Congratulations to Dyldam Parramatta Eels Holden Cup players Troy Dargan, Alex Twal and Tyrell Fuimaono who were yesterday honoured in the 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year.
The team was announced at the 2016 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals Series Launch at Allianz Stadium.
NRL Head of Football Brian Canavan said 90 percent of players who made the Holden Cup Team of the Year went on to play in the NRL.
“It’s become clear that the Holden Cup Team of the Year is a virtual preview of the next batch of NRL talent,” Mr Canavan said.
“In fact a number of this year’s team have already made their mark in the NRL.
“But just as important as their NRL statistics, I am also pleased to see the education and training that these players are undertaking.
“Last year’s Team of the Year included Tom Trjbojevic, Ashley Taylor, Te Maire Martin and Latrell Mitchell.
“I’m looking forward to see what this next group of players do in the NRL.”
This year’s team joins an honour roll that includes some of the NRL’s most talented stars, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Valentine Holmes, Daly-Cherry Evans, Ben Barba, Kieran Foran, Marika Koroibete, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Ben Matulino, Dane Gagai, Jesse Bromwich, Jason Taumololo, Shaun Fensom, Tariq Sims, Gareth Widdop, Ben Hunt, Trent Merrin, David Klemmer, Dylan Napa, James Segeyaro, Konrad Hurrell, Luke Brooks and Bryce Cartwright.
The 2016 Holden Cup Team of the Year is:
| Position | Player | Club | Studying |
| Fullback | Kalyn Ponga | North Queensland Cowboys | Bachelor of Education, JCU |
| Wing | Gideon Gela-Mosby | North Queensland Cowboys | Cert IV in Youth Work + Work |
| Centre | Robert Jennings | Penrith Panthers | Cert III: Career Orientated Participation |
| Centre | Nick Cotric | Canberra Raiders | HSC Erindale College |
| Wing | Joseph Manu | Sydney Roosters | Cert III: Career Orientated Participation |
| Five-eighth | Tyrone May | Penrith Panthers | Diploma: Social Science, Counselling + Teacher's Aide |
| Halfback | Troy Dargan | Parramatta Eels | Bachelor Business & Property Management, WSU |
| Prop | Alex Twal | Parramatta Eels | Bachelor Of Business & Commerce |
| Hooker | Brandon Smith | North Queensland Cowboys | Building/Construction Labourer |
| Prop | Oliver Clark | Penrith Panthers | Bachelor of Physiotherapy, ACU |
| Second-Row | Luciano Leilua | St George Illawarra Dragons | Construction/Scaffolding Labourer |
| Second-Row | Jaydn Su'A | Brisbane Broncos | Bachelor of Secondary Education, QUT |
| Lock | Nat Butcher | Sydney Roosters | Diploma of Financial Planning |
| Interchange | Jayden Brailey | Cronulla Sharks | Bachelor of Exercise & Sports Science, ACU |
| Interchange | Matthew Dufty | St George Illawarra Dragons | Cert III Community Recreation |
| Interchange | Tyrell Fuimaono | Parramatta Eels | Bachelor Business & Commerce, WSU |
| Interchange | Dylan Edwards | Penrith Panthers | Bachelor of Health and Science |
| Coach | Cameron Ciraldo | Penrith Panthers |
