Penrith great Greg Alexander has named his team of the 2021 NRL season, listing a 14-man side as his best of the year on SEN's Mornings with Matt White.
The former New South Wales and Australia representative opted for a back five of Dally M Medal winner Tom Trbojevic, speedy Storm duo Josh Addo-Carr and Justin Olam, Roosters gun Joseph Manu and Panthers metre-eater Brian To'o.
Alexander had little to move away from Cody Walker and Nathan Cleary as his halves pairing, while Storm star Brandon Smith was given the nod at dummy-half.
Panthers forward James Fisher-Harris and Broncos rising star Payne Haas are named at prop in Alexander's side, with Chooks menace Angus Crichton and Eels recruit Isaiah Papli'i finding spots in the second-row.
Alexander was unable to split Blues pair Isaah Yeo and Cameron Murray for the No.13 jumper, opting to name a 14-man side instead.
2021 top try-scorer Alex Johnston, Penrith utility Matt Burton and Roosters pair Sitili Tupouniua and James Tedesco were given honourable mentions.
Manly points magnet Reuben Garrick, Penrith second-rower Viliame Kikau and the aforementioned Burton were snubbed from Alexander's side despite being named in the 2021 Dally M Team of the Year.
Greg Alexander's 2021 Team of the Year
Tom Trbojevic (Sea Eagles)
Josh Addo-Carr (Storm)
Joey Manu (Roosters)
Justin Olam (Storm)
Brian To’o (Panthers)
Cody Walker (Rabbitohs)
Nathan Cleary (Panthers)
James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)
Brandon Smith (Storm)
Payne Haas (Broncos)
Angus Crichton (Roosters)
Isaiah Papali’i (Eels)
Isaah Yeo (Panthers)/Cameron Murray (Rabbitohs)
