The Big O’s Trivia: The best buys in rugby league in 2019

Ten rounds into the NRL season and the star turns and dark horses are starting to show their value. THE BIG O picks his 15-1 of the best buys in rugby league in 2019.

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Ten rounds into the NRL season and the star turns and dark horses are starting to show their value. THE BIG O picks his 15-1 of the best buys in rugby league in 2019.

15. DYLAN NAPA

Before his lay-off, he was the Bulldogs’ best forward, even scoring tries in back-to-back matches.

14. ROBERT JENNINGS

The Mr Fix-It at the West Tigers is filling in admirably after joining the club in late February.

13. BRENDAN ELLIOT

When Tom Trbojevic went down alarm bells could be heard as far as Palm Beach. Elliot’s form has alleviated those concerns.

Brendan Elliot has stepped up for the Sea Eagles. Image: Matt King/Getty Images

12. JOSH MORRIS

Throughout the carnage at Cronulla, the veteran centre has remained healthy and a steadying influence on the younger players.

11. COREY HARAWIRA-NAERA

He has been the Bulldogs’ most effective forward this season.

10. CHARNZE NICOLL-KLOKSTAD

His name alone gets him on this list, not to mention his outstanding form at fullback for the Raiders.

9. DAVID KLEMMER

When it comes to post -contact metres for the Knights, he’s again leading the NRL.

Parramatta have unearthed a gem in Maika Sivo. Image: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts

8. MAIKA SIVO

Reminds me of a certain barnstorming Fijian winger who the Eels have struggled to replace … until now.

7. RYAN SUTTON

A real surprise packet who has been one of the Raiders’ unsung heroes this season.

6. JUNIOR PAULO

It’s no coincidence his return home to Parramatta has coincided with the Eels’ return to the top eight.

5. COREY NORMAN

As soon as Gareth Widdop got injured, his game went to a new level. In back-to-back matches he slotted matchwinning field goals.

Corey Norman has adapted well to life at St George. Image: Brett Costello

4. RYAN MATTERSON

At the Tigers he has proved — beyond any doubt — he is a starting player week-in, week-out.

3. SHAUN LANE

At his fourth NRL club since 2015, he is finally displaying his potential. The edge backrower is in career- best form at the Eels.

2. BLAKE FERGUSON

The premiership-winning winger has carried on at Parramatta from his stellar season in 2018 at the Roosters. Should be rewarded with Origin selection.

1. JOHN BATEMAN

This skilful English backrower is one of the main reasons Canberra has transformed into a serious premiership contender.

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Originally published as The Big O’s Trivia: The best buys in rugby league in 2019