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

After weeks of voting, local Penrith RL fans have selected their favourite players of the season. See who made the cut and was named in the people’s Team of the Year.

Penrith District Rugby League, the people’s Team of the Year, 2024

After several weeks of voting, the fans have had their say and we are now happy to announce the local Penrith 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 2024 Penrith RL Team of the Year.

FULLBACK

Jake Bentley (Emu Plains, 34% of votes)

In a tough field, the premiership winning fullback just edged out Colyton flyer Jesse Poulsen for the No.1 jersey. Reliable as ever, Jake Bentley’s tough carries proved the perfect start to an Emu Plains set.

JakeBentley was at his dependable best in 2024. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

WINGERS

Daniel Warren (Emu Plains, 54%) and Keegan McGrann (Colyton, 17%)

Daniel Warren often found himself in space on the park, and it was no different at the polling booth where the Emu Plains speedster gapped the field to secure more than half the votes.

Local fans couldn’t get enough of DanielWarren in 2024. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Colyton’s Keegan McGrann continued to improve throughout the season, and among a long list of worthy contenders, a strong finals campaign was enough to sway the voters.

KeeganMcGrann is a fan favourite at Colyton. Picture: Warren Gannon Photography

CENTRES

Greg Alderson (Emu Plains, 25%) and Riki Willie (Windsor, 21%)

No matter where coach Darren Bell parked Greg Alderson, the towering inferno proved a smash hit for Emu Plains. Competent at directing traffic and busting tackles, he proved a key piece in the premiership winning puzzle.

GregAlderson showed great versatility in 2024. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Riki Willie is not only popular among the Windsor faithful, the classy Wolves centre has long inspired and entertained fans throughout the competition. Smart and elusive, he continued to sweat on the first signs of weakness in 2024.

RikiWillie had another cracking season for Windsor. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

FIVE-EIGHTH

Isaac Thompson (Emu Plains, 59%)

Not only is he the best five-eighth in the comp, but with 59 per cent of the votes, Isaac Thompson is hands down the most popular figure in Penrith park footy. Arrived at Emu Plains with massive expectations and didn’t let anyone down, guiding the side to the top of the podium.

IsaacThompson is easily the most popular player in the comp. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

HALFBACK

Cameron Williams (Emu Plains, 42%)

Another prize off-season recruit, Williams wasted little time clicking into gear at Emu Plains and proved the perfect foil alongside Thompson in a dominant halves combination.

CameronWilliams quickly won over fans in his first season with Emu Plains. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

PROPS

Beau Ferguson (Emu Plains, 28%) and Ryan Jervis (Emu Plains, 20%)

Tough to split for effort on the field, Beau Ferguson and Ryan Jervis also joined forces at the top of the voting list. In an Emu Plains side dripping with talent, the tough as nails bookends were the unsung heroes in a grand final winning combination.

RyanJervis kept Emu Plains marching forward all season. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

HOOKER

Bryson Demanuele (St Clair, 29%)

A key figure in the Comets’ return to finals footy, Bryson Demanuele’s pace and creativity around the ruck not only swayed the St Clair faithful, but also a swag of other fans.

Bryson Demanuele’s long list of tricks caught the eye of voters. Photographer: Warren Gannon Photography

SECOND-ROWERS

Alex Myles (Emu Plains, 26%) and Kobe King (St Clair, 19%)

One of a number on the Emu Plains books to win back-to-back titles, Alex Myles raised the bar in 2024 in a season to remember. Dynamic on an edge, with pace and strength he was near impossible to contain over 80 minutes.

Once again, AlexMyles showed all his skills for Emu Plains. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

The love from the outer caps off a fine 2024 for Kobe King. In addition to playing finals, the likeable back-rower was also part of the Penrith team that won the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup .

KobeKing was a standout in a strong Comets pack. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

Emu Plains skipper ThomasRomer is getting used to hoisting trophies. Picture Warren Gannon Photography

LOCK

Thomas Romer (Emu Plains, 55%)

He was sent off twice this season, but that didn’t deter the faithful from supporting the popular Emu Plains skipper for a spot in this side. Worked as hard as anyone to lift the trophy for a second straight season, and also led Penrith to victory over Cronulla Juniors.