14. Damien Cook (Canterbury Bulldogs)
After a sensational season in the VB NSW Cup, Damien Cook stormed onto the big stage in the NRL, answering the call for the Bulldogs first-grade side entering the finals.
Arguably one of their best performers in the finals, Cook quickly made a name for himself before the South Sydney Rabbitohs swooped on the talented hooker with a two-year contract.
Damien Cook is a tackling machine, recording a staggering 658 tackles for fourth best in the VB NSW Cup, and was a key weapon for the Bulldogs in attack.
There’s no question that Cook will continue to feature prominently in 2016.
15. John Palavi (Warriors)
Captain of the Warriors, John Palavi was a rock in leading his side to a top-four finish.
At 23 years of age, Palavi has been part of the Warriors development programme since he was 15.
Making his first-grade debut last year, Palavi further built on his development with an outstanding season in the VB NSW Cup, and looks to cement his place in the NRL next season.
16. Daniel Alvaro (Wentworthville Magpies)
Daniel Alvaro was one of the shining lights in an otherwise challenging season for the Wentworthville Mapgies.
Signed by the Brisbane Broncos in 2011, Alvaro moved back to NSW, joining the Parramatta Eels.
In a breakthrough season, Alvaro earned a VB NSW Cup Representative jumper and made his NRL debut for the Eels in round 12 before resigning on a one-year contract.
At just 22 years old, Alvaro continues to develop into a damaging front rower for Parramatta.
17. Shaun Lane (Canterbury Bulldogs)
Shaun Lane only played half the season in the VB NSW Cup, with the extremely talented 20-year-old earning a first-grade spot in the NRL for the second half of the season.
His form was so impressive that he had to be named in the VB NSW Cup team in some respect.
Lane has become a popular fan favourite with his no-frills style of football and professionalism, with many fans dreaming big for the quickly-rising youngster.
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.
