The most valuable player can be defined in a number of ways and the criteria can differ between teams, depending on their style of play.
It could be the goal-kicker who converts from the sideline every week, the organiser, the most experienced, the best cover defender or the guy with electric pace. They make the clutch plays look easy week after week.
So who is the MVP of your team?
Wests Tigers – Luke Brooks
When he first hit the top grade, he was compared to the Immortal Andrew Johns. This hasn’t eventuated yet, but he’s now starting to live up to this potential.
His speed in attack and confidence to run the ball is matched only by his accurate kicking game. Along with Benji Marshall, he’s got the Tigers purring in 2018.
Newcastle Knights – Kayln Ponga
This 20-year-old is a freak and there’s nothing about his play that pongs. He can do everything and is destined to become a superstar of the NRL, injury permitting.
Ponga just beats Mitchell Pearce as MVP as he has shown that he can comfortably handle the pressure of controlling and winning games in Pearce’s absence.
Pearce has experience, a dynamic passing game and a great long kicking game – but Ponga shines with the step, speed and foresight to turn a game on its head from anywhere on the field.
Kalyn Ponga of the Knights. (Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images)
Parramatta Eels – Clinton Gutherson
Just back from injury, Gutherson is the heart and soul of the Parra team, with an energy that is infectious and a skill level that suits almost any position on the field. He’s a natural football player who loves to be in thick of the action with a mantra that ‘anything is possible’. In fact, his acceleration is only matched by his positive attitude.
Sydney Roosters – Latrell Mitchell
When the Roosters aren’t travelling well in attack, they often swing it along the line to Mitchell in search of a touch of individual brilliance. Even though he often doesn’t receive the ball in great positions, he’s been able to show his class and strength to make something out of nothing.
He’s the Roosters MVP because in the last 20 minutes of each game, he seems to get the ball a couple of times in each attacking set. In defence he never takes a backward step and shows bucketloads of heart and passion. He’s also the goal-kicker and mega dropout-kicker, which adds to his value in the side.
Cronulla Sharks – Andrew Fifita
Last year the MVP for the Sharks was probably James Maloney – in his absence, I’m going to shine on Fifita due to his devastating ability to crash through tackles and inspire his teammates when the game is in the balance.
He scored the late try to seal the Sharks grand final victory in 2016 – in 2018 he’s still the go-to man when the Sharks need an extra effort or a try close to the line.
Not far behind is the ageless Luke Lewis, who never stops trying.
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Gold Coast Titans – Ash Taylor
The Titans haven’t had a huge amount of success over the years, but if I were forced to pick the most valuable player I’d vouch for halfback Ash Taylor, just ahead of the determined Kevin Proctor and Ryan James.
Taylor is being talked up as a future Queensland representative and has shown maturity beyond his age since coming into first grade. He has speed off the mark, a highly effective passing game and can worry fullbacks with his high kicks.
Manly Sea Eagles – Tom Trbojevic
Tom is a dynamic young footballer and is the man you need when the going gets tough. He is a great support player – his teammates and the crowd get excited when he has the ball in hand. Not far behind him is his courageous brother Jake.
Daly Cherry-Evans deserves a mention with his crisp passing and kicking game, but Trbojevic consistently offers the x-factor over the 80 minutes. He regularly injects himself into the attack to inspire and create opportunities.
Canterbury Bulldogs – Moses Mbye
Before the season began, you’d probably point to Kieran Foran as the MVP, but he’s been underwhelming and may be playing with injury. In his place, the speedy Mbye offers spark from the back and a great counter-punch when fielding kicks from fullback.
He’s one of the few players firing for the Dogs in 2018.
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