NRL reacts to backlash

AUSTRALIA’S National Rugby League (NRL) has reportedly backflipped and invited Papua New Guinea international Justin Olam to next week’s Dally M Awards after initially snubbing the Melbourne Storm star centre.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a standout season with Melbourne, who are one win away from back-to-back National Rugby League (NRL) grand final appearances.
Just last month, rugby league legend Andrew Johns declared Olam as “the best centre in the world” on the back of his form this year.
But the former SP Hunter and Lae Tiger was initially snubbed despite scoring 12 tries and notching 10 assists this season.
The winner of the centre of the year honour will be revealed on Monday as part of the Dally M team of the year.
Olam’s snubbing for the honour drew the ire of teammate Cameron Munster, who took to Instagram to express his disappointment with the NRL.
“I’m not usually one for a rant, but pretty disappointed my PNG brother Justin Olam didn’t even get nominated for centre of the year,” Munster said.
“He’s easily a top-three centre. Don’t come at me.
The system needs a change, NRL.”
Munster’s outrage then became a hot topic on social media as pundits expressed disappointment in the snubbing.
Meanwhile, fellow PNG international and South Sydney Rabbitohs flyer Alex Johnston made it back-to-back Ken Irvine Medals as the NRL’s leading try scorer, finishing in pole spot with 27 four-pointers from 19 regular-season matches. – Agencies