Penrith have put themselves on track to pick up a third straight premiership and they could do so after cleaning up at the Dally M awards.
As part of a shortlist announced by the NRL ahead of Wednesday’s ceremony at Randwick Racecourse, the reigning premiers have been recognised for their success.
Nine Penrith players are in contention for roles in the team of the year, with five-eighth and hooker the only positions for which they don’t have a contender.
Ivan Cleary is once again in the reckoning to be named best coach, while Isaah Yeo is in the frame for captain and lock of the year.
(Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
Dylan Edwards has the chance to usurp the Sydney Roosters’ James Tedesco and be recognised as the game’s leading fullback.
Edwards won the Clive Churchill Medal in last year’s grand final victory and such was his form the Penrith flyer was being talked up as a potential replacement for Tedesco in the NSW State of Origin side.
Winger Sunia Turuva is in consideration for rookie of the year, although he faces stiff competition from Wests Tigers whiz Jahream Bula and Melbourne’s rugby sevens convert Will Warbrick.
Nathan Cleary will vie with Daly Cherry-Evans and Shaun Johnson to be crowned the game’s best halfback, with the latter widely tipped to win the Dally M Medal.
Johnson has spearheaded the Warriors revival under rookie coach Andrew Webster, who will attempt to see off Cleary and Kevin Walters to be named the game’s best coach.
Winger Jamayne Isaako is the only nominee from 2023 newcomers the Dolphins and is up against a strong field that includes Brian To’o, Selwyn Cobbo, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Dominic Young for a berth.
AWARDS SHORTLIST
* Fullback of the year – James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters), Dylan Edwards (Penrith), Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle)
* Winger (two winners) – Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Brian To’o (Penrith), Dominic Young (Newcastle), Selwyn Cobbo (Brisbane), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Cronulla)
* Centre (two winners) – Stephen Crichton (Penrith), Bradman Best (Newcastle), Kotoni Staggs (Brisbane), Campbell Graham (South Sydney), Herbie Farnworth (Brisbane), Izack Tago (Penrith)
* Five-eighth – Ezra Mam (Brisbane), Cameron Munster (Melbourne), Cody Walker (South Sydney)
* Halfback – Nathan Cleary (Penrith), Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
* Hooker – Wayde Egan (Warriors), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Harry Grant (Melbourne)
* Prop (two winners) – Lindsay Collins (Sydney Roosters), Payne Haas (Brisbane) James Fisher-Harris (Penrith), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Melbourne), Jake Trbojevic (Manly), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)
(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
* Second row (two winners) – Liam Martin (Penrith), Briton Nikora (Cronulla), Tyson Frizell (Newcastle), Haumole Olakau’atu (Manly), David Fifita (Gold Coast), Hudson Young (Canberra)
* Lock – Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Penrith), Patrick Carrigan (Brisbane)
* Coach – Kevin Walters (Brisbane), Andrew Webster (Warriors), Ivan Cleary (Penrith)
* Captain – Adam Reynolds (Brisbane), Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Penrith)
* Rookie – Jahream Bula (Wests Tigers), Will Warbrick (Melbourne), Sunia Turuva (Penrith).
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Pretty close there, Nat. I'm leaning towards more Haas and Collins, but AFB and Fish would be worthy, too.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Yep ! There was no happier Panther fan than me when DWZ was moved on. In typical fashion he scored two tries and handed the Broncos two ! Egan has been great this year, but he must be getting close to a ban with all the concussions he cops ? Turuva is a crucial reliable component of the Panthers back 5 performers.
souvalis
Roar Rookie
Whatever you rate DWZ with the ball is the polar antonym of what he is the other side of it. Egan is outstanding Turuva is so durable, so resistant, so reliable.
Nat
Roar Guru
Why does Reynolds not get a look in at #7? #1: Ponga having so much time off early in the year would hurt his points tally but he (arguably) has more influence on his team successes than the other two. #2: DWZ & Isaako #3: Crichton & Herbie #6: Mam #7: Cleary - on points, consistent all year. Johnson come good later. #9: Harry by default. Egan is solid. Api, wooden spoon, injured and played #7. #10: - Hardest of all. AFB & could be Haas, Collins or Fish. #11: Martin & Young #13: Capt Pat. Coach: Webster Capt: Reynolds Rookie: Warbrick.
Nat
Roar Guru
Of those 3 Mam must have a fair shot. I didn't think he would be in consideration because he got suspended for the Souths game early in the year.
Red Rob
Roar Rookie
Munster a bit lucky?