Really you don't think SL is a higher standard than the NRL under 20 comp? I know SL gets some stick but come on.

Ftr the levels below the NRL are the QL Cup and NSW Intrust Super Premiership.


Anyway, it's got to be Gale. After the season Cas have had and the huge hand Gale's played in that success, I can't see past him. Kelly second and tbh although we all knew he's talented, I've been really impressed how he's performed this year for Hull. Especially after everything that happened last year and then to make the move across the City.

Seven Castleford players present at the photo shoot for the Dream Team.

McShane over Parcell is class.

Gale,
Zak,


Kelly.

The thing that has pleased me most about Kelly is what a fierce competitor he's been. We all knew what he could do with the ball in his hands, but he has defended like a back rower and run through walls for the team at times this year, often whilst carrying an injury.

For me Hardaker should win it. Gale is very good, but imo he is made to look that little bit better than he actually is due to the system he plays in and the fantastic job Powell does in making sure everyone can perform their roles perfectly. Drop him in another side and he wouldn't be nearly as effective. Hardaker on the other hand is an outstanding rugby league player.

World Cup year. They will pick as many English players as possible.

I think that's a very good point - and I broadly agree - but on the evidence of what has been achieved this season, system or not, Gale is a dead cert.

In my completely non-biased opinion, I'd have gone Roby over both.

As Kelly is in the running for MOS, surely they can't leave him out.

Based on the last 2 or 3 years Todd Carney wouldn't get a spot in an NRL club but I bet he waltzes into one and looks good. Put Gale in a good NRL side and he'd do very well. Not sure he'd do well in a lower performing team but those type of players and very rare indeed.

On no level do the statistics (nor common sense or the use of eyes) support the idea that McShane is in the same class as Parcell.


1. 512 Paul McShane
Rank Player T TA TK MT MI TB AT C M AG CB DR DG E FT G MG OF P RC YC

Tigers: Hooker3 19 898 165 52 41 20 151 1001 6.63 6 115 0 18 1 17 5 13 28 0 0



1. 5187 Matt Parcell
Rank Player T TA TK MT MI TB AT C M AG CB DR DG E FT G MG OF P RC YC

Rhinos: Hooker17 16 1018 170 42 59 7 253 1778 7.03 12 190 0 18 0 0 0 28 20 0 0

On the main topic Gale and Hardaker have both had quite brilliant seasons and either would be very deserving.

*I can't get the images to post which is why this is so messy

Did someone just turn up for a laugh then because it's only 6.

Someone there to make sure Zak doesn't do anything stupid?

Hardaker
Eden
Shenton
Percival
Fonua
Kelly
Gale
Millington
Parcell
Ikahhhhhiiihhiifo
Murdoch Masila
McMeeken
OLoughlin

Backs I completely agree with.

The pack is more debatable, I dont see every game and sometimes hardworking forwards go under the radar, so i'll give that benefit of doubt.

But what the hell is O'Loughlin doing there!?

England captain - World Cup year

Because he's a great player and has carried a dire Wigan team through this season playing nearly every position from 6-13 when needed.

He's a workhorse and a good player. But when he retires I doubt SKY will be looking at 2017 for clips for the highlights reel. As someone else has already said I think he's there because he's England captain and it looks good for the PR.

Workhorse

Doesn't mean he wasn't good. I can't think of a better player at 13 in this country. I know this will come across as biased but it really isn't. I think there's only perhaps Gildart worthy of a place apart from him but he really is underrated by opposition fans. His influence on Wigan speaks for itself and he has a really rounded skillset. He can pass/kick/organise better than our halves/hooker and tackle better than our front row.

The one skill set he has is the knack of conning referees into giving Wigan penalties. He earns lots of penalties and seems to have a calming influence at Wigan. While not being a great player he has probably been a great club man for Wigan.

The reaction to him getting this proves my point. Massively underrated by opposing fans. Juston Holbrook (who coaches our main rivals) thinks hes one of the best in SL. He's respected by players and coaches in the UK and in Aus and I assume some of them know what they're on about.

O'Loughlin always seems to really divide opinion for some reason, so I often find he is a good barometer of someone's rugby league knowledge. If anyone says they don't rate him I just assume they don't know very much about the sport. One of the very best of his era.

Oh there's no doubt he's a great player, but very questionable he should be in a 2017 team of the year. Think he also got in one year when he missed around/over half the season.

Wigan have lost every game O'Loughlin missed this season & performances noticeably dropped when he was on the bench. 27 appearances this year out of 35, so one of his better seasons for appearances too.