Matthew Johns and his fellow Fox Sports rugby league experts pick their Dally M teams of the year
HE’S a four-time Dally M winner, a future Immortal and possibly the greatest player ever. But there’s no spot for Johnathan Thurston in Matthew Johns’ 2016 Dally M Team of the Year.
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HE’S a four-time Dally M winner, a future Immortal and — depending on who you ask — possibly the greatest player the game has seen.
But there’s no spot for Johnathan Thurston in Matthew Johns’ 2016 Dally M Team of the Year.
Why? Well it’s no slight on Thurston’s incredible skills — it’s just that Johns, an unabashed fan of the Cowboys champion, reckons Storm superstar Cooper Cronk has had a better 2016 campaign.
“In a fabulous career, Cronk has had one of his finest seasons. His quality and consistency is a major reason why the Storm were minor premiers,” Johns said of the Melbourne playmaker.
With the Dally M Medal night coming up next week, we’ve asked the experts to select their Team of the Year.
Check out who Matthew Johns and his fellow Fox Sports rugby league experts came up with below.
MATTHEW JOHNS DALLY M TEAM OF THE YEAR
Fullback: James Tedesco. In a hot field, Tedesco wins. Great season for the Tigers and a standout performance in State of Origin.
Wing: Suliasi Vunivalu. An incredible rookie season from a young player no-one in the NRL had heard of before his debut game against the Tigers.
Centre: Joey Leilua. A season which saw Joey fulfil his potential. Fast enough to go around a defender or powerful enough to run over the top of him.
Five-eighth: Anthony Milford. Has become the heart and soul of the Broncos attack. Is the best running threat in Rugby League.
Halfback: Cooper Cronk. In a fabulous career, Cronk has had one of his finest seasons. His quality and consistency is a major reason why the Storm were minor premiers.
Lock: Jason Taumalolo. The most damaging big man in the game. Rare to have someone who’s so explosive, yet can play long minutes.
Back-rower: Josh Papalli. Damaging runner and defender who in 2016 benefited from Ricky Stuart’s tough training regime.
Front-rower: Jesse Bromwich. Size, speed, stamina and great footwork. The world’s best front-rower.
Hooker: Josh Hodgson. To keep Cameron Smith out of the team of the year will take something special, and that’s what Hodgson has delivered. The Raiders have enjoyed a great season, and Hodgson is their most important player.
The no-brainer: Josh Hodgson. My player of the year.
The cruellest cut: Johnathan Thurston. Because he’s Johnathan Thurston.
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Originally published as Matthew Johns and his fellow Fox Sports rugby league experts pick their Dally M teams of the year