Nathan Cleary, Ashley Taylor, Suliasi Vunivalu leading race to be named NRL rookie of the year

A FIJIAN flyer, a Broncos discard, or a son of a gun — who will be named NRL’s rookie of the year for 2016? Read and VOTE NOW

Who will win rookie fo the year?

A FIJIAN flyer, a Broncos discard, or a son of a gun.

The intriguing subplot to this year’s NRL finals is working out who will win the closest rookie of the year race in recent memory.

Normally by halfway mark of the season a first-year player has kicked clear of the pack, just as Cronulla’s Jack Bird did last season.

It was the same story with Wests Tigers halfback Luke Brooks in 2014, Souths prop George Burgess in 2013, his teammate Adam Reynolds in 2012 and Daly Cherry-Evans in 2011.

But with two rounds remaining, Melbourne winger Suliasi Vunivalu, Gold Coast sensation Ash Taylor and Penrith teenage playmaker Nathan Cleary are locked in a three-way battle.

Nathan Cleary has been superb in his debut NRL season.

Sydney Roosters winger Latrell Mitchell has also enjoyed a stellar year in a struggling side.

At the request of The Daily Telegraph, the TAB framed a mock market which had Cleary $3.50 favourite, just ahead of Taylor ($4), Vunivalu ($5), Mitchell ($9), and $11 hopes James Fisher-Harris, Bevan French and Josh Aloiai.

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Cleary and Taylor will go head to head in a Saturday thriller on the holiday strip when seventh meets eighth on the NRL ladder.

Taylor, 21, made his way down to the Titans after being let go by the Broncos, and has shown plenty of class in the No. 7 jumper.

But so has Cleary, who is three years younger and been just as exciting in half the amount of games.

Cleary’s Penrith teammates said it was easy to make a case for their little No. 7 who was all smiles on a wet afternoon at the foot of the mountains.

Ashley Taylor has shown plenty of class in the No. 7 jumper for the Titans.

Josh Mansour was entitled to have a soft spot for Vunivalu given he’s a winger, but said Cleary’s calmness and ability to learn added to his appeal.

“Obviously I’d go with Nathan, he has a great attitude, he’s eager, enthusiastic, but most importantly he’s very selfless and always puts the team first,’’ Mansour said.

“We’re very grateful to have him. He’s only 18, but it’s scary what the future holds for him.’’

Mansour expected Blues teammate Greg Bird to single out Cleary on the weekend, but the halfback had already handled his share of extra attention from bigger opponents.

“Knowing Birdy, that’s his style of game, he loves bullying the halves,’’ Mansour said.

“He’ll handle it, I have no doubts in the world. He’s handled every team we’ve played against this year very well. Nothing fazes him.’’

Roosters young gun Latrell Mitchell has also had a great season.

Trent Merrin said it was wonderful to see so many young players coming through the ranks, but Cleary had his vote for the rookie gong.

“He’s definitely in the running and gets my vote,’’ Merrin said.

“He’s cool, calm and collected and I’m loving every minute with him.’’

Vunivalu bagged four tries at Brookvale Oval on Saturday to make it 21 for the season, which was the same amount of tries Storm flyer Israel Folau scored in his rookie campaign in 2007. Folau was the last winger to be crowned the best rookie.

Suliasi Vunivalu celebrates with Storm teammates after scoring a try.

Originally published as Nathan Cleary, Ashley Taylor, Suliasi Vunivalu leading race to be named NRL rookie of the year