Will EvansHeighington, the Green Machine, & the Dally M's
August 20th 2008 13:07
-So what about Chris Heighington missing out on Australia's preliminary World Cup squad? The only thing more befuddling than the back-row tyro not being rated among the NRL's top 46 players by the Aussie selectors is the lack of attention his omission has attracted in the media. Heighington leads the NRL in hit-ups and is one of the competitions top tacklers - but more importantly he backs up the stats with substance in his consistent, non-stop performances. He has carried the Tigers' pack in 2008 and rivals former teammate Anthony Laffranchi as the season's form back-rower. Desperately unlucky not to play for NSW this year, surely Heighington deserves a spot ahead of players like the Cowboys' El Suspendo, Luke O'Donnell?
-I don't want to sound like a bandwagon-jumper, but it is impossible to resist the urge to talk about the red-hot Raiders. Canberra - a team of no-names and cast-offs tipped for the wooden spoon yet again at the start of the year - lead the NRL in tries scored, and are rapidly becoming everyone's second-favourite team with their attractive brand of free-flowing football. But can they be a genuine premiership threat in 2008? They would be a far more formidable proposition with Todd Carney still on board. Don't get me wrong, Raiders officials should be commended for their hardline stance on the frequently wayward superstar, but its hard to envisage Alan Tongue hoisting the trophy on grand final day with Marc Herbert at halfback. Herbert has handled the step up to first grade admirably and is a future star, but more is needed from your No. 7 in the big one. The least-heralded premiership-winning No. 7 of the last 30 years is Brisbane's wily veteran Shane Perry, who collected a medal in 2006. But he had the world's best outside him in Darren Lockyer. The last first-year halfback to win a grand final was Steve Martin - who subsequently was picked for that season's Kangaroo tour - for Manly in 1978. But you never know, this Raiders' outfit has an eerily similar feel to the 2005 Wests Tigers.
-Just three more rounds for players to earn points in the Dally M Player of the Year award, and this year's winner is proving one of the hardest to predict on record. Matt Orford led the count before voting went secret after Round 16, and while he has astutely guided Manly around again this year, it would be drawing a long bow to suggest he has been the NRL's dominant player in 2008. Feleti Mateo, running second after Round 16, would have been a strong contender, but injury and the Eels' patchy form looks to have curtailed his chances. My cash would be on Melbourne duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, who won the award in 2006. Both had polled well in the open voting and have continued their impressive form. Other roughies could include Jamie Soward, Braith Anasta and Chris Heighington.
-The unluckiest player of the round would have to be rookie Brisbane winger Kaine Manihera. After starring for Queensland Residents and earning a call-up to first grade, the Kiwi flankman has barely put a foot wrong in the top flight, but has been left out of this week's side to take on the Gold Coast. Instead, Joel Moon keeps his place in the centres after Mark Gasnier gave him a torrid time last Friday night. With the news today that Origin winger Darius Boyd has followed Wayne Bennett to the Dragons and Denan Kemp's imminent departure to the Warriors, Manihera would be the logical choice to take the vacant wing spot in 2009, although he is yet to be offered a contract.
TOP 10 BUYS OF THE YEAR
1. Petero Civoneceva - a tower of strength for the Panthers, who collected the spoon last year but are now finals contenders. Skippering this exciting young side provides the big fella with a wonderful post-script to a career that ranks him among the great front-rowers.
2. Peter Wallace - slotted into the Broncos lineup seamlessly and earned his Origin spurs for NSW. Immediately took pressure off Lockyer and ran the show when the skipper was out injured.
3. Wendell Sailor - his form on the paddock has been steady after a drug suspension-enforced lay-off, but the enthusiasm he has brought to Dragons squad has been invaluable.
4.Ashley Harrison - versatile and consistent, received a well-earned recall to the Queensland side.
5. Ben Cross - Another NSW debutant in 2008, Cross has added much-needed starch to the Knights' pack despite a broken thumb restricting his appearances.
6. Josh Perry - Reignited his career with Manly after going stale at Newcastle.
7. Craig Wing - Tragic start to his homecoming with a bad injury in the first round, but his experience and composure has been crucial to Souths resurgence in the second half of the year.
8. Brent Tate - Recovered brilliantly from yet another injury to give the Warriors backline stability and genuine star quality. Wonderful Origin campaign.
9. Joel Monaghan - Returning home to the Raiders, the lanky flyer has been devastating and won his first NSW jersey.
10. Mark O'Meley - has had his best season since the Bulldogs won the comp in '04. The cornerstone of the Roosters formidable pack.
-I don't want to sound like a bandwagon-jumper, but it is impossible to resist the urge to talk about the red-hot Raiders. Canberra - a team of no-names and cast-offs tipped for the wooden spoon yet again at the start of the year - lead the NRL in tries scored, and are rapidly becoming everyone's second-favourite team with their attractive brand of free-flowing football. But can they be a genuine premiership threat in 2008? They would be a far more formidable proposition with Todd Carney still on board. Don't get me wrong, Raiders officials should be commended for their hardline stance on the frequently wayward superstar, but its hard to envisage Alan Tongue hoisting the trophy on grand final day with Marc Herbert at halfback. Herbert has handled the step up to first grade admirably and is a future star, but more is needed from your No. 7 in the big one. The least-heralded premiership-winning No. 7 of the last 30 years is Brisbane's wily veteran Shane Perry, who collected a medal in 2006. But he had the world's best outside him in Darren Lockyer. The last first-year halfback to win a grand final was Steve Martin - who subsequently was picked for that season's Kangaroo tour - for Manly in 1978. But you never know, this Raiders' outfit has an eerily similar feel to the 2005 Wests Tigers.
-Just three more rounds for players to earn points in the Dally M Player of the Year award, and this year's winner is proving one of the hardest to predict on record. Matt Orford led the count before voting went secret after Round 16, and while he has astutely guided Manly around again this year, it would be drawing a long bow to suggest he has been the NRL's dominant player in 2008. Feleti Mateo, running second after Round 16, would have been a strong contender, but injury and the Eels' patchy form looks to have curtailed his chances. My cash would be on Melbourne duo Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, who won the award in 2006. Both had polled well in the open voting and have continued their impressive form. Other roughies could include Jamie Soward, Braith Anasta and Chris Heighington.
-The unluckiest player of the round would have to be rookie Brisbane winger Kaine Manihera. After starring for Queensland Residents and earning a call-up to first grade, the Kiwi flankman has barely put a foot wrong in the top flight, but has been left out of this week's side to take on the Gold Coast. Instead, Joel Moon keeps his place in the centres after Mark Gasnier gave him a torrid time last Friday night. With the news today that Origin winger Darius Boyd has followed Wayne Bennett to the Dragons and Denan Kemp's imminent departure to the Warriors, Manihera would be the logical choice to take the vacant wing spot in 2009, although he is yet to be offered a contract.
TOP 10 BUYS OF THE YEAR
1. Petero Civoneceva - a tower of strength for the Panthers, who collected the spoon last year but are now finals contenders. Skippering this exciting young side provides the big fella with a wonderful post-script to a career that ranks him among the great front-rowers.
2. Peter Wallace - slotted into the Broncos lineup seamlessly and earned his Origin spurs for NSW. Immediately took pressure off Lockyer and ran the show when the skipper was out injured.
3. Wendell Sailor - his form on the paddock has been steady after a drug suspension-enforced lay-off, but the enthusiasm he has brought to Dragons squad has been invaluable.
4.Ashley Harrison - versatile and consistent, received a well-earned recall to the Queensland side.
5. Ben Cross - Another NSW debutant in 2008, Cross has added much-needed starch to the Knights' pack despite a broken thumb restricting his appearances.
6. Josh Perry - Reignited his career with Manly after going stale at Newcastle.
7. Craig Wing - Tragic start to his homecoming with a bad injury in the first round, but his experience and composure has been crucial to Souths resurgence in the second half of the year.
8. Brent Tate - Recovered brilliantly from yet another injury to give the Warriors backline stability and genuine star quality. Wonderful Origin campaign.
9. Joel Monaghan - Returning home to the Raiders, the lanky flyer has been devastating and won his first NSW jersey.
10. Mark O'Meley - has had his best season since the Bulldogs won the comp in '04. The cornerstone of the Roosters formidable pack.
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Comment by David Edwards
Sporting Mind
Heighington should be in the 46 man squad. A much better player than the over-rated Gallen and LaFranchi. Speaking of the 46 man squad - surely they should add Terry Campese to that list. Maybe i'm too biased, but the guy is playing some ridiculous football - its a shame that only people with Foxtel can appreciate it.
Comment by sportsbar
Sports Bar
Fret X
Josh Perry at Manly is playing his best football as well since moving out of his comfort zone at Newcastle.
But Heighinton has been really unlucky. Hard working 80 minute player that has improved out of sight. His hand will be up for Origin next year - the one criticism he has to shake is that he is not big enough. That is probably why he hasn't got the rep honours early, but if he keeps up his form and effort, they won't be able to keep him out.
Everyone at the Raiders is playing well and truly above their perceived ability. Colin Best and Joel Monaghan have been in irresistible form as has Campese.
See the stats on the raiders attack here
Comment by ethos
NRL Live
Should not be anywhere near the 'buy of the year'.
Comment by sportsbar
Sports Bar
Fret X
I guess you could argue Sandow, the Titans had to let him go and Souths were lucky to pick him up and change his fortunes around...
But you obviously watch the Broncos a lot more closely than me
I have been surprised with Heath Lestrange, not a standout, but has performed solidly considering the player that left...
Why oh why did Manly let Monaghan go?
Comment by LeagueBot
Rest assured Colin Best would have been near the top of the list.....had he joined the Raiders this year. Best has been in career-best form in 2008, but he debuted for the club in Round 1 last year.
Heath L'estrange also came into consideration but it is a pretty hot field to contend with.
Watch for Ashton Sims to appear in today's top 10 list...