Latham a hot tip for Player of the Year
May 28, 2002

Queensland fullback Chris Latham is a warm favourite to win his second Australian Super 12 Player of the Series award in Sydney on Wednesday night.

After claiming the honour for the first time in 2000, Latham has enjoyed another solid season for the Reds, even though they narrowly failed to reach the semi-finals of this year's competition.

Latham scored the most tries by an Australian in the Super 12 with ten, leaving him third overall behind Chiefs winger Roger Randle's 12, while his best game came in round ten when he grabbed two late tries against the Sharks in Durban to snatch a 30-29 win.

But while Latham is favourite to win the award voted on by the referee from each match on a 3-2-1 basis, a year ago Brumby George Smith was also the top pick but was upset by Waratah counterpart Phil Waugh.

Latham's biggest threat is expected to be New South Wales No.8 David Lyons, while Brumbies and Australian captain George Gregan is expected to figure prominently as well.

League recruits Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers are ineligible for the Rookie of the Series award because they played for the league Kangaroos, while Brumbies back Tim Atkinson and NSW lock Van Humphries are the favourites for the honour.

Brumbies coach David Nucifora, who replaced Wallabies coach Eddie Jones in the role this season, is expected to be named Coach of the Series after leading his team to the final in his first year.

The other awards to be decided on the night at the Westin Hotel are the Referee of the Series, Try of the Series and the inaugural People's Choice Award.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices