I know there is still 4 rounds left, but me being me i cannot wait. Plus i think a lot of these choices will not change in the next 4 weeks anyway. Here are some categories:
Player of the year
Rookie of the year
Most Improved
Most Disappointing
Moment of the year
Signing of the year
2026 Breakout player
Parra in 2026 will finish
Bold prediction
I will start
Player of the year: I couldn't go Moses due to his limited time playing. Isaiah Iongi. He just got better and better for us as the season went. He showed how versitile his game is from being a workhorse Fullback with ball playing and creativity involved.
Rookie of the year: Deserved though also by default since he has played the most games too, Ryley Smith. (Iongi to me is not a rookie since he debuted in 2024). Smith is the apitome of a steady Hooker. Doesn't anything wrong, strong in defence, strong in pass, has a build to run well and speed to keep up as well as stamina. Just gotten better as he went. I want to see what the full plan is with Tallyn Da Silva though Smith is first grade standard and has a promising future. Different style Hooker and nothing wrong with that.
Most Improved: Kitione Kautoga. I cheated a little as i would think myself improved is a player here last year, that would be Russell. But from his first game against the Wests Tigers in Round 2 to his last before injury v Penrith, it was night and day of Kautoga as a player. He went from a player that defended ok, did some work but barely touched the football, to hitting hard in defence, running great lines and bumping defenders off him. Exciting future for Gideon.
Most Disappointing: I was considering Hopgood, though he has played every game this year and played fine mostly. To be different i am going with a mixture of the veteran players: Bryce Cartwright, Ryan Matterson, Shaun Lane etc. Granted Ryles came in like a bat out of hell wanting youth but he still gave Lane and Matto the chance to be part of the future, same with Cartwright and they weren't up to his standards. Brendan Hands as well, started the year as the no.1 Hooker, to then being the no.3 and now at a 2nd tier French team in Toulouse.
Moment of the year: Tied between Brisbane win and Smith running down Valemei.
Signing of the year: Since Iongi is my POY, i will be different and go with Walker. A head scratcher when announced, then the more we thought about it and when we saw it in action, it made sense. To the point where the attack is mainly centred around him. If we have no Walker i reckon we struggle in attack.
2026 Breakout player: Sam Tuivaiti. Had his rookie year cut short, but him getting 11 games is quite good for a rookier year for a Prop forward. His body is still developing and now he will be getting stronger to hopefully end the year starting ready to replace Junior Paulo in 2027.
Parra in 2026 will finish: Hell why not, 6th-8th. Rylesy can do it.
Bold prediction: Moses plays a full season. Bold i know.
Can't wait to see everyone else's.
Replies
Finish 8th, bold prediction 6th ahahahahaah
player of the year: I Longi ( has been unreal at the back and should be wrap up on a huge long term deal ASAP )
Rookie of the year: I Longi ( as above ) or R Smith who has been outstanding
Most improved: S Russell ( he's defence in particular has improved a lot )
Most disappointing: B Hands ( started as first choice hooker then went as low as being on the bench in cup )
Moment of the year: Lomax kicking that field goal against he's former club
Signing of the year: J Addo Carr ( he's speed out wide is something we have missed )
2026 breakout player: Lorenzo ( already playing cup, this kid will play first grade next year, looks really good )
Parra will finish 2026: 9th ( we will improve but just miss out, make the 8 in 2027 )
Bold prediction: Lorenzo to make a NRL debut
Not sure how much I'd disagree here from OP.
Player of the year: Iongi.
Rookie of the year: Ryley Smith. Came out of nowhere during Pre-season.
Most Improved: Kautoga easily, but that's during the season. Improved from last season? Sean Russell, very good consistency.
Most Disappointing: Hopgood. He should be one of our stars.
Moment of the year: End of Brisbane game is the only moment this year where I jumped up and down as they showed Walsh offside.
Signing of the year: Dylan walker for mid-year signing easy too, but I will shout out Jack Williams.
2026 Breakout player: Will Penisini. He'll rediscover his proper top form and hopefully become an elite centre. From the youngsters Twidle, Richie, Talataina, Lokeni and Latu could all have an impact in first grade that comes out of nowhere.
Parra in 2026 will finish: Top 8.
Bold prediction: Moses will win Dally M.
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