Is this the greatest try of the year? Perhaps the greatest put down of them all?
Dom Young scored an NRL-high 25 tries in 2023, eclipsing the Newcastle Knights’ club record previously shared by Timana Tahu (2002) and Akuila Uate (2010). Some of them were of the long-distance variety; on other occasions he used his two-metre frame to outleap opposition wingers.
Newcastle winger Dominic Young flips over the try line to score against the Dragons.Credit: Getty
However, Young’s most spectacular try was his leaping, contortionist effort in the final regular-season clash against the Dragons that would have made a gymnast proud.
Seemingly running out of room, with the sideline and the cover defence looming, the Newcastle flanker managed to plant the ball down while his entire body was upside-down.
Dragon Mathew Feagai and Panther Sunia Turuva were also nominated as try of the year contenders, but it is difficult to imagine the award going to anyone other than Young.
The try-scoring feats of the Roosters-bound flyer are all the more astonishing given he was dropped to reserve grade early in the season.
Team of the year
It is a measure of Penrith’s dominance – they are potentially just one win away from a historic premiership three-peat – that eight members of their side are nominated for spots in the Dally M team of the year.
Dylan Edwards (fullback), Brian To’o (winger), Stephen Crichton (centre), Izack Tago (centre), Nathan Cleary (halfback), James Fisher-Harris (prop), Liam Martin (second row) and Isaah Yeo (lock) are all in the mix to be named among the NRL’s best 13 players in their respective positions.
In a further nod to the club’s dominance, Ivan Cleary has been nominated for coach of the year.
Here are all the nominees for the NRL’s Dally M awards on Wednesday.
Kalyn Ponga led Newcastle’s surge into the finals.Credit: NRL Imagery
Fullback of the year
Nominees: James Tedesco (Roosters), Dylan Edwards (Panthers), Kalyn Ponga (Knights)
Even without Reece Walsh, who was ruled ineligible after copping a three-match contrary conduct suspension, this is perhaps the most hotly contested position. Tedesco has been much maligned this season, to the point there were calls from Blues fans for his head during the State of Origin series, but he has still made the cut.
Winger of the year contender Ronaldo Mulitalo.Credit: Getty
Winger of the year (two winners)
Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (Warriors), Jamayne Isaako (Dolphins), Brian To’o (Panthers), Dominic Young (Knights), Selwyn Cobbo (Broncos), Ronaldo Mulitalo (Sharks)
Good luck trying to select just two from this group. Young scored the most tries, Watene-Zelezniak cemented his status as a cult hero and all the other contenders have strong claims.
Campbell Graham.Credit: Getty
Centre of the year (two winners)
Stephen Crichton (Panthers), Bradman Best (Knights), Kotoni Staggs (Broncos), Campbell Graham (Rabbitohs), Herbie Farnworth (Broncos), Izack Tago (Panthers)
Best took his game to a new level after his call-up for State of Origin III. It will be the last chance for Crichton to earn the gong before shifting to a new club and position in 2024.
Cameron Munster at Accor Stadium on Friday.Credit: Getty
Five-eighth of the year
Ezra Mam (Broncos), Cameron Munster (Storm), Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
Walker’s form dipped at the pointy end of the season, while Munster and Mam were crucial in steering their sides into the play-offs.
Shaun Johnson’s remarkable season came to an end on Saturday night.Credit: NRL Imagery
Halfback of the year
Nathan Cleary (Panthers), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Shaun Johnson (Warriors)
This trio had outstanding campaigns. Johnson has turned back the clock, while Australia coach Mal Meninga will struggle to split Cherry-Evans and Cleary for the No.7 jersey.
Apisai Koroisau has been a rare bright spot for the Tigers this season.Credit: Getty Images
Hooker of the year
Wayde Egan (Warriors), Apisai Koroisau (Wests Tigers), Harry Grant (Storm)
Koroisau was one of the few shining lights during a dismal Tigers campaign, while Egan has been an unsung hero at the resurgent Warriors.
No prop has won the Dally M Medal. Will Broncos star Payne Haas change that?Credit: Getty
Prop of the year (two winners)
Lindsay Collins (Roosters), Payne Haas (Broncos), James Fisher-Harris (Panthers), Nelson Asofa-Solomona (Storm), Jake Trbojevic (Sea Eagles), Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)
No prop has won the Dally M player of the year award. Could Haas be the first? The Broncos front-rower is also a standout contender in this stacked category.
Hudson Young puts his body on the line for Canberra.Credit: Getty
Second row of the year (two winners)
Liam Martin (Panthers), Briton Nikora (Sharks), Tyson Frizell (Knights), Haumole Olakauatu (Sea Eagles), David Fifita (Titans), Hudson Young (Raiders)
Fifita was back to his best after not quite living up to his pay cheque in previous seasons. Judges will also find it hard to go past Penrith hardman Martin.
Pat Carrigan.Credit: Getty
Lock of the year
Tohu Harris (Warriors), Isaah Yeo (Panthers), Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)
There’s no bad choice out of this trio. Each of them provide not only outstanding performances but also leadership for their teams.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster.Credit: Getty
Coach of the year
Kevin Walters (Broncos), Andrew Webster (Warriors), Ivan Cleary (Panthers)
Cleary has just one Dally M coach of the year award to show for the Panthers’ four-year domination. That’s an oversight that needs addressing, although Walters and Webster are the good news stories of the year.
Captain of the year
Adam Reynolds (Broncos), Tohu Harris (Warriors)
Those in the Warriors’ inner sanctum say the team wouldn’t have survived its COVID ordeal if not for the leadership of Harris. Veteran halfback Reynolds would also be a popular pick.
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