Lock
Nomination: Sam Burgess, Anthony Watmough, Trent Merrin, Elijah Taylor, Shaun Fensom, Glenn Stewart, Jeremy Smith, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Adam Docker
The lock's role has changed a lot over the years and many teams use this position differently. NRL coaches don't call them ''locks'' anymore. They refer to them as ''middle players''. Some use it as another front-row type. Others use it as another creative skill position. This makes it hard to compare performers. For example, Anthony Watmough wears jersey No.11 for Manly and Glenn Stewart wears 13, yet Watmough plays in the ''middle'' and Stewart plays ''right edge''. There are similar examples in a number of clubs. All of the above players though have contributed greatly to their teams.
My Lock of the Year:
Corey Parker. The Broncos didn't have such a great season, but it wasn't for the lack of trying from this bloke. For Brisbane and Queensland I thought he was outstanding. On the NRL Stats player ratings system, he emerged as the No.1 player in the game based on contribution levels.
Second Row
Nominations: Boyd Cordner, Ryan Hoffman, Matt Gillett, Josh Papalii, Justin Horo, Glenn Stewart
NRL coaches don't call them second-rowers anymore. They are called "edge forwards". This is a position we may soon have to isolate into left- and right-side categories because they are now specialist roles with rugby league teams. I've liked the performances of all these players. Boyd Cordner is fast emerging as a rep player of the highest order.
My Second-Rowers of the Year:
Sonny Bill Williams, Greg Bird. SBW has been a sensation. I never for one minute doubted that would be the case. As I said before a ball was kicked this season, SBW could lift the Roosters to a premiership victory. I have no reason to change that prediction. Greg Bird is such a competitor. For the Titans and NSW he has been a key figure.
