Penrith Rugby League: Have your say, pick the best players of 2024

With the local Penrith RL season done and dusted, it’s time for the fans to stand up. After a fantastic Don Feltis Cup competition, who makes your team of the year? VOTE HERE.

Penrith District Rugby League, Don Feltis Cup season 2024.

Another local Penrith footy season was consigned to the history books when Emu Plains held off a determined Colyton in the grand final.

But before the memories of an entertaining six months fade into the summer we’re celebrating by naming the team of the season, as voted by you, the fans.

From a list of top performers, it’s now over to you to vote for the best in each position.

Once the votes are in, we’ll collate the numbers and list the team of the season from No.1 to 13.

FULLBACK

Windsor’s Tori Willie capped another fine season. Elusive as ever, the fullback pulled plenty of rabbits out his hat and led the field with 178 points.

In a player of the match performance, Jesse Poulsen almost carried Colyton to a grand final victory with a typically slashing effort. Jake Bentley was faultless down back for Emu Plains, while Reece Lipowicz and Haratio Edwards didn’t let anyone down when given a chance in the No.1 jumper.

WINGERS

With 21 tries, Emu Plains speedster Daniel Warren won’t forget 2024 in a hurry. Liam Pearce was another to capitalise on slick service, the Comets winger crossed on 15 occasions.

Colyton were well served out wide by Keegan McGrann who landed 10 four-pointers. Windsor’s Viliami Fonokalafi proved difficult to handle at either end of the field, and following a late start to the season, Minchinbury’s Royvirianthy Faimanifo turned on the afterburners with several stunning returns.

CENTRES

In a crack field, Emu Plains newcomer Greg Alderson used size and touch to continually break the line. With a nose for space, the evergreen Riki Willie often navigated his way into the backfield.

Despite limited opportunities in the front half of the season, Siaosi Huihui dominated in Brothers’ surge to the finals, while James Ross captured his best form as Colyton charged to the grand final.

FIVE-EIGHTH

Good luck picking a winner here.

Arguably the signing of the season, Isaac Thompson had his fingerprints all over the Emu Plains attack and slotted goals too. Windsor’s Connor Mason played from a similar book until injury cut his season agonisingly short.

Marli Sini was at his imposing best for Cambridge Park in the finals. Harrison Reid-Porter proved clutch for Brothers, and Todd Hooper stepped up for St Clair when the side was cursed by injuries and suspensions.

HALFBACK

The rise of Cohen Benson from junior reps to the Wolves’ top grade was one of the highlights of the season. At the other end of the scale, Ryan Jones continued to fight hard in a tough year for Minchinbury.

Cameron Williams rarely skipped a beat for the premiers, and after some juggling of the halves at Colyton, Damon Finn took control of the Colts.

Often the cornerstone of the attack, Malakai Houia and Jarred Muller-Dobbe constantly delivered for their respective sides.

PROPS

Among a long list of unsung heroes, Ryan Jervis and Blake Hill refused to take a backwards step for their respective packs.

Josh Kalati was a key off-season arrival for St Clair. In a team loaded with class, Bowen Ryan got through a power of work in Windsor’s middle, while Mana Aonga always steamed ahead for Glenmore Park.

HOOKER

When it comes to try-sneaks from dummy-half, Tyrone Shelley’s 13 for Windsor was a season high.

Ben Bragg started late, but the No.9 became a regular across the stripe towards the end of the season. Bryson Demanuele and Bailey Nouredine both had fine seasons, mixing pace and class for both St Clair and Glenmore Park.

SECOND-ROWERS

In a talented list, the workaholic attributes of Eton Lindsay and Alex Myles are difficult to deny.

But with consistency across the board, some big names are sure to be disappointed. Emu Plains’ Sam Cookson and St Clair’s Kobe King are a must for any side, and Minchinbury wrecking ball Tuafale Aiomalaga was almost unstoppable from close range.

LOCK

If you're looking for someone to carry the trophy, Thomas Romer knows the drill. In addition to hoisting the Don Feltis Cup in consecutive seasons, the Emu Plains skipper also walked away with the inaugural Luke Lewis Cup.

St Clair might not have made the grand final, but the return of favourite son Tinirau Arona was instrumental in the Comets’ return to finals footy.

Windsor tackling machine Bradley Hoogenboom and Cambridge Park’s Rhys Falconer also delivered consistent seasons.