NRL Poll: Who the players love to play with and where they hate to play

Over 450 NRL players responded to the exclusive News Corp poll run in conjunction with the RLPA. Today we reveal the most underrated player in the league, the best rookie, the ground they hate to play on and more.

Two-time premiership winner Mitch Kenny and Bulldogs fullback Connor Tracey have been given the greatest accolade after being labelled the most underrated players in the competition by their peers while Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa was voted as the best young talent in the game.

The results came from the most comprehensive player poll ever made public after more than 450 players completed a News Corp survey run in partnership with the RLPA.

Suncorp Stadium (51 per cent) is the runaway leader in terms of the venue players most like playing at followed by Cbus Super Stadium (7.4 per cent), CommBank Stadium (7.4 per cent) and Go Media Stadium (7.1 per cent).

Playing in Canberra (17 per cent) was the least favourite followed by Sydney suburban grounds Leichhardt Oval (10 per cent) and 4Pines Park (9 per cent).

The other results in the wide-ranging survey included;

- 74 per cent of players believed there was enough talent to expand to 20 team;

- Perth (51 per cent) dominated on where the NRL should expand to next with New Zealand South Island (30 per cent) and North Sydney (12 per cent) next best; and

- 51 per cent say eligible players should be able to represent New Zealand and England as well as play State of Origin.

- 47 per cent of players believed two contact sessions per week during the pre-season was an optimal amount.

- 65 per cent believed that if the length of the season was reduced it would help with back-end season fatigue, career length (63 per cent) and performance (56 per cent).

CANTERBURY’S SWISS ARMY KNIFE

While Tracey and Kenny are overshadowed by some of their star-studded teammates, their rivals have made it clear they rate the pair heavily.

Kenny has become an important cog in the high-flying Panthers while Tracey will wear the no. 1 jersey for Canterbury when they take on Manly in an elimination final on Sunday.

Tracey said finding a permanent position in the backline was a major reason behind his off-season switch from Cronulla.

“I have played every position in the backline over my career, so it helps you when you play fullback and you know everyone else’s role and what they need to do,” Tracey said. “I have enjoyed that aspect of just being around the ball and playing my part for the team.”

PENRITH’S MR. RELIABLE

Kenny had large boots to fill given the departure of representative star Api Koroisau at the Panthers. Teammate Isaah Yeo said he had little doubt that Kenny would slot into the starting spot with ease.

“There were lots of question marks about that transition but internally we knew what he would bring,” Yeo said. “He defends better than any no. 9 in the competition.”

Kenny had played just 12 first grade games by the time Warriors Kurt Capewell joined the Panthers in 2020. Since then though he has watched him blossom into one of the game’s most reliable hookers.

THE KING OF THE KIDS

The Dolphins may have just missed out on a finals spot but the future is bright for the game’s newest franchise who seemed destined for long-term success after NRL players voted Isaiya Katoa as the best young talent in the game.

While Katoa is the king of the kids, the Dolphins have suffered a blow with mastercoach Wayne Bennett the No. 1 mentor players said they wanted to play for aside from their own head coach.

BENNETT, BELLAMY AND CLEARY TOP COACHES

Bennett, who is South Sydney bound next season, topped the closely-fought poll with 26 per cent of the votes. It was no surprise to see Melbourne mentor Craig Bellamy (21 per cent) and three-time premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary (18 per cent) round out the top three.

Bennett’s commitments with the Dolphins may have come to an end but his greatest legacy may be unearthing Katoa and handing the youngster 44 games since his debut last year.

Katoa easily polled as the player aged 20 or younger who had the brightest future in the game by his peers. The 20-year-old ranked so highly with an overwhelming 38 per cent of the votes that he was a standout winner.

There is hope for the Tigers too with Lachie Galvin and Samuela Fainu receiving votes. So too did Penrith bound Blaize Talagi and Canberra half Ethan Strange.

But so comprehensive was Katoa’s winning margin the next four players polled a combined 35 per cent – three less than Katoa.