Recently, Phil Gould put together his top top 13 ‘team of the year’, for the SMH, and as most people do – I compared his selections to my picks. I respect Gus’ knowledge and opinions on the great game, and although I don’t often disagree with him, I was able to come up with a few different selections in a few positions. 

Fullback: Greg Inglis – This was a no brainer, and thats saying something when the likes of Billy Slater – who is usually a lock for the position, was clearly the second best fullback in 2013. GI most likely would’ve been the clear favourite for this year’s Dally M award had he not been injured and he is only getting better. Terrific player and a future Immortal.

Right Wing: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck – From the moment I saw this kid run, I knew he was going to be an excitement machine. And he didn’t fail to disappoint, chalking up 18 line breaks – good for the 6th in the NRL and constantly threatening to bust tackles with 89 tackle breaks; 4th in the NRL. If Ben Barba fails to ever reach the form he demonstrated in 2012, the NRL wont need to look too far for its next sensation.

Right Centre: Jamie Lyon – Is there a more complete player in the NRL? That was a rhetorical question because the answer is obvious, and thats why he’s one of the easiest selections to make. Hopefully Manly can officially announce his signing as he is yet to put pen to paper.

Left Centre: Steve Matai – Its amazing that this Manly enforcer is still an underrated attacker, as commentators and experts continue to be surprised with what he can do with the ball in his hands. This year was no different to any other season in which he was constantly a threat to breaking the line, while also adding a short kicking game to his repertoire.

Left Wing: Jorge Taufua – I’m sounding like a bias Manly fan, but so far Gus and I haven’t disagreed on a single position. There’s a reason why the Sea Eagles’ backline is considered the best in the NRL, and Jorge is definitely one of them. He was able to successfully build on a strong rookie campaign in 2012, by leading the NRL in both line breaks and try scoring in 2013. Could also be a bolter for an Australian jersey at the end of the year.

Five-Eight: Kieran Foran – This is first position in which Gus and I disagreed, as he went with John Sutton, but I couldn’t ignore yet another Sea Eagle. Kieran was able to bounce back from a disappointing 2012 season, by helping to lead this Manly team into the GF. He is one of the toughest players in the NRL, as he continues to have little regard for his body, while also working tirelessly with Immortal – Andrew Johns to develop his ball skills.

Halfback: Cooper Cronk – I came close to adding yet another Sea Eagle – Daly Cherry- Evans to this list, but I just couldn’t go past the consistency of Cooper Cronk. He is the consummate professional, who also posses the most precise kicking game in the NRL. Although Cherry-Evans finished the season strongly, while the Storm struggled for form, Cronk leading Qld to another Origin series win, and being the Australian incumbent was what separated the two playmakers.

Front Row: Andrew Fifita, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves – Are there any other props that can turn a game on its head all by themselves, other than these two? I struggled to find any, and theres no doubt that these two powerhouse athletes have the greatest influence on their team’s success, more so than any other Prop, or Forward in the NRL.

Hooker: Cameron Smith – Simply put – Cameron Smith is the best player in the NRL. No one has a greater influence on a game in both attack and defence than Smith, and as long as he’s playing, he’ll be in my team of the year.

Lock: Sam Burgess – It’s a shame that when we hear the ‘Burgess’ name, we automatically link it to both the ‘squirrel grip’ and ‘selfie’ incidents during the season. But when Russell Crowe makes a documentary about you and your family, you know you’ve made it. Sam was the best Forward on a team that was on top of the table for most of the season, and if he were a New South Welshman – the drought would be over.

Second Rowers: Sonny Bill Williams, Boyd Cordner. Has there ever been a more influential signing than the one of SBW? Many experts were against the Roosters going out and meeting the demands of someone who walked out on his previous club five years ago. And, luckily, the Roosters ignored such nonsense by signing the man also known and ‘Money Bill Williams’ to a twelve month contract. His acquisition has turned out to be a masterstroke, as his influence has not just been felt on the field – 2013 Grand Finalists – but also off it, with the Roosters pulling in record numbers in attendance, membership and merchandise sales. Recently, Brad Fittler told The Sunday Footy Show, that his signing has been worth ‘millions’ to the club. Hopefully Politis and the NRL can pull out all stops to keep one of the greatest talents in the game for at least one more season.

But Sonny wasn’t the only Rooster to reach new heights, with Cordner having a break out season in 2013 as well. His form warranted selection for the Origin decider, and considering he is only 21, you can bet it wont be his last.

Coach of the year: Trent Robinson -There were a few candidates for this award with the likes of Geoff Toovey and Michael McGuire both leading their teams deep into the competition. However, I couldn’t go past the rookie who lead the Roosters from 13th position in 2012, to the minor premiership this season.

Rookie of the year: Anthony Milford – While many great talents were unearthed during the 2013 season, none were more exciting than the boy from the nation’s capital. He was dazzling from the moment he stepped out on the park, and only continued to get better as the season progressed. Adept at both the Fullback and Five Eighth positions, Milford has already forged a reputation of one the game’s next superstars. It remains to be seen if he’s going to continue plying his trade in Canberra, as he and his manager – Sam Ayoub are looking to exercise a get clause, which allows him to return his hometown of Brisbane. However, the Raiders have threatened legal action in order to prevent another young talent from leaving the club, and you only need to go back and watch the highlights of this kid to understand why.