably produced his finest season as a player, and was probably the only reason to watch Brad Fittler’s men suffer the way they did and end up feeling sorry for them.

In spite of a horrendous season 2009, Perrett has constantly proved to be the only rock in a Roosters side that was probably the softest ever in their 102 year history.

As he watched the scoreboard pile on the numbers against his team, Perrett kept racking up the runs and the yardage to eventually find himself trailing only Jarryd Hayne, in both metres gained and runs made by a player this season.

In the end, Perrett made over 380 runs for over 3500 metres in an effort that unfortunately coincided with the Roosters obtaining their first wooden spoon since 1966.

Get Australia's best NRL opinion emailed daily.

Like this content? Buzz it up!

Free Email updates:

• Get a daily Rugby League email

Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...