This is a difficult question, firstly because its hard to define. I've already heard some people say Cameron Smith is the best player in the game at the moment. I'd argue though that this is more a statement about form, than actually being the best player in the world. That is a mantle that belongs to Johns and some people will say its not arguable, no matter what occurs in this finals series. However I think its very possible that we'll at least be debating the issue come the end of the finals. I see a few contenders that may be about to challenge his crown:
Cameron Smith - If Melbourne win it, look for much of the credit to go to Smith for being the nucleas of the team. There will be an avalanche of praise for his defence, skills, smarts and leadership abilities. He's a good chance of getting the Clive Churchill Medal because of his workrate and involvement, which would really give ammunition to those that want to argue he's the games best. Winning the Dally M tonight wouldn't hurt either.
Lockyer- We've had this debate before, but Johns has really overtaken him the last couple of years , especially while Lockyer has struggled at times playing 5/8. However Lockyer is getting back to the form which got him selected in the "Greatest Kangaroos Team". The kind we saw in the Tri Nations. If Brisbane win the premiership you can almost guarantee he'll be playing at a similar level. Being player of the Origin series would help his claim too. Another successful Tri Nations series, with Johns out of site, will also enhance his argument. Basically though, if Brisbane win it, brace yourself for Lockyers fans to come out say he's better than Johns.
Kennedy - If Manly even get to the grand final he'd have a claim on being the best player in the world, because you can guarantee he'll get 95% of the credit. However the fact he's retiring may make it a bit difficult to argue that he's the best in the world. Still people may argue that he left the game as its best player.
SBW/Mason - These two will obviously be a big part of any potential Bulldogs premiership. Mason already seems to have the worlds best forward tag , plus this new "leader and heart of the bulldogs" thing surrounding him. As for Sonny Bill, well it doesn't take much for any kind of hype build around him.
Less Likely, but still possible
Gasnier- I think he needs to go to another level for St George to win it. If he does this theres a chance some will claim he's the best in the world. Gus has already said he's the best centre he's ever seen, so I'm sure he'll have no problems saying he's the best player in the world. (I think Hodges could play just as well as Gasnier, if not better. However no one in the media will suggest he's the games best player in the same way they would Gasnier.)
Inglis - Who knows what he's capable of? People are comfortable predicting he'll be one of the greatest players ever, so worlds best player doesn't seem too much of strech. Melbourne's good chance of being premiers obviously helps him.
Hindmarsh- If Parramatta produce a miracle , then he actually will get 100% of the credit and probably deserve too.
It should be noted that any early exit for the Knights, or a bad game from Johns would really get this debate going. In fact it may be required to really have the debate at all.
Cameron Smith - If Melbourne win it, look for much of the credit to go to Smith for being the nucleas of the team. There will be an avalanche of praise for his defence, skills, smarts and leadership abilities. He's a good chance of getting the Clive Churchill Medal because of his workrate and involvement, which would really give ammunition to those that want to argue he's the games best. Winning the Dally M tonight wouldn't hurt either.
Lockyer- We've had this debate before, but Johns has really overtaken him the last couple of years , especially while Lockyer has struggled at times playing 5/8. However Lockyer is getting back to the form which got him selected in the "Greatest Kangaroos Team". The kind we saw in the Tri Nations. If Brisbane win the premiership you can almost guarantee he'll be playing at a similar level. Being player of the Origin series would help his claim too. Another successful Tri Nations series, with Johns out of site, will also enhance his argument. Basically though, if Brisbane win it, brace yourself for Lockyers fans to come out say he's better than Johns.
Kennedy - If Manly even get to the grand final he'd have a claim on being the best player in the world, because you can guarantee he'll get 95% of the credit. However the fact he's retiring may make it a bit difficult to argue that he's the best in the world. Still people may argue that he left the game as its best player.
SBW/Mason - These two will obviously be a big part of any potential Bulldogs premiership. Mason already seems to have the worlds best forward tag , plus this new "leader and heart of the bulldogs" thing surrounding him. As for Sonny Bill, well it doesn't take much for any kind of hype build around him.
Less Likely, but still possible
Gasnier- I think he needs to go to another level for St George to win it. If he does this theres a chance some will claim he's the best in the world. Gus has already said he's the best centre he's ever seen, so I'm sure he'll have no problems saying he's the best player in the world. (I think Hodges could play just as well as Gasnier, if not better. However no one in the media will suggest he's the games best player in the same way they would Gasnier.)
Inglis - Who knows what he's capable of? People are comfortable predicting he'll be one of the greatest players ever, so worlds best player doesn't seem too much of strech. Melbourne's good chance of being premiers obviously helps him.
Hindmarsh- If Parramatta produce a miracle , then he actually will get 100% of the credit and probably deserve too.
It should be noted that any early exit for the Knights, or a bad game from Johns would really get this debate going. In fact it may be required to really have the debate at all.
