Westpac NSW Blues prop Payne Haas has become the first front rower to be selected three times in the annual Rugby League Players Association (RLPA)’s Dream Team after joining five other True Blues also named in the side for the 2023 season.
The 13 players named today were voted on by their peers across all 17 NRL clubs.
Besides Haas, the other Blues who gained the most votes from their fellow players were Brian To’o (wing), Stephen Crichton (centre), and Haumole Olakau’atu, Liam Martin (second row).
The Penrith duo of Crichton and Martin, along with Manly Warringah back rower Olakau’atu, are making their debuts on the list.
Haas now joins Nathan Cleary and Cameron Smith as the only players to earn three Dream Team appearances – after the Brisbane forward was also named in 2019 and 2021.
True Blue skipper James Tedesco and Maroons half Cameron Munster remain the only players who have appeared four times.
“On behalf of the RLPA, I would like to congratulate the 13 outstanding NRL players who have been recognised by their peers as the best of the best in the 2023 season,” RLPA Chief Executive Clint Newton said.
“This prestigious honour of being voted by your fellow players signifies each of the 13’s exceptional skill, determination and commitment to their teams, fans and individual high-performance standards through 2023.
“We are immensely proud of our players' achievements on and off the field.
“The players have consistently displayed remarkable talent and sportsmanship, and their selection to the players’ Dream Team is a testament to their efforts and weekly contributions.”
The women’s Dream Team is also voted on by players across the 10 NRLW clubs and will be announced next week (Thursday 28 September).
The RLPA Players’ Champion for both the NRL and NRLW will be named on Grand Final Day (Sunday 1 October).
