1. Omar Slaimankhel (Wyong Roos)
Omar Slaimankhel is the ultimate feel good story of the VB NSW Cup. Born in Pakistan of Afghani heritage, Slaimankhel played a big part in the Warriors’ 2010 and 2011 NYC premierships before a two-year stint in Japanese rugby.
Summoned by Sonny Bill Williams himself, Slaimankhel was a man on a mission, returning to rugby league on a one-year deal with the Roosters and ignited the Wyong Roos to their first-ever Grand Final appearance this season.
At just 23 years of age, off contract Slaimankhel is a hot prospect for several teams in need of a classy, talented fullback.
2. Tyrone Phillips (Canterbury Bulldogs)
A try-scoring machine, Tyrone Phillips' hard work paid off, topping the league in crossing for 23 tries this season.
The competition’s leading try scorer was a devastating locomotive on the wing marking 16 line breaks as part of the Bulldogs’ ruthless attack.
In a breakthrough season, the 21-year-old was rewarded with his first NRL appearance this season after leaving the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
In the VB NSW Cup, the Bulldogs were 80 minutes away from taking their place in the grand final, with Phillips’ try-scoring brilliance a big part of their great success.
Yet to be signed in 2016, Phillips is set to continue his try-scoring antics for whichever team is lucky enough to acquire him.
5. Kurtis Rowe (Wests Tigers)
Signed by Wests Tigers as a promising youngster, Kurtis Rowe continued his maturation as a player, displaying massive potential to be a regular NRL first grader.
Rowe scored the second most tries in the competition with 19, along with making 13 line breaks for Wests Tigers.
He was a nightmare for defenders, busting out of 76 tackle breaks – fourth best in the competition.
Taking his talents north of the border, Rowe will fire in the Queensland Cup for the Burleigh Bears.
Each day this week we’ll analyse the best performers of the season. Click here to view the full 2015 VB NSW Cup Team of the Year.
