To be fair you would think given the winning record that a few more individual awards would be forthcoming. But we mostly all know it's a media popularity contest.
I don't understand the angst over Ivan not winning it, he got it 2014 as a "most improved" so our fans should get that in cases like last year. As for this year they got it right, if they went the most improved route then Ciraldo gets it. It's a bit weird that anyone is arguing Ivan based on the last 5 years, It's coach of the YEAR. As in current year.
Hughes was a worthy winner, so no argument there.
Putting my PENRITH! cap back on, it does grate a bit that Luai wasn't seen anywhere in the top 10 given the year he had, especially with Nathan out. Happy for Dearden and he was great, but the media hate Luai, so he will never poll well.
Also I've noticed that the last few years Yeo and Edwards poll well when voting is public so there at least a shred of accountability, then when it goes dark they slip behind. I don't think it's anything conscious from the judges, but Yeo's lack of votes towards the end stuck out to me. He is close to best on ground most weeks win or lose. Edwards injury explains away this year, but it was apparent the last 2 years as well, so worth a mention.
The positional awards were all fine imo, the fact JFH and Leota were both nominated kind of kills off any anti Penrith agenda though. Leota has been mostly invisible and Fish has been a bit patchy. Makes you wonder if the judges all just go around to Ruan's place for a BBQ instead of watching games.