The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio believes that 2022 may be the tightest Dally M Medal race ever due to the stellar seasons of a number of key players.
St George Illawarra’s Ben Hunt led the Dally M when voting went behind closed doors after Round 12 with 19 votes, followed closely by Penrith’s Isaah Yeo (17), Cronulla’s Nicho Hynes (16) and Parramatta’s Mitchells Moses (15).
However, Riccio believes this year’s recipient is anyone's guess given the blistering form some players found in the back half of the season.
“I think this will go down right to the wire,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“All the talk is that Ben Hunt and Nicho Hynes will fight it out.
“There is a little suggestion that Mitch Moses may have pulled enough form together in the back half of the season to make a play.
“Cameron Munster - who was named Melbourne Storm’s player of the year - has also been mentioned as a potential late play.
“Consistency-wise, you cannot go past Ben Hunt because not too many Dragons players would share points.
“I think it’s going to be really tight.”
On top of the Dally M medal for the best individual player, Wednesday night’s ceremony will also honour the best team and coach of the 2022 season.
With this in mind, Riccio announced who he would like to see named captain of the year.
“One gong that hasn’t been mentioned is captain of the year,” Riccio continued.
“It’s going to be interesting to see how this one fares.
“I would like to make a claim to the Eels co-captains (Clint Gutherson and Junior Paulo) for what they have been able to achieve … to get this Parramatta side to the final (is remarkable).
“Isaah Yeo would be a worthy recipient of the award at the Panthers, (but) I think the Eels' two co-captains (deserve it).”
The Dally M Medal will be held at the Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on Wednesday night.