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Smith, Tedesco, RTS, Haas, Munster finalists for RLPA Players' Champion

James Tedesco could add yet another prize to his crammed trophy cabinet after being named as one of five finalists for the RLPA Players' Champion award.

Cameron Smith, Cameron Munster, Payne Haas and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck are also up for the prestigious peer-voted honour.

After four contenders from each club were initially listed, every NRL-contracted player had the chance to vote for three nominees in a 3-2-1 points system, with the aforementioned quintet polling best.

Roosters superstar Tedesco was the Players' Champion two years ago, while Kalyn Ponga, Jason Taumalolo and Johnathan Thurston are also among the previous winners.

The 2019 recipient will be announced at the Foxtel on Oxford in Sydney on October 14 in a ceremony celebrating the RLPA's 40th anniversary.

Having already claimed the Wally Lewis, Brad Fittler and Dally M Medals for his brilliant State of Origin and club performances, Tedesco will continue his unprecedented year if he's crowned the Players' Champion.

And according to Sharks captain Wade Graham, it may be the gong that means the most.

"To win an award voted by the guys you play against every week, there can't be any more ultimate praise than that," Graham told NRL.com.

The players' champion finalists

Graham played alongside the fullback for NSW earlier this season and is amazed that he managed to improve on his imperious 2018 form.

"He's at the peak of his powers, the best player in the game," Graham said. "He's topped last year and doubled down on it. He's been unbelievable."

Then there's ageless Melbourne hooker Cameron Smith, who smashed records and skippered the Storm to their third minor premiership in four years like only he can.

"Everyone's running out of good things to say about Cameron Smith," Graham said. "He reached his 400 games - he's probably been the best player I've ever played against."

Smith's Storm teammate Cameron Munster continued to elevate his game as well, the five-eighth taking more ownership following the retirement of Billy Slater.

"Another class year from Cameron. He just seems to be getting better and better down there at Melbourne," Graham said.

"He's the key to success, not just for Melbourne but for Queensland. No doubt he'll be pushing for Australian selection as well."

New Zealand custodian Roger Tuivasa-Sheck was among the competition's most consistent performers and almost single-handedly kept the Warriors in the fight at times.

"Roger probably has the biggest influence on his team in the NRL," Graham said.

"A lot of the time the way Roger plays determines how the Warriors compete throughout every game."

Teenage Broncos prop Haas - who is also a finalist for the RLPA Rookie of the Year - wowed Graham with his mixture of size, power, agility and endurance.

"The scary thing is it's his first year and he's only going to get better. He had a wonderful year," Graham said.

It's a hot field but Graham couldn't go past Tedesco if he was choosing the Players' Champion.

"After the season he's had, an RLPA Players' Champion award would just top it off."

Tedesco has the chance to win consecutive premierships when the Roosters face Canberra in Sunday's grand final at ANZ Stadium and is one of the favourites to clinch the Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match.

"It would be the Holy Grail. I don't think anyone would have ever had a season like that," Graham said.

Acknowledgement of Country

Queensland Rugby League respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.

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