NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
Ryan Papenhuyzen has been awarded the 2020 Clive Churchill medal as man of the match for the 2020 NRL grand final.
The Melbourne Storm fullback had a match-high 208 running metres, while also scoring what would prove to be the match-winning try with a huge run early in the second half.
The 22-year-old also defused three kicks, while having 28 kick return metres, 38 post-contact metres, one line break and a line break assist.
It’s the third time out of six grand final wins a Storm fullback has won the Clive Churchill medal, with Billy Slater winning the award in 2009 and 2017. Cooper Cronk took home the award in 2012, with Greg Inglis winning it in 2007 and Brett Kimmorley saluting in 1999.
It caps off a superb season for the Sydney native, who is set to be named in the New South Wales State of Origin squad after a stellar year.
There was plenty of speculation, especially at half time, that Storm veteran Cameron Smith would be awarded the medal by default due to his speculated upcoming retirement – but it was not to be. If Smith does retire, the Clive Churchill will be one of a very small handful of honours that has eluded him.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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