It’s that time of the year again. The weather’s hot, the sky’s clear, and it’s just a couple of days before some lucky Queenslander walks up onto a podium to hoist the NRL Premiership Trophy above his head.
But before we can get into the grand final fever, we first need to establish a few accolades at the annual Dally M’s. Here’s who’s going to win, and why.
WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - JULY 23: Paul Vaughan of the Dragons looks to pass during the round 20 NRL match between the St George Illawarra Dragons and the Manly Sea Eagles at WIN Stadium on July 23, 2017 in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)
Paul Vaughan
One of the buys of the year.
Vaughan was discarded by the Raiders, only to be thrust into the Dragon's starting line-up, a place where he'd come a whisker away from a State of Origin debut.
Vaughan dotted down for 8 tries in 2017, a stunning number for a prop, and he'll be aided by incoming veteran James Graham to strengthen St George's go forward next season.
