Newcastle's finals success won't influence Dally M voting, but players believe coach Justin Holbrook deserves recognition. Nathan Cleary is the favorite for player award.
Newcastle's fairytale finals run won't be factored into Dally M coach of the year voting, but Knights players insist Justin Holbrook should still take the prize.
Holbrook's magical first year at the Knights could be recognised at the NRL's gala event on Wednesday night, as one of several key prizes up for grabs.
Nathan Cleary remains favourite to take home the top individual players' honour, albeit with the Penrith superstar unable to attend given his horrific ankle injury.
Panthers teammate Dylan Edwards, North Queensland's Scott Drinkwater and Sydney Rooster James Tedesco were the other players in the hunt when voting went behind closed doors after round 12.