The likes of Shaun Johnson and Addin Fonua-Blake are receiving loads of plaudits and reward for the Warriors, however there’s one backbone participant who’s staking a declare for the most effective dummy-half within the NRL.
Warriors hooker Wayde Egan has been large for his aspect this season whereas largely flying below the radar.
The Daily Telegraph’s Dave Riccio believes Egan is a real probability to win the Dally M Hooker of the Year.
Watch each recreation of The 2023 NRL Telstra Finals Series earlier than the Grand Final Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo Sports. Join now and begin streaming immediately >
“On the surface well he’s flying under the radar, but if you drill down and actually consider all the different dummy-halves in the comp and where they are at, I would make a case that he is going the best in the comp,” Riccio mentioned on NRL 360.
“His control, and we talk about Shaun Johnson, it all happens from Wayde Egan at dummy-half.
“You think about Harry Grant, he’s always having a good season but it’s not a barnstormer, Damien Cook is in and out.”
Egan’s reverse quantity within the Warriors’ semi last win over the Knights final week, Newcastle’s Phoenix Crossland, was glowing in his reward for the 26-year-old within the lead as much as the sport.
“Wayde Egan’s been outstanding,” Crossland mentioned.
MORE NRL NEWS
RESSIES WRAP: Veteran’s Billy-inspired fairytale ends drought; Titans’ stunner
‘HAVE THE CITY’: Panthers chief’s ‘outrageous’ Brisbane declare shot down
‘CHAOS’: Storm enforcer’s plan to shake up Cleary’s Panthers in prelim conflict
‘You cannot have 5 halves!’ Wahs depth | 01:57
“I’ve been trying to watch a bit of him this year. I think he’s probably been the best hooker in the game this year. So, I’m trying to get a little bit off him this year.”
Egan is having far and away his finest season within the NRL, with a career-high six tries becoming reward for his composure and aggression near the road.
The 26-year-old has been with the Warriors since 2020, taking part in 79 video games. A Lithgow, New South Wales native, Egan began his profession with Penrith earlier than heading throughout the ditch.
Egan’s terrific play earned him a contract extension with the Warriors by means of to the top of the 2025 season.
“I think he’s a standout Wayde Egan. I think he’s been the most consistent hooker of the season,” veteran journalist Paul Crawley mentioned.
It comes after former NRL participant Bryan Fletcher final month in contrast Egan to the legendary Cameron Smith.
“They (the forward pack) don’t get enough credit, Wayde Egan doesn’t get enough credit,” Fletcher mentioned on SEN 1170 in August.
“I want to ask Cameron Smith if (Egan) reminds him of himself, I’ve never seen a player play as close to Cameron (with) the way he engages the markers.
“He’s not quite there yet but he’s phenomenal, it’s that timing, that knack of just getting the ball out at the right time knowing which short side to go to and he seems very calm.”
Warriors assistant coach Justin Morgan – who coached Smith on the Storm for a while – has additionally in contrast the NZ ‘revelation’ with the legendary hooker.
In July, Morgan advised SEN: “He reminds me a lot of Cameron Smith with his demeanour, I was fortunate enough to coach Cameron at the Storm for a few years, and one of his characteristics was that he was just calm, he doesn’t raise his voice too often, and he was able to just deliver, so Wayde does remind me a lot of him.
“He’s (Egan) modelled a lot of his game on Cameron, especially his defence.”
Source: www.foxsports.com.au