LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a riveting turn of events, Jahrome Hughes has surged ahead in the race for the prestigious Zero Tackle's 2024 NRL MVP award after a stellar Round 17 performance, amassing an impressive 19 votes.
While Hughes may not have been unanimously crowned man of the match, James Tedesco, now trailing just seven votes behind, certainly was.
Tedesco was joined in the ranks of perfection by Te Maire Martin, who currently sits in 22nd place overall, Matt Burton (31st), Bradman Best (51st), and Jaydn Su'A (53rd) - all receiving flawless scores from the five esteemed judges.
Meanwhile, Kyle Feldt and Daine Laurie split their votes, leaving Hughes to share the spotlight at the top with Bronson Garlick.
The on-field brilliance displayed by Hughes and Tedesco, coupled with Scott Drinkwater's admirable efforts, have certainly ignited a fierce competition among the league's elite players.
It's a tight race, reminiscent of the epic clashes seen in the annals of Rugby League history, with each player vying for glory on the field of battle.
Keep your eyes peeled, folks, because this MVP race is shaping up to be one for the ages.