Sharks quartet Cameron McInnes, Siosifa Talakai, Jesse Ramien and Kayal Iro are among 68 contenders to become the 2024 Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) Players' Champion – the biggest and most prestigious player-voted NRL award.
Four nominees from every NRL club, three of which were selected by their respective RLPA player leaders, are now eligible to be voted by their peers across the competition as this season's standout performer.
The winner will be announced by Channel Nine on grand final day – October 6.
An award steeped in history and prestige, previous recipients include James Tedesco (three times), Tom Trbojevic, Nathan Cleary and Johnathan Thurston, who holds the record with four Players' Champion titles since its inception in 2004.
The Sharks' nominees have lifted their games to new heights this year.
McInnes, who assumed the solo captaincy duties after Dale Finucane's medical retirement in April, has led from the front in every appearance. The indefatigable lock deservedly earned a long-awaited NSW State of Origin debut in May.
Talakai has arguably been the team's most consistent performer, showing valuable versatility by switching between an interchange forward role, second row and centre. No matter the position, the 27-year-old has produced a telling impact.
Ramien has enjoyed career-best form, imposing himself on contests as a destructive outside back with the skill to set up his winger. Averaging a massive 165 run metres per match, he has established himself among the game's elite centres.
Iro, having waited patiently for another opportunity after his first-grade debut in 2022, hasn't looked back since earning a shot in Round 4. The Cook Islands international is mounting a strong case for Rookie of the Year honours, matching his centre partner Ramien with 160-plus metres per game and six tries.
"On behalf of the RLPA, I'd like to congratulate these 68 players on being Contenders for the individual and illustrious Players' Champion award," said Clint Newton, CEO of the RLPA.
"The Players' Champion is the biggest and most significant player-voted award in rugby league, and becoming a Players' Champion comes with incredible respect that is sealed in the history of the game.
"The 2024 season has been another tremendous year where the players have, like always, gone above and beyond what is expected, performing at such an elite level in the world's hardest and most physical team sport.
"To be selected by your club's leaders as one of the four Contenders to be eligible
for the individual Players' Champion is a huge acknowledgement to a player's commitment and contributions during a long and entertaining season.
"It is now up to the rest of the NRL playing group to select their Players' Champion, in what will be a significant recognition for that player from the people he plays against every week."
About The Players' Champion voting
• The Contenders list is composed of four players from each club who are nominated to be eligible for The Players' Champion individual award.
• RLPA Delegates put forward three Contenders from their own teams before an RLPA Working Group panel (made up of current and former NRL players) nominates a fourth and final player from each team.
• In total, 68 players are then eligible to receive Players' Champion votes from their NRL peers in the end-of-season poll.
• Voting is open to all contracted NRL players, with each player voting for opposition Contenders using a 3/2/1 format. Players cannot vote for their teammates.
• Players are not penalised for any suspensions and/or fines received during the course of the season.
• The player with the most number of votes across all teams is awarded The Players' Champion.
The 68 Contenders for the 2024 Players' Champion (NRL)
Brisbane Broncos
Kotoni Staggs
Corey Jensen
Patrick Carrigan
Ezra Mam
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
Stephen Crichton
Connor Tracey
Jacob Kiraz
Matt Burton
North Queensland Cowboys
Tom Dearden
Reece Robson
Reuben Cotter
Jeremiah Nanai
The Dolphins
Max Plath
Herbie Farnworth
Isaiya Katoa
Jamayne Isaako
St George Illawarra Dragons
Ben Hunt
Zac Lomax
Jaydn Su'A
Jacob Liddle
Parramatta Eels
Clint Gutherson
Dylan Brown
Mitch Moses
Blaize Talagi
Newcastle Knights
Dane Gagai
Tyson Frizell
Adam Elliott
Kai Pearce-Paul
Penrith Panthers
Dylan Edwards
Jarome Luai
Isaah Yeo
Mitch Kenny
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Jack Wighton
Jye Gray
Keaon Koloamatangi
Cody Walker
Canberra Raiders
Josh Papali'i
Joseph Tapine
Hudson Young
Jordan Rapana
Sydney Roosters
Angus Crichton
James Tedesco
Joseph Manu
Sam Walker
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles
Tom Trbojevic
Haumole Olakau'atu
Taniela Paseka
Daly Cherry-Evans
Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks
Cameron McInnes
Jesse Ramien
Siosifa Talakai
Kayal Iro
Melbourne Storm
Jahrome Hughes
Eliesa Katoa
Trent Loiero
Harry Grant
Gold Coast Titans
Keano Kini
Kieran Foran
Erin Clark
Beau Fermor
New Zealand Warriors
Mitchell Barnett
Addin Fonua-Blake
Te Maire Martin
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
Wests Tigers
Fonua Pole
Samuela Fainu
Lachlan Galvin
Apisau Koroisau
Players' Champion winners from the NRL
• 2023 Shaun Johnson
• 2022 James Tedesco (3)
• 2021 Tom Trbojevic
• 2020 Nathan Cleary
• 2019 James Tedesco (2)
• 2018 Kalyn Ponga
• 2017 James Tedesco (1)
• 2016 Jason Taumalolo
• 2015 Johnathan Thurston (4)
• 2014 Johnathan Thurston (3)
• 2013 Johnathan Thurston (2)
• 2012 Ben Barba
• 2011 Akuila Uate
• 2010 Darius Boyd
• 2009 Jarryd Hayne
• 2008 Braith Anasta & Petero Civoniceva
• 2007 Matt Bowen
• 2006 Ben Kennedy
• 2005 Johnathan Thurston (1)
• 2004 Danny Buderus
