Francis Meli is the sole New Zealand Warriors' representative in the fourth annual Footy Show awards NRL team of the year.
Meli, who has scored a club record 23 tries going into Sunday's preliminary final against the Panthers, was named on the wing with North Queensland's Matt Sing. They were
selected ahead of fellow contenders, Kiwis' representative Matt Utai of the Bulldogs and Newcastle's Timana Tahu.
The team was dominated by the Panthers, the Warriors' obstacle on Sunday to a second successive grand final appearance on October 5.
Rhys Wesser was chosen at fullback while Kiwis Tony Puletua and Joe Galuvao were judged the premier second row combination. Captain Craig Gower was picked at halfback ahead of injured Kangaroos skipper Andrew Johns and Melbourne's Matt Orford.
Gower was also named player of the year, while coach John Lang was a popular choice as coach of the year.
Warriors' hardman Richard Villasanti missed out on a front row berth.
But he was honoured with the Hit of the Year award in recognition of his bone-jarring tackle on Brisbane and Kangaroos prop Shane Webcke this month.
The television show's awards effectively replaced the NRL's Dally M Awards that were cancelled this month following a dispute between the organisation and the players' association.
Team of the year:
Rhys Wesser (Penrith), Matt Sing (North Queensland), Matt Gidley (Newcastle), Nigel Vagana (Bulldogs), Francis Meli (New Zealand Warriors), Brad Fittler (Roosters), Craig Gower (Penrith), Luke Bailey (St George Illawarra), Danny Buderus (Newcastle), Shane Webcke (Brisbane), Joe Galuvao (Penrith), Tony Puletua (Penrith), Luke Ricketson (Roosters).
Player of the year: Craig Gower; Coach: John Lang (Penrith).
- NZPA
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