SEN’s Bryan Fletcher has heaped praise on Canberra Raiders centre Matt Timoko, labelling him as the best player in his position currently in the NRL.
Timoko had a career-best year in 2023, playing every game for the Raiders, scoring 11 times whilst having a significant uptake in his total and average run metres.
The 24-year-old’s 2023 season earned him a maiden call-up to the New Zealand Kiwis where he was an important piece to a side that stunningly won the Pacific Championships.
Although Timoko may just be on the cusp of taking the next step in his career, Fletcher revealed why he thinks the New Zealander is the best in his position.
“They have two players there who I think are the best in their position” Fletcher said on SEN 1170 The Run Home.
“Joe Tapine… and Matt Timoko, I think in the centres, he is (the best).
“What he does, he does it all himself, he comes back on that line where he just goes through the middle.
“He’s big and strong, and fast, he didn’t have a five-eighth throwing him a long ball and putting him through holes.
“I mean Joey Manu is very similar… but I just love watching him play.”
Timoko was not named in the Canberra Raiders side for this weekend’s preseason clash against the Parramatta Eels, but he is likely to be in the team for the opening game of their season against the Newcastle Knights.