Andrew Johns and Brad Fittler agree Ben Hunt has been the most influential player in the NRL this year, but believe he will be pipped to the RLPA Players’ Champion gong.
The St George Illawarra halfback is one of the leading contenders to win the Dally M Medal after carrying the Dragons on his back for much of the 2022 season.
He is one of five finalists in line to win the coveted Players’ Champion medal. He is joined by Nicho Hynes, Joey Manu, Cameron Munster, and James Tedesco.
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“He’s mine – I think he will win the Dally M, and deserves it, and I think he will get the Players’ Champion award,” Johns told Wide World of Sports.
“He has carried this team all year. Some of their wins have been solely on his competitiveness, his toughness.
“He’s at you all the time. He’s had a great year. (The Dragons) were apparently tossing up not to re-sign him? I’ve never heard anything so ridiculous.”
But when Johns and Fittler were pressed on whether the current NRL playing group would feel the same way, both agreed Hunt may be pipped to the medal.
Each NRL club nominates four players for the RLPA award, and then every contracted player in the competition votes in a 3-2-1 style.
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The catch is players are not allowed to vote for any of their teammates.
Johns says while Hunt deserves the award, he believes Roosters fullback Tedesco may get the nod.
Fittler had another suggestion.
“On that basis I’d go Munster,” Fittler said.
RLPA 2022 Players’ Champion preview show
“Melbourne finished further up (the ladder) – Roosters just slid into the semis.
“I thought Munster was pretty outstanding.”
2022 FINALISTS
Ben Hunt, Nicho Hynes, Joey Manu, Cameron Munster, James Tedesco
PAST WINNERS
2021 – Tom Trbojevic
2020 – Nathan Cleary
2019 – James Tedesco
2018 – Kalyn Ponga
2017 – James Tedesco
2016 – Jason Taumalolo
2015 – Johnathan Thurston
2014 – Johnathan Thurston
2013 – Johnathan Thurston
2012 – Ben Barba
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The 2022 RLPA Dream Team – as voted by every contracted NRL player
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