This year has seen the rise and fall of some our games’ best players. With the announcement of 2013 Dally M Award pushed back to grand final week, the race is far from over to become the best player in the NRL in 2013.
Here are the top contenders.
Cooper Cronk (MEL) – 16
On 16 points sits Queensland veteran Cooper Cronk who has been instrumental for the Storm at halfback and pulled two votes for his performance in the second game of the 2013 State of Origin series.
Similar to last year, Cronk was the leader in the Dally M race before voting went behind close doors after Round 16 and if Slater and Smith don’t steal all his thunder, than he is a strong chance this year.
Greg Inglis (SOU) – 15
G.I. is my pick for the award on the back of what has been a blockbuster season for the fullback thus far. The big man has been running circles around the other number 1s in the comp and is the most difficult player to mark up against one on one.
Despite an injury lay-off after the representative spell he returned to the pitch last week, playing a key role in Souths win over Manly.
John Sutton (SOU) – 15
Another man behind the South Sydney charge this year is John Sutton who has been sensational at five-eighth, bringing fans to the edge of their seats.
His paring with Adam Reynolds has been the framework behind South’s push for the premiership and with Sutton’s form coming to fruition this year he might be able finish on top.
Jarrod Mullen (NEW) – 15
The battered and bruised Jarrod Mullen has been a long-standing member of the Newcastle side and one of the most reliable halves in the competition. He remains the go to man for the Newcastle side however they are currently sitting in seventh place which could hurt his odds if their finals run ends early.
Josh Reynolds (CBY) – 14
Josh Reynolds, the Bulldogs utility has adopted a large responsibility in the Canterbury side and has developed into one of the competitions best all rounders.
After cooling his heals on the Blues Origin bench he has returned to the NRL premiership with a number of impressive performances.
Daly Cherry Evans (MAN) – 13
2011’s Dally M rookie has now jumped into contention with the big dogs for the most prized award in the NRL. He has been the brainpower behind Manly’s attack and has danced past defenders all season, playing a pivotal roll in the Eagles sore to into the top four this year.
Jonathan Thurston (NQL) – 13
One of the most consistent players in the game, Jonathan Thurston is once again stamping his claim for the Dally M award.
However despite Thurston’s impeccable Origin campaign and his accuracy with the boot, his team of Cowboys have slipped out of the top eight which could hinder his gamble for a third medal.
Todd Carney (CRO) – 12
Admits all the controversy surrounding the Cronulla club, Carney has been their standout performer and leader during the absence of Paul Gallen. After a shaky 2012 he has returned to his full potential and has proved a real threat with the ball in hand.
It’s no surprise the bookies are holding high expectations for him, as he is now the favourite for the Medal.
The dark horses: James Maloney (Roosters) – 10
The 27-year old is the leading points scorer in the NRL and despite a disappointing Origin series with the Blues, he has been a standout contributor to the Roosters clinical season. If the proud Sydney team can make it to the grand final than Maloney might just be on centre stage at the Dally M awards come September.
Adam Reynolds (SOU) – 9
The little big man for the bunnies has had one of the best boots in the NRL and his running game starting to come to life. He is one of three South’s players in contention for the award however his form could put their chances of breaking their 33-year Dally M hoodoo in jeopardy if he steals to many points off Inglis and Sutton.
Who do you think will take it out this year?
Dr Yes
Guest
I have very strong mail on Dorgusson. A moral.
Doc
Guest
Would have to be JT (Thurston), with six straight wins into the finals, beating Sharks twice and Newcastle once with ease since counting stopped, his consistancy is just amazing?
cowelly
Guest
This one is too close to call! Cherry Evans, Fafita, Inglis and Sonny Bill have had awesome seasons BUT you have to look at the one player teams - Thurston, Carney and Mullen. I think what will stop Thurston will be the fact that in their wins, bowen was the best player on a couple of occasions. I really can't pick a winner though.. No one was outstanding in a pretty forgettable seasons of Rugby League.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
Roosters have too many match winners for SBW to take it home.
Linedropout
Roar Pro
Fifita will not win it
Flower Man
Guest
I think Mullen as a favourite of mine also shaun johnson form throughout the middle of the season would of got him a lot of points but being serious I reckon Mullen or carney
Robbie
Guest
Were the Roosters playing this year ? I think not, although it shows that they won the minor premiership as well as the club championship, with highest tries scored & lowest scored agaist. Somehow I am confused that even though they did not play any games this year, they achieved all that, I am sure they did not play, as if they had, with such record (oh yes they even set a new record for the most shut outs this year-6 ) with all that, not one of their players got any mention in the top 12 of the awards, JUST IMAGINE, IF THEY HAD PLAYED, WHAT THEY COULD HAVE DONE ? WOW
Steve Bennett
Guest
Looking at the List above, I see NO sign of Sonny Bill. AND, 'rightfully' so !! This guy is put up on a pedestal EVERY week, and yet, he's had some VERY ordinary games this year, not to mention the fact that he has 'missed' a 1/4 of the Season, through injury AND 'TWICE' suspended !! The way TV commentators carry on, EVERY TIME he 'touches' the ball, you'd think our 'Lord' had re-appeared !! Along with 'MANY' others, I hope he does 'defect' (YET AGAIN) to Union and go home to the Motherland. AND, if the NRL allow him to return, YET AGAIN, then THEY are the ones setting a bad example for the game, by allowing these 'overrated' Clowns, to use our game, as a revolving door !! The NRL SHOULD be focusing on the 'younger' talent we have rising through the Grades, and NOT backstabbing, selfish, 'money-hungry' players like... 'Money Bill Williams' !!
Kurtis
Guest
Mid season I would of said G.I. But Sonny Bill has to win it he'd be robbed not to ,what he has helped done at the roosters is nothing short of amazing he's led by example on and of the field he's taken them from 13th to 1st he's changed the club culture. If he isn't dally m the people who choose the winner don't know anything the results performances tell all round 26 vs rabbitohs proved it all. Only reason I can see not on his side is he isn't Australian
Lozza
Guest
Has to be JT !!!
John
Guest
I'd say either Duges or Fergo!
Craig G
Guest
I think that Cronk, Inglis and Sutton have all gone quiet since the voting went covert. Carney, Thurston and Cherry-Evans come into it as too does Lyon. For me, I think as good as Cows have been in the past few weeks, a lot of that credit goes to others and not Thurston. As for Carney, I think him and Lyon have been the best for the past few weeks. I think the race will be Carney and Cherry-Evans with Carney getting home just over Cherry-Evans with Thurston and Cronk tied for 3rd.
Sea Eagles
Guest
Mullen is definitely a favourite of mine, as mentioned above, there isn't anyone else other than the Darius Boyd on rare occasions to take points from him. But given his form since being barred from Origin, it's very hard to look past Todd Carney. As a Sea Eagles fan, I'd love to see Lyon win it (he certainly deserves one for 6 years of being a standout performer) but not making himself eligible for representative duty has killed all his chances in my opinion.
Trent
Guest
Greg Inglis.
the spectator
Guest
That may be the difference with Mullen and players like DCE and GI, I'll back Mullen.
Distant Knight
Guest
Mullen... can't see anyone else in the Newcastle side stealing too many points off him...
Renegade
Guest
Todd Carney. Backed him at $17 :) Been the best half in the comp since round 7.
Tiger
Guest
Ennis!!
Clevo
Guest
I've got my schooners betting on TC. The tatted terrier from Taren Point Todd Carney!!
Dylan
Roar Pro
I agree with Des Right Hand in saying that Jamie Lyon and FIfita should both be contendeds. Lyon has been amazing for the Eagles. And the same can be said about Fifita for the sharks. Both players have been hard on the ball all year. My personal choice would go to James Maloney. Maybe a bit bias as I'm a Roosters supporter but from when I heard the Roosters were looking to sign him I started to take more notice at his form at the Warriors and started to get quite excited about him playing for us. He was been a crucial member for the Roosters with playmaking ability and I can't think of a better half than him. The way he plays is amazing. He sets the team up for so many tries, while scoring plenty of them himself. The try he scored from that intercept the other week against Canberra I think it was to run the field and put it down was just great to watch. The game is always more fun to see when Maloney is on the field. And his kicking ability is in my opinion second to none. His smooth straight style is just a pleasure to see. I don't see many players really follow through the way he does. I think if the Roosters can continue their march through the next few weeks he will be a real contender.