LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
The latest news out of the Rugby League world has indicated that Mitchell Barnett and Addin Fonua-Blake, two powerhouse front rowers from the New Zealand Warriors, have been recognized as two of the top four props in the game.
According to the 2024 Players' Dream Team voting, these two players have cemented their status alongside Joseph Tapine from Canberra and Payne Haas from Brisbane.
Barnett, who recently reached his impressive 150-game milestone, was honored with the Simon Mannering Medal as the Warriors' player of the year for 2024.
On the other hand, Fonua-Blake, who is departing the team, was hailed as the players' player of the year by his fellow teammates.
On the field, Barnett showcased his skills with an average of 15 runs, 149 meters (a career best), and 32 tackles per game.
His defensive efficiency rate of 93.93%, along with career bests in post-contact meters and tackle breaks, solidified his reputation as a formidable force in the game.
Additionally, his 28 offloads matched his previous best performance.
Fonua-Blake, known for his dominance in the NRL, led all players in post-contact meters with a career-high of 1698.
He also ranked fourth in total meters gained, with an impressive 4031, the highest among all forwards.
His average of 175 meters per game, combined with his try-scoring abilities, established him as one of the top front rowers in the league.
With an average of 27 tackles per game and a total of 84 tackle breaks, Fonua-Blake's performance on the field was nothing short of exceptional.
His 24 offloads showcased his versatility and contribution to the team's success throughout the season.
Overall, Barnett and Fonua-Blake have proven themselves to be key players in the Rugby League arena, demonstrating their talent and dedication to the sport.
[They've certainly tackled their way to the top of the props leaderboard] and [have left a lasting impact on the game, one that will be remembered for years to come].