The front rower was the joint leader when the votes were released at the midway point of the season.

The 21-year-old was locked with Junee hooker Hayden Diggins on 14 votes after eight rounds, but is far from confident he will be able to continue the trend in order to be named Group Nine’s best player.

“I don’t think I will,” Masters said.

“I don’t think we won enough games at the end of the season and I didn’t play as well at the end of the season.

“There are a few other boys who are better chances than me.”

Masters and Diggins were four points clear of Kangaroos fullback Tristan Dickson.

Dickson hasn’t named as one of the four contenders with Masters, Diggins, Gundagai’s Blake Dunn and Temora’s Hayden Philp still in the running for the top nod.

The 21-year-old rated Diggins as the one the beat.

“Diggins was leading at the halfway point so I will have to say him,” Masters said.

“He would be favourite.”

Masters has made a big impact since returning home to play for the Blues.

He spent 18 months with the Canberra Raiders under 20s before linking back with his hometown club this season and has really led the from the front.

He also impressed playing for Riverina in the Country Championships and was selected to tour Fiji with the Country under 23s.

Travelling from Canberra to train and play this season, he’s enjoyed being back with the Blues, even though they missed out on playing finals.

“I had a good time playing back in Tumut this season,” Masters said.

“It was good fun with a good bunch of boys.

“It was disappointing not to make the finals, obviously we were close, but just dropped a couple of games we probably should have won.

“You have to look onwards and upwards to next year.”

However Masters is yet to commit to another season with Tumut.

He’s exploring options in both the NSW and Queensland Cups but is yet to finalise plans.

“The only reason I wouldn’t come back is an opportunity elsewhere,” Masters said.

In a change of tact this season, the Weissel Medal will be presented at the Wagga Clay Target Convention Centre on Friday night.

Courtney Rees

1 Zac Masters (Tumut)

2 Hayden Diggins (Junee)

3 Blake Dunn (Gundagai)

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