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.
TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 27: Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys smiles after scoring a try during the round 16 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Manly Sea Eagles at 1300SMILES Stadium on June 27, 2016 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
Jason Taumalolo
One of the most hotly contested fields, there are at least three other great locks that went close to this one.
Paul Gallen is in career best form, Sam Burgess is one of the game's greatest forwards and Nathan Brown has shot out of nowhere to become the cornerstone of Parramatta's pack.
But the impact Taumalolo has on a match is second to none, and have you seen him this Final's series? Breathtaking. One man you wouldn't want to run at.
