Macarthur Rugby League: Fans name their favourite players of the season in the team of the year

After several weeks of voting, Macarthur Rugby League fans have named their favourite players of the season. See who made the cut and was named in the Team of the Year, the people’s team.

Macarthur Rugby League, Team of the Year, the people’s team.

The fans have had their say, and after several weeks of voting we are now happy to announce the Macarthur Rugby League team of the year – the people’s team.

Provided with a list of top performers in each position, fans were given the chance to support their favourite player. And with voting now closed, here is the 2023 Macarthur RL Team of the Year.

FULLBACK

Jake Steadman (Oakdale, 34% of votes)

A wholehearted performer at the back for the Workers, Steadman beat a crack field. Felt the love of Oakdale fans after he defied a horrible knee injury in the semi final against Thirlmere, returning to the field on one leg to almost guide the side to victory.

Jake Steadman dependable at the back for Oakdale. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

WINGERS

John Ryan (Camden, 37%)and Hamish Oxley (Oakdale, 36%)

With bags of tries accumulated over two stellar seasons for the Rams, Ryan was favoured to earn his spot and so it turned out.

John Ryan had another great year for Camden. Picture: Julian Andrews.

Hamish Oxley joins him on the opposite side of the field. Following several committed efforts in the finals, the skyscraper on Oakdale’s wing showed fans why his power at both ends of the field shouldn’t be underestimated.

Oakdale winger Hamish Oxley. Picture: Steve Montgomery

CENTRES

Cleveland McGhie (Oakdale, 30%) and Atini Gafa (Camden, 24%)

A backrower by trade, McGhie took to the No.4 jumper upon arrival at Oakdale and never strayed from his task. A menacing presence with deft touch, the centre was a constant threat on the right edge.

Atini Gafa’s ability to continually punch holes through the best defence caught the eye of plenty of fans, and with nine tries to match, the blockbusting No.3 fully deserves his spot.

Rams centre Atini Gafa. Picture: Steve Montgomery

Oakdale’s Cleveland McGhie. Picture: Julian Andrews.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Mitchell Brasington (The Oaks, 39%)

With 39 per cent of the votes, fans were clearly impressed by the classy playmaker’s ability to navigate the Tigers back to the finals upon his return to The Oaks.

Mitchell Brasington had a great year on his return to The Oaks. Picture: Steve Montgomery

HALFBACK

Brad Speechley (Camden, 36%)

Camden’s inspirational pocket-rocket was always going to make this team. Scoring more than a third of the votes, the Rams’ captain-coach was constantly among the best every week, and on another day, may well have guided Camden to consecutive titles.

Captain-coach Brad Speechley was outstanding for Camden. Picture: John Appleyard

PROPS

Danny Fualalo (Camden, 36%) and Michael Bullock (Oakdale, 36%)

Fans just love the way the Camden metre-eater revels in putting the Rams on the front foot. A former Macarthur Rugby League player of the year, Fualalo is a must for this outfit.

Danny Fualalo takes Camden forward. Picture: Steve Montgomery

Another workhorse, Bullock mixes old fashioned grunt with vision and sneaky ball play. Doesn’t mind showing his pace in the backfield either, and has caught the attention of plenty in the outer.

Michael Bullock (right) busy in defence for Oakdale. Picture: Julian Andrews.

HOOKER

Mitchell New (Thirlmere, 38%)

No stranger to gaping the field on a Sunday arvo, the Thirlmere speedster has gapped the field on paper too. Consistent from start to finish, the grand final winning No.9 had a season to remember and brought consistent joy to many.

Thirlmere's Mitchell New escapes from the Rams’ grasp. Picture: John Appleyard

SECOND-ROWERS

Josh Carr (Oakdale, 46%) and Jack Miller (Camden, 32%)

With a massive 46 per cent of the votes, Oakdale’s Josh Carr proved just as hard to stop in the tally room. An imposing figure who runs great lines, Carr was a regular across the stripe at the back end of the season.

Oakdale backrower Josh Carr crashes over the line. Picture: Steve Montgomery

Rated by Speechley as one of the Rams’ best, it’s no surprise to see Miller well supported by the Camden faithful. A punishing defender who knows how to bag a try, the back-row recruit was a competition standout.

Camden’s Jack Miller (left) and Steele Brown celebrate. Picture: John Appleyard

Kyle Fraser stepped up as captain-coach of Oakdale. Photo by Jeremy Ng/Newscorp

LOCK

Kyle Fraser (Oakdale, 47%)

With 47 per cent of the votes, no other player polled more votes across the board than Oakdale’s passionate captain-coach. Thrives in the rough stuff, and has the smarts and power to threaten from close range.

In a comp full of standouts, Kyle Fraser is the one fans admire most in 2023.