Rugby League Annual 2014

[Big Pete]

Will be released on Monday, the 8th of December.

In the mean time, here is David Middleton's Team of 2014.

1. Greg Inglis
2. Alex Johnston
3. Dylan Walker
4. Michael Jennings
5. Brett Morris
6. Kieran Foran
7. Johnathan Thurston
8. Matt Scott
9 Cam Smith
10. James Graham
11. Josh Jackson
12. Corey Parker
13. Sam Burgess

Agree or disagree?

 

[Alec]

Hayne over Inglis, Hunt over Foran.

 

[Ari Gold]

Hayne definitely over Inglis.

George Burgess over Matt Scott.

Ben Hunt over Foran.

 

[Alec]

Jesse Bromwich and G Burger over those 2, I guess, though both Graham and Scott were excellent too (though Scott was turd for QLD).

 

[Porthoz]

Scott pretty much destroyed the whole souffs pack in the Cows game in Sydney. He's still the best prop in the game for mine.

 

[Broncoman]

Would replace Inglis with Hayne but apart from that I can't really disagree with that to much. I love the annual by Middo and can't wait to get it on Monday.

 

[Big Pete]

Jarryd Hayne cost himself any chance of making this team once he decided he was off to America.

'But what about Sam Burgess'.

Sam Burgess won a premiership and didn't have a player of the calibre of Greg Inglis breathing down his neck. Look at that team and pay particular attention to that backrow - he's got Corey Parker out of position and Josh Jackson who had a 'good' year but I'd hardly call him Sonny Bill Williams or anybody of that calibre.

While I'm personally happy to see them there, I wouldn't have included Cameron Smith or Matt Scott in my Team of 2014. On their day, they're still the best in their respective positions but I don't think they had as many good days as James Segeyaro & Jesse Bromwich respectively.

One choice I really liked was Foran at five eighth. I've got to disagree with the sentiment surrounding Ben Hunt lately - yes he had a fantastic year CONSIDERING THE CIRCUMSTANCES but Foran had a fantastic year PERIOD and was a far more consistent player. Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of Ben Hunt's development but Foran was the best player for Manly all year, was a big reason why they finished 2nd on the ladder and then tasted success with New Zealand in the Four Nations. At this stage, he's got the edge over Hunt.

As for the Battle of Brits - again, I'd have to stand by Middleton's choice. It may come down to personal preference but as far as stand-out performers go, in my view, the Bulldogs wouldn't have had a chance in hell of making the finals without James Graham where as if the Rabbitohs were put in a similar position I don't think it would have had as much of an impact on them. They wouldn't be as good, sure, but they still had enough talent who over-shadowed him where as at the Bulldogs, the MVP was without a doubt James Graham.

 

[Alec]

Jarryd Hayne cost himself any chance of making this team once he decided he was off to America.

That doesn't change the fact that he was the best fullback in the comp. It's silly not to include him just because someone might be bitter (or whatever) about him leaving.

 

[Big Pete]

I don't think it's bitterness, I think it's the fact that his main competition had a much stronger end to the year than Hayne did.