SEN’s Cameron Smith has named his Dally M team of the year for 2022.
The Melbourne Storm great has named three Sydney Roosters players, as well as two from the Storm, two Cowboys and two Panthers.
See his selections below:
Fullback: James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters)
“This guy was just out and out brilliant once again,” Smith said on SEN 1170 The Captain’s Run.
“He started off a little bit slowly but once State of Origin came around, he was just unbelievable.
“His form in the back end of the year is why the Roosters found themselves in the finals.”
Wingers: Alex Johnston (South Sydney Rabbitohs) and Daniel Tupou (Sydney Roosters)
“(Johnston) has 30 tries this year. That’s almost as many as my entire career.
“Tupou found some great form and the best form of his career for the Roosters.”
Centres: Joseph Manu (Sydney Roosters) and Valentine Holmes (North Queensland Cowboys)
“Manu played that test match against Tonga and he just exploded.
“He had a licence to roam with the Roosters and dragged that football side into the top eight.
“He is back to career best form in the centres Valentine Holmes.
“Fantastic Origin series as well… he was a standout and was close to player of the series for mine.”
Five-Eighth: Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm)
“After his troubles he had at the end of last year, he turned himself around and straightened his life out.
“Some of his standout performances were as good as any player this year.”
Halfback: Ben Hunt (St George Illawarra Dragons)
“In a struggling side, he was one man that gave it all every week.
“He was busting his backside for his football team and he might legitimately win the Dally M medal this year.”
Front Rowers: James Fisher-Harris (Penrith Panthers) and Joseph Tapine (Canberra Raiders)
“Two guys that particularly at the end of the year, they were the two best front rowers in the competition.”
Hooker: Harry Grant (Melbourne Storm)
“Looking at the contribution he made to his team this year with try assists, line break assists, his average running metres, he is miles ahead of any other dummy-half in the competition.”
Second Rowers: Jeremiah Nanai (North Queensland Cowboys) and Isaiah Papali’i (Parramatta Eels)
“Nanai could be the best young player in the competition right now.
“He can find the boy near the try line and score tries. I was really impressed with his natural ability.
“Papali’i was back rower of the year last year and he’s a big reason why they are still playing in the competition.”
Lock: Isaah Yeo (Penrith Panthers)
“He’s just been a standout for Penrith.
“A lot of things he does for that Penrith side goes unnoticed.
“The work he does for Jerome Luai and Nathan Cleary, he creates time for those players.”