RUPA is proud to announce the five finalists in contention to win the NRC Players’ Player of the Year.
Twelve players were initially shortlisted, with all players who competed in the 2019 NRC submitting their responses on a 3-2-1 basis. The previous winners of the award are Jordan Petaia (2018), Tom Cusack (2017), Jake Gordon (2016), Ita Vaea (2015) and Samu Kerevi (2014).
The top five is as follows:
Fraser McReight (Brisbane City) – 6 appearances in 2019 (12 career NRC appearances)
Brisbane City captain Fraser McReight capped off a superb individual 2019 year, which saw him also lead the Junior Wallabies to the final of the 2019 U20s Rugby World Cup and make his Super Rugby debut, with a barnstorming NRC campaign. Playing predominantly as an openside flanker, his offloading capabilities and breakdown work have him earmarked for a big future.
Pete Samu (Canberra Vikings) – 9 appearances in 2019 (10 career NRC appearances)
Powerful backrower Pete Samu scored two tries as one of the first selected for the Vikings’ charge to the NRC Grand Final this year, putting aside disappointment on missing Rugby World Cup selection with the Wallabies to consistently show the class that saw him play a key role in the Crusaders’ 2018 Super Rugby premiership. A constant threat on attack and defence.
Andrew Deegan (Western Force) – 9 appearances in 2019 (25 career NRC appearances)
Flyhalf Andrew Deegan scored 69 points (2 tries, 1 penalty goal & 28 conversions), steering the Western Force to the NRC title with his playmaking and as their Captain following the season-ending injury suffered by regular skipper Ian Prior. Moving to the Melbourne Rebels for the 2020 Super Rugby season, Deegan’s attacking kicking was a particular highlight, with clever kicks behind defensive lines securing plenty of tries for outside backs Jonah Placid and Byron Ralston.
Harry Wilson (Queensland Country) – 7 appearances in 2019 (15 career NRC appearances)
A fixture in the Junior Wallabies’ backrow this year alongside fellow finalist Fraser McReight, Wilson is a physical number eight who provided critical go-forward for Queensland Country in this year’s NRC, scoring four tries in the process. His workload gained him plenty of admirers, carrying and offloading more than any other player in the competition this year, and his tireless defence saw him consistently lead the tackle count in 2019.
Tom Staniforth (NSW Country Eagles) – 7 appearances in 2019 (37 career NRC appearances)
Experienced lock Staniforth has been a mainstay in this competition since its’ inception in 2014 with his 2019 campaign with the NSW Country Eagles arguably his finest yet. Averaging ten carries a match, and marshalling the Eagles’ set piece alongside Ned Hanigan, Staniforth’s leadership has played a key role in the continued development of young forward Patrick Tafa and Will Harris.
The 2019 NRC Players’ Player of the Year will be announced at the 2019 BDO Rugby Players Lunch in Sydney, on Wednesday December 11, with the Award presented by RUPA’s Official Recruitment Partner, PageGroup.
