As a lifelong supporter of the Parramatta Eels and a devoted fan of the greatest game of all, I love having the opportunity to share my thoughts on the game.
More than 50,000 fans have now had their say in the 2018 NRL.com Fans Poll and I was keen to join in so cast my votes on the big players and the big issues.
From the brilliant Bunny Damien Cook to exciting youngsters like Victor Radley and Jamayne Isaako, the talent on show in 2018 has been incredible. And as always there has been plenty of off-field issues to keep everyone talking. Here's my take on the NRL.com Fans' Poll.
Who has been the best player in 2018?
Damien Cook,
Who has been the best coach in 2018?
Ivan Cleary.
Who has been the best fullback in 2018?
James Tedesco.
Who has been the best winger in 2018?
Blake Ferguson.
Who has been the best centre in 2018?
Latrell Mitchell.
Who has been the best five-eighth in 2018?
Cameron Munster.
Who has been the best halfback in 2018?
Nathan Cleary.
Who has been the best middle forward in 2018?
Jason Taumalolo.
Who has been the best edge forward in 2018?
Tevita Pangai Jnr.
Who has been the best hooker in 2018?
Damien Cook.
Who has been the best player under 22 (at the start of the 2018 season)?
Victor Radley.
Who has been the rookie of the year?
Jamayne Isaako.
Who has been the buy of the year?
Kalyn Ponga.
Who is the NRL's hardest hitter?
Jack de Belin.
Should there be a seven-tackle sets for 20m restarts?
Yes.
Should the Bunker be used more, less or the same?
I would like to see the Bunker used more and in particular be able to rule on forward passes.
Who will win the 2018 premiership?
South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Should the game introduce a five-minute sin bin for minor indiscretions?
Yes.
Should sin bins be used for foul play?
Yes and more often.
How would you rate the referees' performance?
Overall the referees are performing well and we should do more as a game to praise referees when they have a good performance.
Do you think the current judiciary process is fair?
Yes.
How should drawn matches be decided?
I enjoy the thrill of golden point games.
Would you consider becoming a referee?
No way. I'm not fit enough, don't know the rules well enough and wouldn't be comfortable opening myself up to such merciless public scrutiny.
Are State of Origin matches at neutral venues a good idea?
Yes, it's a wonderful opportunity to grow the NRL.
Which venue is your favourite?
Am I allowed to say Henson Park? If not, Leichhardt Oval.
Which venue do you not like?
ANZ Stadium.
What is your favourite timeslot to watch games?
On television it is 7.30pm on Saturday night. If I'm at the venue it's Sunday afternoon.
Where should the NRL's next expansion team be based?
Perth.
Should the NRL play a competition game in the USA?
Yes, as long as the players are paid.
How important is pre-match entertainment on Grand Final night?
It's important as it gives us the opportunity to showcase our game to a wider audience. It is unlikely we will ever have a situation like Macklemore again but that gave our game really positive international press.
Who should be the next Immortal?
Darren Lockyer.
How would you describe the media's coverage of the NRL?
Overall I would say negative.
Who is your favourite commentator?
Andrew Voss, Warren Ryan and Andrew Moore.
Don't miss out on seeing your team chase premiership glory. Make sure to get your tickets to week 1 of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series