We love an unsung hero at BetDeluxe.
So, for the rest of the NRL season, we will be finding the round-by-round people, groups and league stakeholders of which deserve recognition.
Let us know if we get it right and who or what we can add in!
Unsung hero #1
Michael Potter
Since coming in as Canterbury Bulldogs interim coach, he has instilled faith in plenty of his youngsters.
Moving Jake Averillo to the fullback position looks as though it could be a genius move.
But what stole the show for the Bulldogs in their win over the Wests Tigers was Potter’s belief in debutant Kurtis Morrin.
The 22-year-old crossed the line for his first-ever league try and the Kennel absolutely erupted.
🤯 ON DEBUT! 🤯
— NRL on Nine (@NRLonNine) June 19, 2022
Kurtis Morrin living the dream! How good is footy! 🐾
📺 #NRLBulldogsTigers | LIVE on Channel 9 and 9Now.#9WWOS #NRL pic.twitter.com/TBWhvo9xFE
Unsung hero #2
Todd Payten
The rise of North Queensland this season has been meteoric.
After finishing in the doldrums of the bottom half of the NRL ladder in 2021, the Cowboys have ridden their way into the top four and look set for a tilt at the premiership.
Payten has backed his chargers to the hills and back.
He set the request early in the season regarding what he expects from his players and was not afraid to let the NRL referees have a piece of his mind either.
He has shown a steely resolve which has embodied his team throughout large patches of 2022.
Unsung hero #3
Melbourne storm fans
Much is made of Melbourne Storm and its association with the NRL.
Literally, every team outside of Victoria hates its guts, and you can understand why given Victoria lends its hand to a more Aussie Rules centric population.
To think a state with AFL at its forefront is so successful at rugby league.
The Storm fans have rocked up in their droves this season, and another 18,000-plus packed out AAMI Park in the 32-20 win over Brisbane.
Loud and proud is what they are.
Unsung hero #4
Adam Reynolds
He might be the big tattooed beast that leads the Brisbane Broncos, but Adam Reynolds made it his mission to give back to the fans this week.
There was a lovely story on the Broncos official website which showed Reynolds getting around young fan Parker Pearson who had broken his collarbone at school.
Reynolds sympathised having suffered the same fate at a very similar age!
It was a kind touch and worthy of a big mention.
Unsung hero #5
Kalyn Ponga
It might not have been the result Newcastle was looking for, but much respect goes out to Kalyn Ponga.
The Knights fullback was in the midst of the of a stomach bug and had barely eaten heading into the Round 15 game against Canberra.
He battled through a churning stomach to see out the game.
His coach was full of praise and it was an effort which nearly saw the Knights pinch a victory.
