David Middleton's top 5 NRL players of 2024
AuthorDavid MiddletonLeague Information ServicesTimestampTue 24 Dec 2024, 06:01 AM
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Angus Crichton
Jahrome Hughes
Eliesa Katoa
Jarome Luai
Based on his 2024 efforts, Jarome Luai might be getting better with age, a statement that will be music to the ears of Wests Tigers fans. The 26-year-old is preparing for the biggest challenge of his career, to help restore the fortunes of the Tigers after three consecutive wooden spoons and 13 years without a finals appearance.He will start with his new club at the peak of his powers. Luai was a key figure in the Panthers’ fourth consecutive premiership title, played a vital role in the Blues’ historic series victory in State of Origin and then showed his leadership qualities as captain of an inexperienced Samoa side in two Tests against England.
After a Round 12 game against Cronulla in 2024, Panthers’ coach Ivan Cleary described Luai’s kicking game as “the best it’s ever been tonight”. It was a comment that could have been repeated on subsequent occasions as Luai’s kicking continued to produce results.
He held the Panthers together during Nathan Cleary’s absence and was integral to the team continuing to produce winning results. And it wasn’t just his kicking game that ranked among the best in the competition. His ball play and deceptive footwork reached elite levels.
In the grand final Luai broke eight tackles and worked in partnership with Cleary to grind down the Storm’s defensive game through their constant changes of direction.
He was also a major figure in the Blues’ success in Origin, launching the raid that led to Bradman Best’s try which broke open the Origin decider at Suncorp. There had not been a try scored for the first 64 minutes of Game 3 until Luai spotted the barest of openings and darted through before passing to Best for the key try in the contest. The Blues went on to win a decider in Brisbane for the first time since 2005.
And on Samoa’s historic two-Test tour of England at the end of the season, Luai’s leadership qualities came to the fore among an inexperienced squad. Although his team was well beaten in both Tests, Luai still managed to wow crowds at Wigan and Leeds with his array of skills.
Luai may never face a bigger challenge than the one that will confront him at the Tigers in 2025. The fanbase is desperate to see improvement and the pressure to deliver results will be intense. But through his actions on and off the field, the Tigers look to have the best man to lead the fightback.
Isaah Yeo
David Middleton's top 5 NRL players of 2024
To celebrate the release of the 2024 Official Rugby League Annual, historian David Middleton has picked his top five NRL players of the year.
www.nrl.com
The Forum's word limit restricts me from posting entire article, so have only included Jarome's section.
