2023 Dally M Rookie of the Year race: Wests Tigers star Jahream Bula leading phantom markets

Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula is rapidly firming favourite to claim Dally M rookie of the year honours, while a try-scoring machine has dropped out of the race. See the phantom market.

From the embers of a Wests Tigers season going up in flames has emerged a 21-year-old rookie on the verge of history.

Wests Tigers fullback Jahream Bula has been described as a “freak” by his coach with the former basketball talent a rapidly firming favourite to claim Dally M rookie of the year honours.

Underlining the stunning arrival to the NRL of the 11-game rookie is that the last-placed Wests Tigers are staring down the barrel of a consecutive wooden spoon.

Only once in the 43-year history of the prestigious Dally M Awards has a player won the rookie of the year trophy for a team that has finished last. That was Cameron Blair in 1988.

Matt Utai was voted the game’s best young player when Canterbury were stripped of their points for salary cap cheating in 2002.

Jahream Bula has been a bright spot in the Wests Tigers otherwise dark season. Picture: NRL Imagery

Bula, who attracted interest from NBA scouts only two years ago, took his try tally to five in 11-games in the Tigers 34-18 loss to Newcastle on Friday night.

After making his NRL debut in round eight, Bula is already averaging 157 run metres with a total of 42 tackle busts, 13 offloads and six line breaks.

Yet it is the Kiwi-born fullback’s incredible effort-plays in defence, repeatedly saving tries for his side, that has earned the praise from the highest of regard.

On Friday, he saved the Tigers time and again by stopping the Knights ball-carrier over the try line.

“Without Jahream Bula we get beat by 40,” Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens said.

“That kid is a freak.

“I am not going to predict anything… he has a long way to go. But for a kid that has just dipped his toe into first grade and played the way like he did.

“We have still not tapped his potential in attack, which we need to do. He is still learning the game and happy to be named in the side.

“In 18 months-two years time, Benji (Marshall) will have quite a fullback.”

Champion Balmain Tigers and former Test fullback Garry Jack echoed Sheens’ sentiments towards Bula.

“He’s outstanding. He’s a real star,” Jack said.

“I’d have him as my rookie of the year. For what he’s done in only 11 games, it’s sensational.

“His attack is superb, but his defence is just as good.

“The number of tries he saved is a sign of genuine talent.” He’s tough, he’s got pace and I’ve just noticed his defence getting better all the time.

“They’re (Wests Tigers) struggling, but without him they’d be even worse.’’

Bula’s clever off loads and skill have earned him rookie of the year attention. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

Betting on the Dally M’s is illegal.

However, the TAB have supplied The Sunday Telegraph with a phantom market for the rookie of the year award with Bula a short-priced $2.25 favourite.

Bulldogs forward Jacob Preston is $3.50 second-favourite.

Penrith’s Sunia Turuva ($12) and Melbourne winger Will Warbrick ($12) are on the third line of betting, followed by Dolphins half Isaiya Katoa ($13).

If Bula takes take out the reward he will remarkably be the third Tiger in the past nine seasons to walk away with rookie of the year honours.

Luke Brooks won the award in 2014 while Harry Grant had success in 2020 during his loan stint at the Tigers.

Bula has emerged as one of the bargain buys of the season.

Taking in just $120,000 this year, his contract is on more than a million dollars less than his opposite Kalyn Ponga on Friday night.

Bula’s salary puts him at the bottom of the earners this year.

Bula could demand a big pay rise from the Tigers with Luke Brooks’ departure freeing up plenty of salary cap money. Picture: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

PAST WINNERS

2022: Jeremiah Nanai (Cowboys, third)

2021: Sam Walker (Roosters, fifth)

2020: Harry Grant (Tigers, 11th)

2019: Payne Haas (Broncos, eighth)

2018: Jamayne Isaako (Broncos, sixth)

2017: Nick Cotric (Raiders, 10th)

2016: Ash Taylor (Titans, eighth)

2015: Jack Bird (Sharks, seventh)

2014: Luke Brooks (Tigers, 13th)

Brooks picked up the rookie award at the 2014 Dally Ms. Picture: AAP Image/Nikki Short

2013: George Burgess (Rabbitohs, second)

2012: Adam Reynolds (Rabbitohs, third)

2011: Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles, second)

2010: Matt Gillett (Broncos, 10th)

2009: Jamal Idris (Bulldogs, second)

2008: Chris Sandow (Rabbitohs, 14th)