I swear I posted a similar thread not two or three weeks ago...
Great minds I'd say!
Brisbane Broncos - While Thaiday, Folau and Parker have stepped it up a notch, Ben Te'o has gone from the invisible man to one of the club's more prominent players.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs - Rejected by Cronulla at the end of last season, Blake Green has become a really handy player for the Bulldogs where his tenacious running game has really stood out.
Manly Sea Eagles - I considered him one of the game's biggest liabilities last season but T-Rex has emerged as one of the game's most dangerous wingers down Manly's right hand flank capped off by a brilliant hat-trick last week against the Bennett lead Dragons.
Newcastle Knights - Welcome back Cory Paterson! I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say you're one of the only few reasons to watch the Knights this year.
North Queensland Cowboys - Many maybe questioning Henry's credentials, but two players who won't be will be Scott Bolton and Willie Tonga who have gone from strength to strength under the tutelage of the former Queensland assistant. However, as far as 2010 goes who could deny big Willie his due? From a guy who no club wanted a piece of to a potential Origin rep. I must say that's a big improvement over a short space of time.
Penrith Panthers - They've been hitting the pavement for five seasons trying to resurrect their standing as one of the game's top line contenders and finally they may of found the players to do so. Really, just take your pick, a lot of players are looking a hell of a lot better than what they used to. Coote is living up to the hype, Purtell is looking rejuvenated at a new club, even Tighe is looking electric out of dummy half, Grant has gone from strength to strength, Kingston is relishing his starting opportunity, Paulo and McKendry are showing signs of real maturity but the real kicker to me is perennial fringe first grader Matt Bell actually looking like a real first grader. While, I'm still not a fan of the side, I'm certainly a fan of the club, it's history and it's passionate fans; good on you guys.
St. George Illawarra Dragons - I don't know about you guys but has anyone else seen a real difference in Dean Young? Another player who I found mediocre last season has turned it around with his move into the lock position where he's playing as an extra ball player, gifting the Dragons an extra dimension in attack. Cooper has also gone from looking past it to one of the game's best centres. Welcome back Matt.
Sydney Roosters - Nate Myles was always an awesome Origin player who was capable of piecing together the odd good club game but at times you knew he was just going through the motions. Not anymore. Somebody must've of really stuck something in his ass during the offseason (thank god) because the man has been in just about everything that is the Roosters. His stats. always look good and you'll always see him chasing down a player, which as Nathan Merritt will tell you, does yield results. However, surprisingly my pick for the Roosters doesn't go to Nate Myles, I mean he was always a good player, instead it goes to the ugly duckling Mitch Aubusson. No he's not that bad looking a guy, I mean to those familiar with the story he was always tried in the centres, when really he was always a Menzies esque backrower, and he's gone onto show that terrorising sides down the fringe of the ruck all season.
Warriors - For some reason people like to say Maloney...but I really don't get it. Sure he's a solid half when last year they were playing an old man and Joel Moon who's a jack of all trades, master of none type of player but really I don't see Maloney as being all that good, even in that game against the Broncos he only really stood up after my nominee did all the work. No, I think the guy who I thought would turn out to be a one season wonder, Aaron Heremaia certainly deserves this award. He's been dynamic this season out of dummy half for the Warriors giving them that urgency that they've been lacking out at hooker since the days of good ol' PJ. He thoroughly deserved his Kiwi cap, not bad for a guy I thought I'd never seen in the NRL again.
West Tigers - He still annoys me for some reason, but Bryce Gibbs has been immense so far this season. Gets through a mountain of work, and has generally gotten the BS out of his game. For West Tigers fans I hope he keeps it up and gives the likes of Marshall and Farah all the time in the world to weave their magic.
