Footy fans have slammed the selections for the NRL’s biggest honours, calling for a complete overhaul of rugby league’s most prestigious awards.
The choices for team of the year have been strongly criticised with many supporters claiming the best players were not picked.
Although Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was a popular winner of the Dally M Medal for player of the year, many felt the top five vote recipients were undeserving.
Supporters were scathing in their assessment of the award recipients, calling the ceremony a ‘joke’.
Footy fans have slammed the selections for the NRL’s biggest honours, calling for a complete overhaul of rugby league’s most prestigious awards. Pictured with Dally M Medal winner Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (front centre), left to right: Josh Jackson, Cameron Munster, Jazz Tevaga, Damien Cook, Luke Brooks and Andrew Fifita
Supporters were scathing in their assessment of the award recipients, calling the ceremony a ‘joke’
Attracting particular criticism was Newcastle Knights halfback Mitchell Pearce who finished fifth in the voting despite his team winning just nine out of 24 games this season.
Pearce received more votes than rival playmaker Cooper Cronk, despite Cronk’s Sydney Roosters side making the Grand Final.
Also among the controversial selections were Canberra Raiders centre Joseph Leilua and Canterbury Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson, who won centre and second-rower of the year respectively.
Mitchell Pearce received more votes than rival playmaker Cooper Cronk (pictured with wife Tara Rushton), despite Cronk’s Sydney Roosters side making the Grand Final
Many felt NSW State of Origin and Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell deserved the centre of the year award ahead of Leilua.
The Dally M Team of the Year voting system was overhauled last year but fans have still been left disappointed with the selections.
‘Mitch Pearce missed half the season and finished fifth in the Dally M while Cronk wasn’t even in the picture,’ one fan posted on Twitter.
One fan pointed out that Pearce and his Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga received 50 votes for the Dally M Medal, even though their Newcastle side won 38 per cent of their games
‘Just something to think about Roosters fans.’
Another footy supporter said the Dally M team of the year is ‘just another example of what a joke (the awards have) become’.
‘(Joseph) Leilua centre… haven’t they watched a bloke Latrell Mitchell.’
Also among the controversial selections were Canberra Raiders centre Joseph Leilua and Canterbury Bulldogs captain Josh Jackson
One fan pointed out that Pearce and his Knights teammate Kalyn Ponga received 50 votes for the Dally M Medal, even though their Newcastle side won 38 per cent of their games and finished with a -193 points differential.
The Dally M voting system judging panel for team of the year is made up of NRL legends including Peter Sterling, Andrew Johns, Wally Lewis and Nathan Hindmarsh.