Matty Johns and Cooper Cronk were divided in picking their player and coach award winners for the 2025 NRL season.
Watch every game of the NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series before the Grand Final, LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
On Fox League’s Matty and Cronk, the pair went about picking their award winners for 2025 with more than a fair share of surprises.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The legend’s picked their player of the year in a gold, silver and bronze format, with Cronk putting a Raiders, Dolphins and Roosters star on the podium.
“In third place for me is Joe Tapine, I think he has been a colossus in the middle and outstanding for Canberra,” Cronk said.
“Number two Isaiya Katoa, he just might dominate the competition for the next 10 years.
“And I think James Tedesco is a lock for the Dally M. I don’t think you can go past what he did for the Roosters this year. He was the most consistent player and he was their best player and he will win his second Dally M.
“From where he came a couple of years ago under pressure, lost the captaincy of NSW and Australia he is back to his best.”
Johns had Tedesco on the podium, but in third, with stars from the Storm and Broncos ahead of him.
“I’ve gone bronze James Tedesco, silver Harry Grant and gold I have gone Payne Haas,” Johns said.
MORE NRL NEWS
PREDICTED DALLY M TEAM OF YEAR: Broncos star snubbed in shock shake-up
TEAM TIPS: ‘Don’t think he should’ — Cronk’s warning over Madge’s dilemma
‘OH MATE’: Roosters flyer opens up on Politis meeting after rugby call
James Tedesco is Cooper Cronk’s player of the year.Source: Getty Images
“Haas has had an incredible season. Battled a back injury, but he just keeps turning up and turning up and he was incredible against the Panthers in the prelim.”
“I’ve gone Madge, just because he’s had to deal with a lot,” Johns said.
“My temptation is to say, Ricky’s going to win it. I’m certain he’ll win it. He will.
“But I just look at Madge and he’s had to deal with a lot of criticism.
Brisbane stars aiming for GF redemption | 02:26
“He’s had pressure from the ex-players, all that sort of stuff, but he’s got them through.”
However, Cronk believes Stuart deserves the honour with Panthers coach Ivan Cleary close behind, given where his team came from early in the season.
“I say Ricky does, I think they were the best team throughout the year,” Cronk said.
“Fell over at the back end, but they were good. They lit up our screen every weekend the way they played.
Ricky Stuart is Cronk’s coach of the year.Source: The Daily Telegraph
“I think Honourable Mention needs to go to Ivan Cleary. If he had have got to the grand final from last after 12 rounds and didn’t even look like the Penrith of old, whatever he and that leadership group did to get back to seventh spot, ultimately win a couple of finals and go within a whisker of another grand final. I think he deserves a big ovation.”
Johns commended Cleary for his class after the loss to the Broncos.
“I’ll tell you what, geez he was all-class after the game,” Johns said.
“I thought yesterday I mean, they’ve won four in a row, I understand, but he was very classy.”
Cronk warned the Panthers would be back in 2026 after a comment from Cleary post game.
“I like when the question came, what does it feel like the dynasty is over and he said, what’s over? What are you talking about?” Cronk said.
“With that one comment, I’m like, they’re going to be back.”
“No doubt,” Johns agreed.
Bellamy continues to revive players | 01:57
Johns and Cronk were also split on rookie of the year with the former going with a Warriors forward.
“My rookie of the year is Leka Halasima, I thought he’s been good,” Johns said.
However, Cronk believes a Roosters flyer deserves the honour.
“Can’t go past that, but Mark Nawaqanitawase for me,” Cronk said.
“From where he was to what he did at the back end of the year, he became a try-scoring machine.
“You could put probably two or three of his tries this year as up for try of the year. Like the athleticism and the high-end skill to finish tries. Brilliant year.”