The Dally M Team of the Year has been unveiled and it’s fair to say there are a couple of shocks.
Ben Hunt was regarded as the hot favuourite to claim the Dally M medal but was beaten out by Nicho Hynes who in turn claimed the halback spot in the team.
Rabbitohs superstar Alex Johnston took a spot on the wing after breaking multiple records alongside Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii.
Panthers gun Api Koroisau, meanwhile, trumped Storm star Harry Grant to win Hooker of the Year, while teammates Viliame Kikau and Isaah Yeo were also included.
Watch every match of the Rugby League World Cup LIVE & Exclusive to Fox Sports, on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Read all the selections for the Dally M Team of the Year below as they are announced!
PROP — Payne Haas and Joseph Tapine
Payne Haas capped off an impressive season, winning both the Broncos’ Player of the Year award and the Dally M Prop of the Year award. The Brisbane gun led from the front for Kevin Walters men, despite the club’s stunning late-season slide and was also a crucial man for NSW in a losing State of Origin series.
Raiders superstar Joseph Tapine received more good news after re-signing on a muli-year deal only days ago, closing the curtain on a career-best season. Tapine was a revelation for Canberra after struggling for game time last season, becoming one of the NRL’s best big men.
BACKROW — Viliame Kikau and Jeremiah Nanai
Panthers enforcer Viliame Kikau’s time at the foot of the mountain came to a close in impressive fashion, winning Dally M Backrower of the Year — but his focus will be firmly placed on Sunday’s grand final.
Cowboys young gun Jeremiah Nanai was named alongside Kikau and also came home with the Dally M Rookie of the Year, scoring a staggering 17 tries.
LOCK — Isaah Yeo
After winning the Captain of the Year award, Isaah Yeo was also placed at lock in the Team of the Year. The Origin gun stormed out of the gates in the voting leaderboard and beat out No.13 rivals Camerom Murray and Jason Taumalolo. Another player who’s focus will be firmly on victory come Sunday.
MORE NRL NEWS
DALLY M LIVE: Munster trolled over $8m Tigers deal; bolter emerges
RED CARPET LIVE: Stars arrive as rugby league celebrates night of nights
Klein chosen as referee for Grand Final | 01:09
WINGERS — Alex Johnston and Joseph Suaalii
Rabbitohs gun Alex Johnston became the first ever player to record back-to-back 30 try seasons and steadily climbed up the all-time try scoring leaderboard throughout the season. His finishing ability was on full display in an impressive campaign.
Roosters young gun Joseph Suaalii capped off his epic rise with selection in the Team of the Year, and at only 19, he will be hoping to take home more awards in years to come — but won’t be staying on the wing for much longer.
CENTRE — Valentine Holmes and Joseph Manu
Cowboys flyer Valentine Holmes led the competition’s point-scoring leaderboard and his dynamic ball-running ability was on full display, shrugging off criticism of his hefty pay packet to deliver for Todd Payten’s men.
Roosters star Joseph Manu excelled in his new role, playing as a roaming attacker under Trent Robinson. That move got the best out of the Kiwi international, and earned him selection in the Team of the Year.
FIVE-EIGHTH — Cameron Munster
Storm superstar Cameron Munster was able to keep his head in the game, despite a heavily-publicised contract decision looming. Delivering for Craig Bellamy’s side in the big moments, Munster had a lock on the five-eighth slot all season.
HALFBACK — Nicho Hynes
The Dally M Medal winner for the 2022 season. After making the move from the Storm, pundits were sceptical Nicho Hynes had the ability to steer a team around the park from halfback, having played fullback for majority of his short career. Craig Fitzgibbon clearly had no doubts he was the man to lead Cronulla forward and he recorded the highest ever points tally, breaking a 43-year record in the process.
HOOKER — Api Koroisau
Pundits tipped Storm dummy-half Harry Grant to take this spot, but the Panthers No.9 prevailed. Api Koroisau took home the Dally M Hooker of the Year award in his last season in Penrith colours, making the switch to the Tigers next season.
FULLBACK — James Tedesco
Roosters superstar James Tedesco was ever-present for the Tricolours and thoroughly deserves his spot at the back in the Dally M Team of the Year. Alongside Manu and Suaalii, the 29-year-old was consistently one of Trent Robinson’s best and ended up running second on the overall leaderboard.
How the Eels plan to slow down Cleary | 04:02
Stream every game of the 2022 NRLW Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
NRLW Dally M Team of the Year
PROP — Millie Boyle and Caitlan Johnston
BACKROW — Olivia Kernick and Keilee Joseph
LOCK — Simaima Taufa
WINGERS — Jaime Chapman and Teagan Berry
CENTRES — Jess Sergis and Isabelle Kelly
FIVE-EIGHTH — Tarryn Aiken
HALFBACK — Raecene McGregor
HOOKER — Keeley Davis
FULLBACK — Sam Bremner
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
