Quote: JMT "He shouldn't have been shortlisted ahead of Shillington who, in my opinion, has been the best front rower in the world this year but wasn't shortlisted.'"
Well, that's your opinion I guess. I don't actually expect fans of other clubs to think James Graham is worthy of his nomination but the panel are viewing him from a more objective POV. James Graham was the top metre maker for the third year running this season, which suggests that he is in fact impacting defences. But he is much more than just a barger, which I think is why he has caught the attention of the international panel. He is well worthy of his nomination.
However, Benji Marshall should win it. He has been outstanding in the internationals and if that is how he plays most of the time during the regular season then he should walk it.