NRL Finals: Storm wipe out Broncos

NRL Finals, Week 1 2007
Melbourne Storm 40 def Brisbane Broncos 0
By John Chelsea

It was a close to the best revenge the Melbourne Storm could impose on the Broncos, after the beaten by Brisbane in last years NRL Grand Final.

The Storm sent the Broncos packing as predicted, the home side again doing everything right and firing on all cylinders to beat the struggling Queenslanders. Its very hard to commend the Storm in just certain areas; everyone from their forwards to the halves and the backline just played near enough the perfect match - keeping with the NRL tradition of the Top ranked side eliminating Team 8 every year.

The signs were ominous for the Broncos early, their inexperienced pack misreading a Melbourne backline sweep play - with Anthony Quinn scoring untouched in the corner after 5 minutes. The Broncos minus Tony Carroll looked even more at sea, this week Sam Thaiday trying his hand at pivot. With Dane Carlaw lining up in the front row - it was a side that looked light on across the park.

The Storm began turning the ball inside from dummy half plays and had success for most of the first half. Quick play the balls followed by steam rolling forwards and then short second phase to the likes of Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk was a recipe for disaster - Brisbane getting spanked severely and ending any hope of an armwrestle with the Storm.

Precision kicks from the Storm in seriously heavy wind was extremely impressive, Cronk finding good yardage and making a nice 40/20 play to continually heap pressure on the Broncos. The Storm possess such a complete game, the only chance of another side beating them is to continually look for stoppages in play. Kick for touch, even kick dead - thus allowing teams facing the Storm to set their defence line.

Even coach Craig Bellamy was in form; making the ideal substitution changes from the bench - injecting the right player at the right time and keeping the tempo upbeat despite having the game in their keeping from early on.

The Storm got through the game without any major injury worries, only Matt King getting a small neck bump, but running it out towards the end. The only worry for Melbourne now is a major injury scare in Week 3 or a flu like bug hitting the team in the weeks ahead - as certainly no competitor looks like stopping them.

The only other interesting point to come out of the game was the form of referee Steve 'Terminator' Clark. The normally pedantic whistle blower changing his game slightly and letting the play flow a little more. He did start blowing the pea out of the whistle late in the game, but it was a decent game from the much maligned referee.

NRL Finals: Manly rub out Souths

NRL Finals, Week 1 2007

Manly 30 def Souths 6

By Adam Sutcliffe

In took Manly an age to finally open the Souths flood gates, but it was a comprehensive win by the no.2 team in the NRL - the Sea Eagles proving themselves in a finals atmosphere and earning a week off, followed by a home 'regional' final in week 3.

The first half saw a nervous Souths fighting hard just to hold the Eagles out. Despite some early discipline problems - the Eagles eventually found their feet and mounted some good pressure on the Souths line. Wave after wave was coming the Bunnies way, on several occasions Manly had tries disallowed due to desperate Souths defence and referee interference at one stage.

Manly showed much superior ruck wrestling tonight, getting numbers into tackles and pinning the Souths ball runners for long periods on the ground. While it cost them penalties, the gamble proved well worth it - the Manly side looking much like Melbourne as they rocked, rolled and suspended Souths in mid air to really slow their play the balls.

The Eagles continue to look so dangerous when they get numbers around the play ball in attack. Deep in enemy territory, the Eagles regulary have 2 or 3 speed men run angles around the dummy half - putting plenty of doubt in their oppositions minds as the likes of Brett Stewart, Chris Hicks and Co give the Eagles plenty of attacking options from 10m out.

While the Eagles were polished, Souths gritty work ethic continued to turn them away continually. Going into half time at 6-2, Souths would have been happy with the closeness of the score considering Manly had most of the possession and all the field postion for period 1.

The arm wrestle continued in the second period, Souths niggling away and finally getting a quality attacking kick in play, a flying Paul Mellor scoring an impressive try in the corner and Souths locking the scores up at 6 all.

It was game on from here, Manly getting a little edgy and Souths naturally lifting after their touchdown.

The Manly forwards put their hand up in the next little period of the match. Jason King having a top game, stepping up several times to stop Souths getting any momentum rolls. King took on the likes of Asotasi and Cusack - driving the Bunnies big men back a few times and keeping the engine room in check for the locals.

The Eagles obviously spent time focusing on Souths Issac Luke, the live wire hooker being contained well all night by Manly, preventing any attacking spark from dummy half for the Bunnies.

When Manly pierced the Souths line on 51m - the spinning and driving Watmough scoring beside the posts things looked ominous for the Rabbitohs. However, some positive sets following the Manly try saw Souths get right back into the action and push for an equalizer.

At the 60 minute mark a crucial intervention call by the video referee totally changed the face of the game. With Souths enjoying some possession and a nice build up of momentum - a collision between Manly kicker Matt Orford and Souths' Ben Rogers, saw the Manly halfback injured from the heavy impact.

Replays suggesting Bunny Ben Rogers merely stood his ground, the flying Orford unluckily colliding heavily with Rogers as the Bunny had his back turned. For the second time in 2 nights - commentators and viewers were stunned, as the video referee got involved to award a penalty to Manly. As the Eagles halfback remained on the ground for a long period of time, the tough penalty call and long stop in play proved to be the straw that broke the back of South Sydney. While on-field referees are only human and may make mistakes, it continues to amaze NRL followers that video officials can continue to get things so wrong. These guys have the benefit of 'replays' meaning an error should be extremely rare or non existent, in real time the Orford / Rogers collision was purely accidental contact - nothing more, nothing less.

It was the perfect tonic for Manly, they regained composure and took the gift penalty with both hands - scoring soon after through and putting an end to the South Sydney fairytale in 2007. Once the Eagles got ahead, their class shone through. The shackles seemingly lifted off and the previously grinding game now changing into the free flowing style that Manly love.

Brett Stewart amazingly seems to improve every week, his blinding speed was combined with fearless running tonight - scoring a superb try late, running off an inside pass from Steve Bell about 10m out - the flying fullback broke the heart of Souths as he tore through 3 tacklers to score in the corner.

The final spurt from Manly, scoring several tries towards the end of the game was an impressive finish for the locals. They ended the game on the best possible note and gave themselves plenty of confidence to walk away with. In all reality, the Eagles are the only team that look likely to trouble the might of Melbourne this year. Coach Des Hasler admitting how happy he was with the Eagles finish compared to previous weeks, his side finally putting an opposition to the sword when it counted - not just winning, but winning well.

The only concern for Manly tonight was more injuries. Chris Hicks damaging his ankle and carried from the field, as did Glenn Stewart - the backrower also having ankle problems. The other concern will be Steve Matai; probably the only weak link in the Manly line - Matai again raced out of the line several times tonight, forcing his team mates to cover for him as Souths broke through his vacant area in the line. The Bunnies should have targetted the Matai edge more, as everywhere else Manly were bulletproof as they held tight tonight.

The week off will help the Eagles mend their injury men, the Manly side earning the right to a 'regional' home final in Week 3 - most likely the SFS or Telstra Stadium.

For Souths, while its the end of the road - no doubt the rebuilt Rabbitohs are a successful outfit and will be a force for the next few years. Competition for first grade spots, quality players and staff and top facilities now allow the Bunnies equal or advantageous footing in the NRL world. We'll be seeing plenty more of them in the years ahead.

NRL

NRL Finals: Cowboys edge out Dogs

NRL Finals, Week 1 2007

Cowboys 20 def Bulldogs 18

By Peter Roy

The North Queensland Cowboys put on a stellar first 20 minutes in their home final to setup what was to be a close win for the locals.

Despite the Bulldogs shooting out of the blocks with commitment and precision, the Cowboys attacking machine carved up the Dogs in broken play to jump out to a quick 12-0 lead. The usual suspects in Matt Bowen and Jonathan Thurston were the orchestrators, as Aaron Payne and Paul Bowman joined in to get the Cowboys rolling.

While the Cowboys had the field position and the momentum, the Bulldogs still had several chances against the run of play - on 2 occasions looking certain to score, only to fall apart on the final pass. Cowboys custodian Matt Bowen proving a nightmare for the Dogs as they got nervous everytime they approached him 2 on 1.

The footspeed of the Cowboys again proved the difference this week, the Dogs just unable to contain or match the ruck speed of fleet footed locals. The Bulldogs tried hard to make the game an armwrestle and whenever things slowed to a grind - the Bulldogs looked more comfortable.

To their credit, the Bulldog hung in all game - staying close enough to nearly steal a late victory through a cross field kick to El Masri, the aging winger showing good speed to nearly score in the corner.

The Cowboys kicking game was far superior to that of the Dogs, Thurston and Bowen both sharing the duties and turning the Bulldogs around for most of the night. The dummy half duties of Aaron Payne and David Faiumu totally eclipsing that of the Bulldogs - the Cowboys getting good direction and thrust through their little generals. Veteran Paul Bowman pulled out one of his top shelf games tonight, the Cowboy centre usually known for his solid defence was slick and enterprising in his attack tonight - getting under the Bulldogs radar as they continued to focus more on the Bowens and Thurstons. The North Queensland forward pack also deserves a wrap, still with plenty of big names on the injury list - they fought hard and got the better of the big name Bulldogs forwards.

The icing on the cake for the Cowboys was the quality of their bench, the injection of Jason Smith gave North Queensland a composed and finals like quality. The elder statesment of the NRL, Smith setup Thurston with a nice flick pass to seal the victory.

The look likely to survive another week, with the Bunnies going down and Melbourne certain to send Brisbane packing tomorrow. While Andrew Ryan lifted his game tonight, leading the way with brutal defence and some good line busts - Willie Mason tended to run side to side too much, and Mark O'Meley remained very one dimensional. The usually big, tough and strong forwards are struggling for the Bulldogs at the moment; the likes of Luke Patten the only shining light for Canterbury. The consistent fullback continuing to be a shining light for the Dogs. The Bulldogs continue to look very unstructured in attack, they saw success when attacking the Cowboys left edge - but should have sent more play in that direction - Sherwin really needs to take control in attack and direct the side.

The Dogs again need to do some soul searching, without a win for several weeks now - its certainly not the ideal platform for another week of finals football. They are lacking cohesion in attack, the did generate some line breaks early on but didn't have the polish to complete them. As the game wore on, they went into their shells and played too much one out attack - making them easy meat for the Cowboys.

NRL News

NRL Finals: Defence gets Eels home

NRL Finals Week 1, 2007
Parramatta Eels 12 d NZ Warriors 10
By John Chelsea

The Warriors came out firing in the first half, an energetic and aggressive NZ side were driving the Eels back on every carry. Full of enthusiasm and buoyed by the massive vocal crowd, the Warriors had the early momentum. The Eels looking a little unstructured and shell shocked from the dominant Warriors defence, several times the Eels struggling on the final tackle - using 4 different kickers, kicking out on the full and not gaining any good metres from kicks.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, they simply couldn't make the most of their early ball. A growing error count for NZ as they attacked on their own left wing, targeting the right side of the Eels line -aiming their plays at Eric Grothe Jnr and Ben Smith.

To compound the errors, the Warriors were a touch too eager - giving away several penalties to the Eels early through hanging on too long in the tackle.

The Eels defence remaining impressive early on, repelling all the Warriors raids and not giving away a single line break the entire first half. As the Eels got more ball, they started to grow in confidence - starting to throw the ball around and had some success on the left and right sides through second phase play.

Both sides got over the try line once, but both denied tries through knock ons - Todd Byrne missing a certain try for the Warriors but fumbling the put down and soon after Timana Tahu looked like he would steam over but lost the ball over the line.

The score remained 0-0 as the teams headed into the sheds at halftime, both coaches would have been eager to get to their troops - with it looking totally obvious; the first team to settle down and find their rhythm would go on to win the game. First points looking extremely valuable to the side that can get over the line the quickest in the second half.

The Warriors were the first to get the valuable prize, repeat sets allowing them to build pressure and kick for the wing of Patrick Ah Van. A precise cross field kick from Michael Witt setting up Ah Van to knock the ball back for Todd Byrne.

What was to follow was quite amazing. The Warriors building pressure beautifully and enjoying 5 miuntes of attack, camped in the Eels red zone. Set after set kept coming; the Eels dropping bombs, touching long passes and gifting the possession back to the NZ Warriors.

The attack looked certain to pay dividends, pure weight of possession setting the scene. The gap opened up on a late tackle play for Logan Swann, the big back rower looking certain to score and disregarding two unmarked men on his outside to burrow over. Desperate line defence from Parramatta bucking Swann sideways and enabling them to roll him over and hold him up.

The failure from the Warriors to score during their tonne of possession proving to ultimately be their undoing.

The Eels eventually got the ball, but still looked too predictable and slow at the play the ball to prove any problem for the uptempo Warriors. A couple of penalties were the only things that looked to be helping the Eels. Then out of no where, a Tim Smith short cross field kick was flicked back in the air from Brett Finch, Feleti Mateo diving on the scraps to score an opportunists try. Somehow with little ball and lacklustre attack the Eels touch down and shoot ahead by 2 points.

The style of game changed immediately. With the Eels ahead by 2 points with 14 minutes to go, the Eels were now enjoying quicker play the balls. For the Warriors, the clock was the enemy so they had to speed up their tackles. This released the shackles on the Eels, PJ Marsh and Mark Riddell running for big metres from dummy half and getting some huge forward rolls going for the Eels.

After some more ball at the Warriors end, PJ Marsh dropped a beautiful kick into the in goal for a flying Jarryd Hayne to score. The Eels shooting to a 12-4 lead and looking the have the game in their keeping now. Every try in the game up to this point coming from kicks, proving the quality of defence from both sides.

With minutes to go, the Warriors mounted some massive charges - McKinnon running for big metres and setting the play up for a desperate kick over the top from the Warriors. Rovelli setting up Todd Byrne beautifully and as Byrne raced to the line he turned the ball inside for Michael Witt - the Warriors pivot being tackled without the ball metres from the line. Todd Byrne probably could have scored on his own, but the decision to pass the ball saw referee Tony Archer go to the video referee to check the tape.

Video referee Bill Harrigan winning plenty of NZ friends by awarding a penalty try, the former first grade referee stunning commentators and players alike with his decision to award a penalty try. The try allowing Michael Witt to convert from directly in front of the posts and turning it into a 2 point ball game at 12-10. Bill Harrigan is known for his controversial decisions and his massive blunder in the video box will be a warning for all on field referee's to be cautious about using Harrigan for decisions such as this. The blunder reflects poorly on the on-field referee - in hindsight Archer may have wanted to make the call himself considering it was a decision where the try line wasn't breached - it certainly seems safer for on-field referee's to make the call themselves.

The decision by the video referee proving more surprising; considering Jarryd Hayne was impeded as he scored from the Marsh kick only 10 minutes earlier. Inconsistently video referee Bill Harrigan only awarding a try and taking probably 10 looks at the tape to award it. If consistency was a factor - then this try probably should have been an 8 point try, due to Hayne being impeded and still getting to the ball. If this was the case, then the penalty try may have made more sense.

A big decision this week for referee's boss Robert Finch, he will most certainly look at rubbing Bill Harrigan out for next weeks matches - a move that has to be looked at, considering the magnitude of this call and how it could have effected the chances of a finals team.

The Warriors took the call with open arms, lifting in confidence again and mounting a final 2 minute assault on the Eels to snatch a victory. The Eels only just hanging on and slowly carting the ball up to chew up the final minutes. The visitors getting away with a big away win and ensuring themselves passage to Week 2 of the finals.

NRL News

NRL Finals: ex-Eels key for NZ

By Adam Sutcliffe

While most of the talk has centred around Steven Price and the Warriors forward pack; former Parramatta Eels players Wade McKinnon and Michael Witt hold the key for the Warriors tonight - their skillset and passionate style is just the ticket to fire up the locals against their old club.

While always showing plenty of promise, Warriors fullback Wade McKinnon has been a relevation this year at the Warriors - not only safe at the back, but his injection into the Warriors attacking plays has been breath taking. In much the same way as former Warriors custodian Brent Webb - McKinnon keeps busy in attack, his raw speed, acceleration and light stepping leaves opposition tacklers clutching at thin air and he flies by.

McKinnon is the type of player than can make something happen from nothing, the spark that can turn a game - switching all the momentum his teams way.

In the halves, former Parramatta and Manly utility Michael Witt has seemingly found a happy home at the Warriors; making the five eight position his own and building a nice combination with Grant Rovelli in the halves.

A confidence player, Witt can be hard to stop when things are going his way. His elusive stepping and small frame can be a nightmare for opposition forwards centre field. Never one to hold back, Witt regularly looks for short chip kick opportunities and flick passes when things are rolling along for his side. The conditions and finals atmosphere tonight may hinder some of his free flowing style and the Warriors will want to keep the ball away from Jarryd Hayne when there is open space in front of him. Nevertheless, Witt's ability and passion will be a big driving force against his former club.

The Auckland weather report today suggests excessive cloud cover, possible light rain tonight and is showing evidence of a light to medium breeze. As predicted, conditions like this mean that both sides will need to show patience and on-going ball control. A low scoring game should be seen tonight despite the fact that both teams like to throw the ball around - so forget tipping the overs, if you like a bet.

The home town advantage, proven form at home and longer preparation period certainly earn the Warriors the favourites tag.

NRL News Tip: Warriors by 8 points

NRL News

NRL Finals: Dogs of war anyone?

By Adam Sutcliffe

Its probably the most overused cliche the Bulldogs have. "The Dogs of War" is a tag they have earned over the years because of their ability to win when the chips are down. Rape allegations, drug busts and late night scandals have been just some of the problems the Belmore based team has faced in recent years - however they have an uncanny knack of shutting it all out and winning big matches.

Well the Bulldogs need to find a phone-booth before Saturday night and quickly change into their superhero "Dogs of War" outfits.

They have been in woeful form over the past few months; admittedly hampered by injuries - but the talent they possess in their team is certainly enough to get some victories in the NRL finals ahead.

Only 3 short years ago, the Bulldogs were NRL Premiers. Players such as Willie Mason, Brent Sherwin, Andrew Ryan and Hazem El Masri were all there in 2004 and possess plenty of experience and big game nous to certainly make an impact this year.

Will the sleeping giant awake in 2007? What will it take for the Bulldogs to enter their take-no-prisoners style of Rugby League?

After an embarrassing loss only a week ago in Townsville, there is no doubt we will see a much more fired up and possibly aggressive Canterbury Bulldogs team this week.

Willie Mason got a chance to get the rust out last week and was impressive when he carried the ball and the likes of Andrew Ryan and Mark O'Meley will lift a gear with the loss of Sonny Bill Williams.

All the talk and headlines have centred on the Cowboys, including Thurstons recent Dally M win and the likes of Ash Graham and his impact on the game. The Bulldogs would privately be happy with the lack of attention, a perfect platform for them to sneak up on the Cowboys. The stakes are crystal clear, with Brisbane a certain loser in Week 1 - it would only take an upset from Souths over Manly and the Bulldogs exit the NRL finals if they lose Saturday night.

Bring your flak jackets folks, I am pretty sure we will see some "Dogs of War" come Saturday night.

NRL News

NRL Finals: Judiciary Results

By Peter Roy

Sonny Bill Williams has tonight successfully defended his 2 match ban, with the NRL judiciary downgrading the original sentence to only a 1 match ban. Williams will now only miss the Cowboys game this weekend and even if the Bulldogs lose - he may get a second chance, if both the Bunnies and Brisbane lose.

Jim Hall representing Williams, argued that the SBW tackle resulted in only light contact to Thurston and Williams was actually committed to the hit before the ball left Thurston's foot. The judiciary defence was a sound one and in comparison to similar tackles this year, the Bulldogs argued successfully to get the charge reduced.

Things weren't so good for South Sydney's David Fa'alogo. The defence was centred around Fa'alogo being 'disoriented' by the grapple tackle and not realising what he was doing. An amazing and bold play by Souths, the judiciary rightly laughing the case out of the room. If there was any truth in the case of 'disorientation' I am sure the heavy right hook from Fa'longo would have missed its target. The 'king hit' was a shocker and the Bunnies bad boy has rightly copped 7 weeks for his trouble.

In other NRL News today:

Jarrod Mullen has agreed to stay with the Newcastle Knights until 2011.

Eel Luke Burt paying his own way to Auckland just to cheer on his teammates. A real eye opener and a refreshing thought considering todays age of limited club loyalty by many players.

Stay tuned for more NRL News articles through-out the day during our NRL Finals week coverage.

NRL Finals: Judiciary Night

By John Chelsea

Tonight Bulldog Sonny Bill Williams and Bunny David Fa'alogo will face the NRL judiciary to limit the impact from their suspensions handed out in Round 25.

For Sonny Bill Williams, his case to seek a downgrading from a Grade 2 to a Grade 1 high tackle charge has the most chance of succeeding. While the hit from Williams on Jonathan Thurston was slightly late and quite high, he does have some hope of getting the charge downgraded as similar offences this year have only earned 1 week bans for Rugby League offenders. When viewed in real time, the SBW hit didn't look too bad - but when the footage is slowed down, it does look a touch more ugly and if he fails tonight Sonny Bill will miss 3 games in total and effectively write-off the finals hopes of the Bulldogs.

David Fa'alogo and the Bunnies however must be kidding if they think the big prop will successfully get his striking charge reduced. Obviously they are only contesting the charge because they have nothing to lose (as a 5 game suspension ends the Fa'alogo season anyway) - however, the chances of Fa'alogo getting a reduction are probably as close to those of the Brisbane Broncos winning the premiership. Absolutely none.

I'm all for a bit of biff in the game, but the way Fa'alogo got up and 'king hit' Anasta immediately after the tackle was shocking - it was simply a throw back to the dark old days of Les Boyd. The NRL has got the grading exactly right, 5 weeks is a just penalty for the big Souths forward and the system will again prove successful when they rub the prop out for 7 weeks after his challenge proves unsuccessful tonight.

NRL News

NRL Finals: Referee Reviews

By Adam Sutcliffe

When the NRL teams were announced yesterday for Week 1 of the NRL Finals - the selection of the Referees to officiate the first batch of finals games is an interesting one in itself. Amazingly Sean Hampstead missing the cut and not getting allocated a finals game this weekend, we asked our NRL News writers their opinion on the referees for this weekends games and which teams it will suit:

Tony Archer (NZ Warriors vs Parramatta Eels)
- Known as "Mr Have a Chat", The unique scream of Tony Archer is one of the most notable of all referees, his final tackle call of "LAAAAAAAAAAST ONE" is typical of his 'tradesman' like style of refereeing. A no fuss official that generally likes a flowing game - he rarely gets too involved in minute detail penalties. Is able to 'set the scene' for players early and doesn't have to blow the pea out of the whistle to keep them apart. The style of Tony Archer suits both the Warriors and Eels - but after the Eels thrashed the Broncos under the eye of Archer; winning the penalty count in a big way they can maybe claim a small advantage from Archer - however the home-crowd may even that up slightly.

Paul Simpkins (Cowboys vs Bulldogs)
- An out of form referee, probably lucky to make Week 1 of the finals as many thought Sean Hampstead would get this spot over Simpkins. Has tended to lose control of games lately, things like 10m gap, foul play and home crowd involvement can really see Simpkins get flustered and lose focus. While he has plenty of experience, this year hasn't been his best and he is holding the pill very nervously. His current nervous style and tendency to not call many penalties may help the Bulldogs if they are willing to take the gamble. They can attempt to slow and spoil the ruck and may get away with it, allowing them to get to JT and Bowen quicker.

Shayne Hayne (Manly vs South Sydney)
- Having been reported as the 'next Bill Harrigan' for several years now, Shayne Hayne still can't deliver consistently every week. Goes through good patches and bad patches and you never really know what you will get on the day. One thing about Hayne however, is he doesn't seem to get swayed as much by the home crowd compared to other referees. This might be the only point to help Souths however, because their discipline has been woeful this past week and one thing about Hayne is he can hold a grudge during a game for long periods. Once a team infringes multiple times, Hayne can go on a rampage and hammer the offending team in a big way - had he officiated in the Souths v Roosters last week; Souths may have seen 1 or 2 players sent off.

Steve Clark (Melbourne Storm vs Brisbane)
- Known as the "Terminator" in Rugby League circles, the elder statesmen of NRL referees is universally known as a 'school teacher' style of referee. Always short odds each week to blow thousands of penalties for anything and everything he can find during a Rugby League match. Will generally block out the crowd and all other things to simply 'look' for areas where he can blow a penalty. His style could certainly help Brisbane on Sunday if Melbourne are slightly off the job. Every team playing under Steve Clark needs to have everything from their play the ball foot touches, to square markers to scrum feeds absolutely perfect - otherwise the "Terminator" will simply blow them away. Literally.

NRL News

Dally M Awards for 2007

Adam Sutcliffe at Sydney Town Hall

The annual Dally M awards have been held at Sydney Town Hall tonight, with Rugby Leagues big names and their wives coming out for the NRL's night of nights. Prime Minister John Howard choosing to attend the Dally M awards rather than greet George Bush on his arrival into Sydney for APEC.

In the final count down - Jonathan Thurston pipped Robbie Farah by 1 point as the Dally M player of the year. Thurston relived he was awarded 3 points against the Bulldogs in the final Round 25 match, a game he nearly didn't play in - with coach Murray nearly opting to rest the star halfback.

Here's the winners of the 2007 individual Dally M awards and how NRL News saw the form of each player:

Rookie Of the Year: Israel Folau
- An obvious choice, the boom Storm youngster scoring a truckload of tries this year, rarely making a mistake and staying healthy to play every single game in 2007. For a kid who still has a few years to grow and improve even more - Folau could be a serious superstar for many years to come if he decides to put religion in his kit bag until he is ready to retire.

Top Try Scorer: Israel Folau and Matt Bowen (Equal)
- Contrasting styles here, the big power game of Israel Folau and the fleet footed, speed machine that is Matt Bowen. While Folau shares the spotlight in the Storm side with plenty of other superstars, Matt Bowen is an individual that is so important to the Cowboys machine. Along with JT, Bowen is the other key component to the North Queensland side winning the big one.

Top Point Scorer: Hazem El Masri
- The stalwart again takes the prize for the most points. Even with his kicking accuracy starting to fade on occasions El Masri still got home. The injury to Luke Burt did help El Masri - but the NSW Origin rep once again earned his stripes.

Captain of the Year: Steve Price
- A good pick here, Pricey has been playing the best Rugby League of his career. At 33 years old, he gets better with age. Providing a settling influence to the Warriors and giving them the edge they needed to succeed this year - Steve Price is a lead from the front man.

Lock of the Year: Dallas Johnson
- The no fuss, hard working tackling machine beat a strong field here. Beating the likes of Greg Bird and Allan Tongue - the Origin rep is a vital part of the Storm defence line and probably doesn't get enough wraps. Just watch this guy in the finals, he does so much that goes unnoticed.

Provan/Summons Medal: Nathan Hindmarsh
- Seemingly wins this award every year, the public vote again goes to the Eels old stager. Hindmarsh continues to have a clean image on and off the field and obviously strikes a chord with the public, continuing to get votes despite showing off his 'plumbers crack' every week.

Winger of the Year: Jarryd Hayne
- Last years Rookie award winner continued his good form and fought off 2nd year syndrome to be a lethal attacking weapon again in 2007. Moved to fullback late in the season to cover for Luke Burt - the skillful Hayne this year earning an Origin jersey for his efforts.

Centre of the Year: Justin Hodges
- The lone ranger for Brisbane of late, the exciting Hodges has been almost impossible to tackle in recent weeks - seemingly beating opposition tacklers with ease. Has matured and is starting to play a senior role these days, beat tough candidates in Timana Tahu and Matt King.

Halfback of the Year: Jonathan Thurston
- In 2007 JT has easily been the standout halfback for the year. Has steppped up a class and taken over the mantle from Andrew Johns quite comfortably. His ability to win a match is right up there with Lockyer and Sonny Bill Williams now - an outright superstar. Obvious choice.

Five Eight of the Year: Darren Lockyer
- A bolter selection, most thinking Braith Anasta did enought after Locky was injured mid season. However, when fit Lockyer is simply the best player in the world. Reads a game brilliantly and is able to conduct offence like no other. The Broncos totally rudderless without him.

Hooker of the Year: Robbie Farah
- Was unlucky to miss the Dally M player of the year by only 1 point. Virtually carried the Tigers on his back in 2007 and outpointing Cameron Smith in 2007 is an achievement in itself. Farah will grow even more in statue after his achievements this year and is sure to be the leader of the Tigers in years to come.

Second Rower of the Year: Anthony Watmough
- The classy Manly forward has been a scary sight for opposing teams, running at full tilt and busting tackles with easy - Watmough's ever improving game has seen him bag a tonne of tries and employ a nice attacking style that other second rowers are struggling to copy. Has been a vital part of the Manly outfit in 2007.

Prop of the Year: Steve Price
- Another award for the experienced forward. Getting more metres than every other prop, Price beat a top field here. While we thought Luke Bailey might have taken this award, there are no complaints for either Price or Asotasi if they got the award. Playing in a giant pack, the accolades for Price prove just how good the guy is - outshining the likes of Ruben Wiki and others in the dominating Kiwi forward pack.

Fullback of the Year: Matt Bowen
- The candidates were Brett Stewart, Matt Bowen, Wade McKinnon and Karmichael Hunt an amazingly high quality field, but Bowen was the right choice. He has come alive in the past month to get the Cowboys back on track for a real finals assault - it's no coincidence that his forward pack has helped him out, and they need to continue to do so - allowing the speedster to dance and weave his wave over the line in the coming weeks.

Coach of the Year: Craig Bellamy
- Many thought Bellamy could miss out this year due to the fact he won the coverted award last year. While still very deserving of the award, many punters thought Jason Taylor or Des Hasler may have stolen the prize tonight. Regardless, Bellamy and his close knit team are the pioneers of ground breaking NRL tactics each year - pushing the boundaries and giving their Melbourne team a constant edge. Well deserved.

DALLY M PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jonathan Thurston
- Amazingly just beating Robbie Farah by 1 point, JT will be glad he played in the final game against the Bulldogs where he earned 3 points to ultimately claim the Dally M Prize. A good win in the end for Thurston as he becomes arguably the best player in Rugby League today.

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