Lets face it, there is a certain criteria that needs to be followed in order to pick the player awarded the best in the NRL over the entire season. Here are some vital points you need to remember prior to placing your “futures” bet:
In the past 10 years, only one forward, Cameron Smith in 2006, has been awarded the medal. 4 of those winners have played at halfback, 4 at fullback and 1 at five-eight.
Of the winners, all but one player has had their team finish outside the Top 8; this was Jarryd Hayne in 2014 when he was joint-winner with Thurston and Hayne was top-tryscorer that year. In other words, your player’s team must be a contender to be a chance of winning.
Consider teams that have only one or two genuine contenders. Reason for this is talented teams like the Storm and Broncos with multiple chances, often have players taking points from one another each week. The best example of this is the Storm, with the “Big 3” only winning once each, despite their teams dominance in the past 10 or so years.
With that in mind, here are the best selections for teams, which are going to be contenders for the Premiership in 2016.
Brisbane Broncos
Ben Hunt – Halfback = Controls the team very well and will look to work off the platform set by the forwards. Whereas Milford is an individual leader, Hunt is the key link between the powerful forwards and the talented outside backs.
Anthony Milford – Five-Eight = as mentioned above, Milford’s chances of winning this will depend on his individual play. If he is firing, expect him to be prominent within the Broncos team.
Cronulla Sharks
Wade Graham – Second Row = Gallen is too injury prone and Graham is the man that will be prominent for the Sharks. Yes, he plays in the forwards but can be a ball-playing one at that. He will be strong on both sides of the ball and a real leader of this team.
Sydney Roosters
Jake Friend – Hooker = Friend will have added responsibility at the Roosters this season due to the players that are missing. He was one of their best last year and expect him to grow further and poll strongly, especially playing 80 minutes each week.
Blake Ferguson – Fullback = He will be the spark the Roosters need in attack. He is a threat wherever he is on the field and they will need to get him the ball where possible. More importantly, his confidence is back and will look to lead his younger outside backs.
Melbourne Storm
Any of the Big 3, take your pick! Only problem is that they’re likely to take points from one another each week.
North Queensland Cowboys
Jonathan Thurston – Halfback = Last years winner and a strong favourite once again. If the Cowboys win, JT is certainly in the points and if he is fit and the Cowboys finish high on the ladder, this is almost a lock!
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Daly Cherry-Evans – Halfback = Manly are expected to be a force again and if they’re to stamp their authority on the competition, DCE will need to be steering the ship. He is more than a suitable candidate and one of the favourites yet again.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Moses Mbye – Halfback = Mbye has a defining year ahead of him and he has to succeed or perish. He is talented enough to succeed and has a very strong pack ahead of him. This will work in his favour with extra room to move and supplying the outside backs with the ball in attacking positions.
James Graham – Prop = Graham will be steering the ship at the centre of the Bulldogs and he is one player that likes to lead with his actions. Look for him to dominate and inspire in matches and spend plenty of time on the field.
New Zealand Warriors
Shaun Johnson – Halfback = Attacking flair and excitement aplenty! The Warriors will rely heavily on Johnson to lead them to victory in matches. He is talented enough to do so but needs to remain injury free, as well as manage the pressure.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – Fullback = RTS was dynamite last year and his impending combination with Johnson has people salivating. He will be just about everywhere on the field and a major weapon for the Warriors in attack.
Only problem is that these players are going to take points from one another each week.
Parramatta Eels
Kieran Foran – Five-Eight = Foran’s new location holds uncertainty about the teams success but it does make him the best player in the team. He will command plenty of points if the Eels win and he has the leadership skills to match his ability.
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Greg Inglis – Fullback = Greg Inglis…say no more!
Sam Burgess – Lock = Sam Burgess will carry a lot of expectation in his team and time away from the game may make him slow to start with, but that won’t last long. He is a star, so watch him flourish!
Other outsiders
Matt Moylan – Fullback = Fitness will be Moylan’s biggest hurdle but he will be a key feature of the Panthers team. Unfortunately, his teams expected performance probably hurt his chances.
Blake Austin – Five-Eight = Similar to Moylan, Austin is a superstar in his team but his teams talent could let him down in the long run.
Suggested Bet
Daly Cherry-Evans
Outsider
Jake Friend
Good luck!
Scooby
