Depth wise, five-eighth is the best position in Group 10.
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All five men listed here are representative-class pivots who are crucial to their side’s tilt at glory.
You could pick Oberon’s Claude Gordon, Blayney’s Josh Nixon and Mudgee’s Jeremy Lang here too, while Warren Williams’ is without doubt Cowra’s go-to man close to the try-line.
But ask any coach that looks after one of these five No.6’s and they’ll tell you they wouldn’t trade them for any other in bush football.
THE CONTENDERS
Taf Nicolas (Lithgow Workies): two tries, 39 goals, 86 points, 10 games.
The reigning Dave Scott medalist after guiding Lithgow to victory in last year’s grand final. A big game player, Nicolas is sure to step up come finals time in 2013.
Matt Rose (Bathurst Panthers): three tries, 12 games.
Another Group 9 player in 2012, Rose helped the Albury Thunder to last year’s title. Has led from the front for Panthers. A classy pivot.
Tim Mortimer (Orange Hawks): eight tries, 13 games.
First year back in Group 10 since 2005 and first time captain-coach, but Mortimer hasn’t missed a beat in leading Hawks to within striking distance of their first minor premiership since 1999. Safe as a bank in all facets.
Ben McAlpine (Orange CYMS): 13 tries, 41 goals, 134 points, 13 games.
Stunned the Group 9 community by winning the Weissel medal for best player in the competition with Young last year and, following a brilliant campaign with CYMS in 2013, could be one of the favourites for this year’s Group 10 top gong as well.
Tim Holman (Bathurst St Pat’s) nine tries, 11 games.
Easily one of the best five-eighths running around in the Group 10 competition. Has the raw speed and the ability to find gaps in almost any defensive line. Bathurst St Pat’s’ best player and their main hope of holding the trophy come September.
* tomorrow: battle of the halfbacks
