NRL Official Fans Poll: Ponga tops results
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The fans have spoken. The Australian No.9 jersey isn't the only thing Damien Cook will take from Cameron Smith this year, with the South Sydney hooker claiming the mantle as the game's best player in 2018.
More than 50,000 readers took part in the official NRL fans poll, selecting the best players in each position and providing their views on some of the biggest issues in the NRL.
Cook was the overwhelming winner of the best player of the year category with almost 30 per cent of the votes, well ahead of the next best (Kalyn Ponga and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck).
The Rabbitohs and NSW No.9, who was recognised as the most improved player in the game, was also crowned the NRL's best hooker, claiming almost two thirds of all votes ahead of Smith.
There was a strong South Sydney presence, with rookie Rabbitohs coach Anthony Seibold the overwhelming winner of the best coach of 2018 category.
Click the left and right arrows above to see the results
Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell claimed almost 60 per cent of the votes in the centre category, while Nathan Cleary edged out Shaun Johnson as the game's premier No.7 in 2018.
Newcastle superstar Kalyn Ponga was voted the best buy of the year, the best fullback of the year and also the best player under 22 years of age in the NRL.
Suncorp Stadium was voted the best stadium in the NRL to watch rugby league, while ANZ Stadium and Lottoland were voted as the least favourite venues.
The fans also selected the Friday 8pm time slot as their favourite to watch the NRL, with the Thursday night match the least liked.
Perth was the overwhelming winner as an expansion target, while Andrew Voss (36.6 per cent) pipped Ray Warren (32.5 per cent) as the best TV commentator.
