Matthew Johns offers his 2016 NRL season awards as only he can

IN a season which has had its fair share of headline moments, drama and excitement, MATTHEW JOHNS gives his 2016 awards to the high-rating soap opera that is rugby league.

A WEEKEND of football and that’s it, as far as rounds 1 to 26 of the Telstra Premiership are concerned.

It’s a season which has had its fair share of headline moments, drama and excitement, everything you’d expect from the high-rating soap opera that is rugby league.

Here’s my awards for season 2016.

MOST IMPROVED PLAYER

Mitchell Moses — His progression in the back half of this season has been dramatic. He has the skill, but more importantly the temperament to be a star for many years to come.

BEST SIGNING

James Maloney — Has been exactly what the Sharks hoped for, a playmaker with the confidence and know-how to win important games.

BEST COMEBACK AWARD

Ben Barba — After several seasons where his confidence had almost evaporated at times, in 2016 the real Ben Barba has returned.

DIDN’T KNOW HE WAS THIS GOOD AWARD

Elliot Whitehead — The Englishman arrived in Australia this year as an unknown quantity but has proven himself a class act in the back row for the Raiders. Canberra are expecting even bigger things from the skilful Whitehead in 2017.

THE MOST VALUABLE UTILITY

Tyrone Peachey — One of the most natural footballers in the competition. The Panthers can play him anywhere, and the bigger the game, the better he goes.

THE BEST COMPETITOR AWARD

Johnathan Thurston — One of the greatest competitors the game has seen. He sprints to a situation, not because he knows he’s needed, but in case he might be.

THE BEST ENTERTAINER AWARD

James Graham — The most watchable player in the NRL, his skill, toughness and on field banter, makes for priceless entertainment.

BEST IMPERSONATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMAT

Cameron Smith — Should be Australia’s representative at the next G8 summit. I can see Vladimir Putin finding it impossible to shoo him away, in the very same way NRL referees can’t quite manage to do it week in, week out.

THE FACTUALLY INCORRECT AWARD

Jarryd Hayne — Last week when discussing modern media, Jarryd came out with the quote of the year, “When you read the Bible, you realise everyone hated Jesus”……..Hang on a second, what about the Twelve Apostles? Mary? Joseph? The Three Wise Men?

THE BEST ATTACKING PLAYER

Joey Leilua — Since June big Joey has been almost unstoppable. An Origin certainty in 2017.

THE BEST DEFENDER AWARD

Jake Trbojevic — In the modern game, while most prefer to hold and dance a player to the ground, Trbojevic has adopted old-school tackle techniques which almost cuts opponents in half. Terry Randall would be proud.

BEST GAME OF THE SEASON

Round 4 — Broncos 21 Cowboys 20 — The much-anticipated grand final replay, which was even better than the 2015 decider. As good as sport gets.

ROOKIE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ash Taylor — Holds out Nathan Cleary and Suliasi Vunivalu for the award. From round one onwards, he’s shown calm and star quality.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Ricky Stuart — Been a difficult last decade for Ricky, but he’s done a wonderful job with the re-emergence of the Green Machine.

COACH WHO HAS AGED THE MOST THIS YEAR AWARD

Michael Maguire — Been a tough year for Madge, and on last view was starting to resemble ‘Woogi’ from ‘There’s something about Mary’ fame.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Josh Hodgson — One of the biggest surprise packets in the last decade of NRL signings. The Englishman came to the Raiders last year without an ounce of fanfare, but has proven himself to be world class. An old-fashioned footballer, who is to the Canberra Raiders, what Cameron Smith is to the Storm.

Originally published as Matthew Johns offers his 2016 NRL season awards as only he can