HERE is the long-awaited and sure to be debated list of the Intrust Super Cup’s top 10 players.
Now, to make a clear point.
This is not the players in the best form currently. The Courier Mail Medal award recognises that.
This list recognises consistent excellence over several years, or in the case of Eliab, a player so talented he has rocketed past contemporaries.
Also, players who feature in the NRL most weeks are not considered, ruling out the likes of Robert Lui and Joel Riethmuller.
Essentially, if you were starting a team in the Intrust Super Cup, these are the first 10 players you should target.
Intrust Super Cup Top 10:
1. Cody Walker (Five-eighth, Easts Tigers) The best player in the competition because he creates tries, scores tries and there is little difference between his best and worst games. Consistently excellent.
2. Keiron Lander (Lock, Ipswich Jets) The most whole-hearted player in the competition and the best leader. An unfashionable old school forward who pig hunts during his spare time and often plays injured, Lander is a player ever club wishes they had. He is also an underrated attacker who possesses sharp footwork at the line.
3. Jake Granville (Hooker, Wynnum Manly) The best attacker in the competition. He would be the fastest rugby league player over five metres. His acceleration and football instincts mean he is a nightmare for ruck defenders.
4. Brendon Gibb (Back-rower, Norths Devils) Another whole-hearted player who bruises opposition forwards every time he runs the ball. Playing better since becoming Norths captain, which is a sign of a class player.
5. Israel Eliab (Five-eighth, PNG Hunters) Eliab’s versatility sees him crack this list in his first season of Intrust Super Cup. A brilliant runner of the ball who can also throw a perfectly times cut-out pass, Eliab has starred at five-eighth and centre this year and can also play fullback. Has amazing football instincts which make him a superb hole-runner and support player.
6. Donald Malone (Centre, Easts Tigers) When Donald Malone, gets on your outside, you might as well start preparing for the kick-off because he will invariably score or set up a try so powerful is his fend. A tough and surprisingly athletic centre, Malone should be playing in the NRL.
7. Kurt Baptiste (Hooker, Souths Logan) Crafty is the best word for Baptiste, who reads short sides and spots off-side defenders better than any hooker in the competition.
8. Todd Murphy (Five-eighth, Norths Devils) Has found his best form this season for Norths, creating tries at will while also being able to grind out a set and kick for the corner. A well-balanced half.
9. Javarn White (Fullback, Ipswich Jets) White is electric from fullback and some of his tries have to be seen to be believed. A former winner of The Courier-Mail medal, White is fearless at fullback.
10. Davin Crampton (Fullback, Northern Pride) Perhaps the most versatile player in the competition and another try-sneak who has an uncanny ability to show up where the ball is.
Close but no cigar: Tui Samoa, Brent Crisp, Shaun Nona, Ethan Lowe, Tim Natusch and Khan Ahwang.
*Head over the the Intrust Super Cup Facebook page to share your thoughts on the top 10 players in the competition.
