Latrell Mitchell: Removing all the suspension stuff, he had an incredible year. An amazing year really and when you actually look at it, he was one of the form players of the competition. So exciting to watch every week as he just constantly tore the opposition apart with his power and skill. Seriously, I was just in awe of some of the stuff he did out there every week. His running game is destructive, we know that, but his passing game and combination with Cody simply went to a whole new level in 2021, it was insane when it got going. Latrell was a massive reason why our attack was so potent this year and just his presence on the field clearly lifted the rest of the boys. 13 trys, 14 assists, 18 line breaks and 2405 running meters in just 17 games! Pretty crazy. It’s such a shame he copped those two suspensions because I really feel he could have made a run at the Dally M alongside Cody. It also sucks because I also feel we win that Grand Final with him there. Oh well, at least there’s no doubting he’s a fullback now!! Trell has a lot to make up for next year and I can’t wait to see how he goes!
Davvy Moale: Made his debut in Round 20 and certainly impressed. Has that raw aggression and power. He certainly didn’t look out of place and I’m sure he’s going to play a bigger role in 2022 which is super exciting!!
Tautau Moga: Another guy who I can’t really say too much about as he only played one game. He wasn’t bad in that game but can’t really get a read on him.
Cameron Murray: Where do I even begin to describe the year that Cam has had? We all know the kind of player he is; we all know he’s a freak but man, this year just went to a whole new level! His class just shone through right from Round 1 as he always put in 100% and made sure he had nothing left in the tank. Cam’s always, and I mean always, there to take a big run for a fast play-the-ball when the team needs it. He’s always there to make a big tackle. He’s always there to add the ball playing element in the middle, seriously this guy was just ridiculously good this year. I’m finding it hard to put into words, so I’ll just let the stats do the talking, 20 games for 5 tries, 41 tackle breaks, 745 post contact meters, 24 offloads, 732 tackles (at 96.8%) and 2440 run meters. Now that’s impressive! Certainly, one of our best this year.
Mark Nicholls: If you’d have told at the end of last year that Nicho would become a starting prop in our side in 2021 and not only that, but become a key member of the side and captain the side, I would have said you’re crazy!! However, it’s an absolute testament to the goat and how well he’s gone this year. No doubt it was the best year of his career by far. In past years, I’ve said that Nicho just goes about his business and won’t let anyone down. Well, that’s not the case anymore. This year he turned into one of our best, most consistent forwards. I believe he was the only player to play every game in 2021 too. Well done Nicho!!
Jaxson Paulo: Still hasn’t sold on him late into this Season but he really has come on leaps and bounds, especially in the Finals. Seems to have matured a bit, makes fewer rash decisions on the field and has certainly become more of a threat to defending teams. His hit ups are as powerful as ever and his defence is on the improve. Basically, I feel that he’s finally on his way to becoming a consistent first grader and I can’t wait to see what he produces next year be it at centre or wing.
Adam Reynolds: It’s been an emotional Season for Reyno. I myself would find it hard to keep focussed on the task at hand but to his credit, he’s done that with ease. Never did it effect his Footy, not one little bit and that is hugely admirable. Not only to not let it effect your Footy but to still come out and put in a Season like that, it is truly amazing. I’d almost go as far to say that this was Reyno’s best year. His kicking game and goal kicking was just as good as always but his ball playing and play making this year was out of this world! The best I’ve ever seen him do it. He never used to dig into the line like he was this year and that brought us so many tries. Still gutted he’s gone, and it still doesn’t feel right, but it is what it is. Thanks for a great Season.
Hame Sele: A bit of a frustrating Season for Hame I’m sure because it was injury interrupted and he could never get a good run at the side. This saw him only make 7 appearances which is a real shame because in those 7games he was great! Hopefully next year goes better for him.
Jaydn Su’A: A real mixed bag for Su’A too as his form really varied. Started the year super well, I remember him being one of our better players early on. However, it was like he almost got a bit too comfortable and as a result, his form turned to shit. The middle period of the year is honestly the worst I’ve ever seen him play as it was like he barely wanted to be involved. But got to give credit where credit’s due, he put his head down, worked hard, made it back to the 17 and actually ended up playing some pretty good Footy by the end of the year. A bit sad to see him go as he’s a great player on his day.
Blake Taaffe: What a story man!! One of my favourite stories of the year. He makes his debut in Round 15, played a couple more games and never would have dreamt what was to come. Suddenly, he’s playing fullback in a Grand Final!! That’s crazy when you think about it. Boy didn’t he handle it well?! For a young kid who dreams of being an NRL player, that must be the most daunting thing ever! But he took it all in his stride and kind of handled it with ease. He was super confident the whole way through and came up with some massive plays as a result. It obviously would have been great to have Latrell there, but Taaffe did a bloody good job. Can’t wait to watch this guy progress.
Junior Tatola: Speaking of doing a bloody good job, didn’t Junior do a great job this year?! I wouldn’t say he was super outstanding, but he was super consistent. Never had a bad game and always went about his business with aggression and energy. Probably the best year of his career too, I think. Is starting to become a real forward leader within our pack too. 929 post-contact meters, 516 tackles (96.4%) with an average of 112 meters per game. Those are very solid numbers for the Season.
Cody Walker: And last but certainly not least, the great Cody Walker. Our best player of the year by far. One of the best players in the comp in fact, certainly the best 5/8 for 2021. Like Cam, I’m kind of speechless to describe his year. There really are just no words to describe it. One of the greatest individual Seasons I think I’ve ever seen. Seriously, it was that good. Still have no idea how he did some of the stuff he did this year but jeez it was brilliant to watch every week! The most instinctive attacking player I’ve ever seen, and he can literally almost always make something happen as was the case this year. Broke all kinds of records for try assists and line break assists in 2021, it’s just absolutely crazy. 16 tries, 33 try assists, 46 line break assists; It’s just off the charts!! I’ve never seen a Season like it. He’ll be kicking himself about the intercept in the Grand Final, but we wouldn’t even be in that game if it wasn’t for him. Thank you Cody for blessing us with you 2021 Season. Hopefully there’s plenty more to come just like that!
