Storm feature prominently in Matty J Awards for 2017 NRL season

WITH the 2017 regular season coming to a close, it’s time to pull out the tuxedo from the back of the closet and hand out the Matty J Awards for the year.

WITH the 2017 regular season coming to a close, it’s time to pull out the tux and tie and hand out the Matty J Awards for the year.

BEST BUY

Josh Addo-Carr. It’s a hot field but he’s narrowly ahead of the likes of Nathan Brown and Luke Keary. At the Tigers, Josh was a fringe first-grader with raw talent and a propensity for a few errors. At the Storm he’s developed into a consistent match winner who doesn’t just score spectacular tries but saves plenty and has a willingness to work hard through the middle.

Josh Addo-Carr and Suliasi Vunivalu have been standouts for Melbourne. Picture: Tony Gough

BEST MID-SEASON PICK-UP

Mitchell Moses. His confidence and combination with Corey Norman has taken Parramatta’s attack to another level. As Moses has found his feet at his new club, they’ve transformed into a top-four team and a premiership threat.

THE CLINT EASTWOOD AWARD (THE BIG LEAGUE IDENTITY BEST RESEMBLING A CRANKY OLD ACTOR)

Wayne Bennett. He’s had quite a bit to say in the back half of the season. He’s openly pursued opposition players, slagged off a few fellow coaches and even attempted a smile occasionally.

BEST PERSONALITY

Nathan Ross and Corey Norman. Joint winners, these two blokes give of themselves to fans and media. Corey Norman is as he appears on the TV when making appearances on shows like the Professor’s Second Year Syndrome, warm, well-humoured and self-deprecating. Boy, he can play too.

The Ross Dog is a fan favourite and also doesn’t mind poking a bit of fun at himself. He’s a self-proclaimed lair and we love him for it.

LISTEN! With finals spots on the line this is one of the biggest rounds of the year. Paul Suttor, Michael Carayannis and Matt Logue have all the news as the NRL finals loom.

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YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Nathan Cleary. Wow! He has exploded as a footballer in the last few months. He’s now the Panthers’ most important player, it’s his team. The Panthers have a 10-year halfback who will do it all in the game.

CRIMES AGAINST PUBLIC TRANSPORT AWARD

Josh Dugan. To miss the team bus in this professional age is inexcusable, but to do it before the team’s most important game of the year is both disrespectful and diabolical.

BRAVEST COACHING DECISION

Paul McGregor. Mary gets it for standing down Dugan for the reasons above. Dropping such a key man before this do-or-die clash took guts.

BEST ENTERTAINER

Suliasi Vunivalu. He is phenomenal — big, fast, powerful, skilful and has great tactical sense. He’s picked up 22 tries, as well as saving and setting up plenty too. Given it’s only his second year in first grade, Vunivalu could very well develop into one of the greatest wingers our game has seen.

Slater comeback has been one of the season highlights. (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

BEST STORY

The return of Billy Slater. There were fears last year we’d seen the last of Slater but he looks an even more complete player. Ball-playing is now a major feature in his game. His return season is on course to contain an Origin series win, a premiership and World Cup selection — not too shabby.

MOST QUOTABLE QUOTE

Andrew Johns. “They just don’t get it.” Joey uttered those five simple words after the Blues’ Game III drubbing. Andrew was animated, emotional and spot-on in his assessment of the NSW performances in the second and third games.

BEST IMPERSONATION OF A SOAP OPERA AWARD

Blues’ State of Origin Campaign. The Kingscliff Resort should be renamed Melrose Place. With every passing day, a fresh drama or a new juicy rumour. Accusations, denials, investigations ... it had it all.

Fifita was unstoppable in game one this season. (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

BEST INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE

Andrew Fifita — Origin I. One of the most destructive performances in State of Origin history, he tore Queensland to shreds. On his day Fifita is in the argument for the best forward in the game.

CLASSIEST INDIVIDUAL

Trent Hodkinson. He escorted Hunter Valley teenager Hannah Rye, who was suffering from an aggressive form of cancer, to her school formal. Hannah was a huge Knights fan and had met Trent through his Tren7’s kick for kids initiative.

Kurri Kurri High School, knowing the nature of Hannah’s illness, brought the formal forward so she could attend. Hannah lost her battle with cancer just last week. To her family, I send my deepest condolences. You’re a champion, Trent.

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY PLAYER

Nathan Brown. The Parramatta forward has been brilliant, I can’t believe Souths let him go. His style perfectly suits the direction in which the game has evolved. He’s tough, got good speed and footwork, defends well and is a clever ballplayer.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Brad Arthur. Just pips Craig Bellamy on the basis of how Arthur has kept the Eels’ premiership campaign on the rails in the face of injuries to so many key men. The key to Parra is the defensive discipline Arthur has implemented, which allows them to take risks with the football, knowing their defence can absorb the pressure brought on by errors.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Cameron Smith. This old bloke seems to be getting better. The most influential player I’ve seen, enjoying arguably his greatest season.