Tuesday, 6 September 2011

Marshall misses Dally M shot as Slater stays on top



CRAIG BELLAMY'S decision to rest Billy Slater in Melbourne's final game of the year opened the door for Benji Marshall to steal the Dally M Medal last Saturday - but he didn't take it.


Despite failing to poll a single point in the last two games of the season, Slater did enough in an incredible post-Origin run, tallying 14 points in six games, to pip Marshall for the 2011 player of the year award.


The Storm fullback said he was nervous before the announcement, but no one was more relieved to hear his name read out than Bellamy.


''I was nervous at the end, I didn't come here nervous,'' Slater said. ''I honestly didn't think I would be right up there, I knew Benji had a great finish to the year so I thought he'd be a shoo-in … I'm pretty happy Robbie Farah had a blinder in his last game.''


Marshall went on a similar rampage, polling 14 points in seven matches for the Tigers, and needed two points in the final match against Cronulla to be crowned joint winner. But he didn't score a point.


Slater (29 points) held a two-point lead over Manly's Glenn Stewart heading into the infamous round-25 clash against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval a fortnight ago.


But he was docked nine points and handed a three-game ban following his brawl with Adam Blair, ending his chances of winning the award.


Before injuring his knee in Origin III, Johnathan Thurston was on 24 points, six clear of Paul Gallen.


''I feel a little bit sorry that he got injured,'' Slater said. ''He'd probably be wearing this medal around his neck right now if he didn't.''


Dally M Medal: Billy Slater
Provan-Summons Medal: Nathan Hindmarsh
Captain: Cameron Smith
Team of the year: Billy Slater (fullback), Akuila Uate (winger), Jamie Lyon (centre), Benji Marshall (five-eighth), Cooper Cronk (halfback), Matthew Scott (prop), Paul Gallen (lock), Cameron Smith (hooker), Sam Thaiday (second-rower), Craig Bellamy (coach)
Rep player: Cameron Smith
Rookie: Daly Cherry-Evans
National Youth Competition: Jack De Belin
Peter Frilingos headline moment: Paul Gallen (Origin II)


Source: Sydney Morning Herald

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