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And then there were two. After a year of highs and lows, we are left with two teams to fight it out in Sydney for the 2014 NRL crown.
But for fans of other NRL clubs, there is still something to look forward to – the Dally M Awards. Who takes out each position and who will win the most sought after individual award in the game.
Fullback – Jarryd Hayne
As I mentioned in my team of the year announcement, Hayne beat out some amazing fullbacks after showing form not seen since his Dally M medal winning form of 2009. Had a blinder of an Origin series and seemed to get better as the season went on.
Wing – Josh Mansour
Mansour was desperately unlucky to not be selected for Origin this series after a brilliant start to the season. The 24-year-old scored 14 tries from his 20 games and made well over 3000 metres with the ball. Will edge out Semi Radradra for the award.
Centre – Dylan Walker
Walker’s amazing 2014 will surely be rewarded with a spot in the Four Nations squad for the Kangaroos. Walker’s contribution goes far beyond his 11 tries. His combination late in the season with Lote Tuqiri has been vital. Hard to believe he’s still just 20 years of age.
Five-Eighth – Jamie Soward
Perhaps the game’s most polarising player has had a year that would rival 2010 in which he led the Dragons to the title. Although the Panthers fell one game short of the big dance, Soward did everything he could to put the Panthers in a position to contest in October.
Halfback – Johnathan Thurston
Thurston, again, showed he is perhaps the greatest playmaker in the modern era, spurning his Cowboys side on to a mid-September charge. Topped the point scoring chart with 208, and contributed 28 try assists.
Prop – James Graham
Arguably the best front rower of the modern era, Graham does more than just tuck the ball under his arm and run. A massive metre-eater who can also ball play like a big, dangerous, tackling machine and a five-eighth. Has been the Dogs’ best all season.
Hooker – James Segeyaro
The Panthers number nine has been an absolute revelation in 2014. His defence was first class, his ability to make breaks top shelf and his work-rate unquestionable. Has been one of the stars in a very successful Panthers outfit.
Second Row – Aiden Guerra
The Roosters’ backrower has outshone his two much bigger named teammates in Boyd Corder and one Sonny Bill Williams. If you were going to take an NRL player into battle with you, he’d be built in the Guerra mould. Has been a rock in defence, and dangerous in attack.
Lock – Sam Burgess
May very well leave the game with a premiership, but will without a doubt leave with another positional award to his name. Burgess has been brilliant in every sense of the word and has taken over Paul Gallen as the best lock in the sport.
Coach – Ivan Cleary
Cleary has again proven his worth as an NRL coach, guiding a team with no Origin reps to within six points of a grand final berth. Got the most out of the majority of his players, and totally reinvigorated Jamie Soward.
Captain Of The Year – John Sutton
The Souths skipper has managed to keep his head despite a mountain of pressure on both himself and his club. Has led the way by setting a strong example both on and off the field.
Rookie Of The Year – Alex Johnston
Johnston’s ridiculous try-scoring strike rate of 17 tries in 15 games is almost unheard of for a rookie. The Souths wing spot looked like a problem area for the famous club, but thanks to Johnston, has been one of their great successes. The sky’s the limit.
Dally M Medal – Johnathan Thurston
Thurston will surely add to his two Dally M Medal wins in 2005 and 2007 after leading the Cowboys to yet another finals series. Closed the season with an incredible amount of influence during an incredible run of wins. Will edge out Hayne and Burgess for the top honour.
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