The Un-Prestigious Forecast Awards

In the spirit of last night’s Presentation Ball I’ve decided to compile my own honours list;

Player of the Year: Matt Orford
His role on the field carries a higher level of difficulty than anybody else’s and he touches the ball more so he always gets chances to showcase his ability. With that said, the bottom line is that he wins games for us and that's what counts. There's nothing more exciting than seeing the big-little guy slicing through some lazy defence and setting up an outside back for a try. His reluctance to sign a long-term deal with the club was disappointing, but hopefully this year he'll fall in love with a Melbourne girl, get more settled and be compelled to stay. Rock on, Matt!
2005 prediction: Billy Slater

Most Improved Player: Dallas Johnson
Since signing a contract extension late in the year, Dallas became a tackling machine and I'm glad that he’ll be a storm dude for a while longer. Throughout 2004 his effort was tireless and his application, for the most part, flawless. After falling in to first-grade last season thanks largely to our big injury list, he's definitely done enough to be running on in 2005 at the start of each game.
2005 prediction: Ryan Hoffman

Import of the Year: Alex Chan
You gotta like a guy with one of his front teeth missing. Chan came in with a few question marks over injury and ability, but rarely let us down and provided some great moments when he broke the line and ran free. On the downside, the high tackle thing that kept him out of more than a few games sucked, but he looks as though he's fixed that up now. As an aside, it’s sad to see our other import Ben Mac leave us so soon. His match-winning try against the Raiders at Olympic Park was a personal highlight and we’ll miss his head-down, ‘just try and stop me’ running.
2005 prediction: Dennis Scott

Rookie of the Year: Cooper Cronk
Matt King played a bit last year, so he doesn’t count and Copper Cronk’s name is Copper Cronk, so he beats out Steve Turner. Also, when he takes the field you always get the feeling that the impossible can happen. Case in point, he had a lot to do with our three-minute, two-try miracle that sunk Canberra in round 11. Cameron Smith’s injury in the opening stages of the Broncos final gave CC the opportunity to show everyone that he has the ability and composure to cut and eat the mustard in big-time football.
2005 prediction: Greg Inglis (but hopefully it will be one of our new forwards as right now we need more power up front than we do ability down back)

Bro of the Year: Matt King
Good hair. Refreshing attitude. Scores the odd try. Rides an electric scooter. Enough said.
2005 prediction: Robbie Kearns (would have won it now if he kept the beard and long hair 'renegade' look from earlier in the year)

Dud of the Year: Justin Madden
Throw us a fricken’ bone!

Well, that was fun. Sorry if the categories were a bit boring, I'll come up with something better next year!