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The most odd and confusing NRL season is nine rounds in – what seems like an eternity – and we are about to hit double digits of rounds played.
Prior to Round 10 kicking off, with a cracking game of epic proportions, the 2019 grand final rematch, I wanted to make a ‘Team of the Year’ so far.
Although with the trickiness of COVID and all that has happened in 2020 (cursed year), it seems a little more difficult putting together a strong 13.
With all that said, based on my own opinion and form, here is my Team of the Year, for 2020.
Fullback: Clint Gutherson
The most stacked position with stars. I automatically started typing in James Tedesco, then re-thought for Tommy Turbo, Ryan Papenhuyzen, but as this current time, it’s hard to go past the Eels skipper.
Leading from the front, King Gutho has been in stellar form, utilising his unique skill set in attack, to be a genuine third playmaking option, and even slot a winning field goal!
He has massive competition on his heels to win this spot at the end of season, but for now, the King is on top.
Clint Gutherson runs the ball for Parramatta. (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Wings: Brett Morris and David Nofoaluma
The evergreen BMoz and the resurgent Nofo have provided a huge spark in this season.
Morris is playing as well as he ever has and is slotting in perfectly to such a stacked and formidable backline.
He has arguably the best winger in the competition on his opposite side, but for this season so far, there have been none better than the Morris bros.
Nofoaluma has been his usual hard working self, just with more of a finishing touch this season and returning to his best. His form has been very similar to that of Josh Mansour, who was unlucky to miss out, but I have Nofo just ahead of him. Nofo loves a hard carry and is tireless in his attacking prowess.
Centres: Josh Morris and Michael Jennings
What I said about Brett Morris? Times it by two for his twin.
Coming from Cronulla where I think he was their strongest back last season, he’s slotted into the Tricolours effortlessly.
He is what his brother is, evergreen and in career-best form.
Jennings is playing as well as he ever has, channelling his early Penrith and prime Rooster days. Jennings is in fine form.
The style in which the Eels are playing at the moment means the Eels give their centres early ball to give them a chance to create something. Jennings (and his counterpart Waqa Blake) are strongly benefitting from this.
Five eighth: Luke Keary
It is unreal to think this man has not played origin yet, but has won three premierships, one Clive Churchill medal and has played for Australia.
He plays like a flat out number 7, but has the six on his back. Orchestrates the best attack in the competition, and as shown in the ’18 grand final, can be in charge of it without faltering. Right behind him is Cameron Munster, whom without injuries may have been here, but for this article’s sake, it is the Roosters #6.
Luke Keary. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Halfback: Nathan Cleary
The Penrith maestro, albeit missing a few games at the start for off-season issues, is in sublime form. To think all Cleary needed to really dominate was a strong #9.
We are seeing the best of Nathan. Had Moses not been out for a few games due to injury, I was very tempted to pick him, but I am going with the Penrith 7.
Goal kicking hasn’t been as strong as previous seasons, but he has the Penrith attack on fire, and most of that is behind their halfback.
Props: Payne Haas and Reagan Campbell-Gillard
Honestly, I wanted to go with both Parramatta props. I think Junior Paulo has been as good as any prop in the competition, but Haas’ numbers were too great for me not to put him in.
Haas seems to have the engine of a hooker in a prop’s body. Continuously averaging over 25+ tackles a game, and always leading the running category for his pack, he leads from the front.
The only thing I will say about Payne is he may need to enforce his body more for fiercer contact, which will reduce his minutes. However, his conserving style still has him rolling! RCG has just been a revelation. Coming from a disappointing stint at the Panthers, Brad Arthur has RCG on fire.
RCG loves to run from the back of the fence and always with vigour. His work rate is something to be admired. Continuously on the search for work, he and his partner Paulo are forming the best prop partnership in the competition.
Hooker: Api Koroisau
My fingers went to type Harry Grant, but I just could not go past Api. He has completely changed the Penrith attack and has bought the best out of Cleary.
His steady game has given the Panthers a more direct attacking approach and they seem to suit a more direct style. Tireless in defence, but sharp enough to get out of dummy-half, Api is priming the Panthers for a strong run home.
The buy of the year!
Api Koroisau. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Second row: Ryan Matterson and Viliame Kikau
It pains me, regardless of whoever is the form second row of the comp, I will never look past Boyd Cordner. He will always be the best second row in the comp, as long as he is playing.
For this season’s sake, Matto and Bili are on top. Matterson has just bought what we all knew he had to a red-hot Parramatta outfit. Tireless defence, great line running and huge energy, he is slotting in perfectly in Parra’s star studded pack.
Bili Kikau with his new hair due has bought the same impact. Fierce line running off Luai, big hits on defence and a lethal offload game, he is the main man for the Panthers when it comes to X-factor.
He would be the first man any opposition team will focus on, during their pre-game plan.
Lock: Jason Taumalolo
No real surprise here right? Has there ever been a better 13? The ‘other’ JT just seems to get better and better. He runs for over 200m a game, makes over 20 tackles a game, and still has a usual 20-minute breather. If he played a full 80 conservative style of play? Geeeeez.
That would be a scary sight to see. The best forward in the game and the best metre eater in the game. Unstoppable on his day.
The team
1. Clint Gutherson
2. David Nofoaluma
3. Josh Morris
4. Michael Jennings
5. Brett Morris
6. Luke Keary
7. Nathan Cleary
8. Reagan Campbell-Gillard
9. Api Korisau
10. Payne Haas
11. Viliame Kikau
12. Ryan Matterson
13. Jason Taumalolo
Let’s see who finishes out on top, after the NRL season finishes. Watch this space!
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