Fan vote: Which player stood out most in April?

With another four rounds down, it's time to vote for your best performer of April in the 2024 NRL Telstra Premiership. 

Whether it's a metre-eating forward getting through the tough stuff or a classy back dazzling with his footwork and speed, have your say on who has had the biggest impact after Round 8. 

Reece Walsh (Broncos)

The Brisbane fullback hasn't skipped a beat since returning from a facial injury in Round 6. In his last three games, the 21-year-old has scored five tries, averaged over 180 run metres and broken four tackle, with a three-straight record since his return. With Kalyn Ponga now ruled out of Origin with a foot injury, Walsh is hitting top gear just in time for every Maroons fan to be excited.

Xavier Coates (Storm)

The star winger continued to add to his impressive highlight reel in April, with a freakish try assist for Reimis Smith in Round 6 followed by a match-winner against the Roosters in Round 7. But not only is Coates owning the big moments, his numbers back up a stellar month of April with the 23-year-old scoring five tries and breaking eight tackles across his past four matches.

Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

Earning contention for a second month straight, Edwards has continued to reach new heights in 2024. Topping the competition in run metres after Round 8 with a 244-metre average and coming in fourth in tackle breaks with 44, the Panthers fullback has haunted opposition sides week after week. But it's the Clive Churchill Medallist's defence that has perhaps stood out most in April, having made 42 tackles in seven games, including several try-savers on the Panthers' line.

Zac Lomax (Dragons)

The departing St George Illawarra centre continues to put any off-field drama aside and produce career best performances for the club he will leave at the end of the year. Whether it be at wing, centre or a stint at fullback, the 24-year-old has had a hand in everything for the Dragons as the stats show, with a competition-high 176 runs and second-high 170 points heading into Round 9. His versatility and strike power has been a standout in April and has no doubt caught the eye of Blues coach Michael Maguire ahead of Origin squad selections in May. 

Patrick Carrigan (Broncos)

The Broncos lock simply hasn't had a bad game in 2024. Earning selection in the NRL Team of the Week in five of the first eight rounds, Carrigan was recognised for his ability to step up and fill the void left by an injured Payne Haas but after another tireless performance in Round 8 it's fair to say Carrigan is in career best form. Averaging an incredible 190 run metres and 38 tackles a game, the 26-year-old consistent workhorse looks to be a shining light for Billy Slater among an injured-affected Maroons pack.

Nicho Hynes (Sharks)

Leading the Dally M Medal count after eight rounds, Sharks halfback Nicho Hynes' cool head and poise in attack has the Sharks sitting pretty at the top of the ladder for the third week in a row. Even alongside new halves partner in Daniel Atkinson on Sunday, the 2022 Dally M Medallist was a class above in Round 9, pulling the strings to keep the Raiders scoreless in the nation's capital. With seven try assists and 67 line engagements to start the season, Hynes can take a bow for the 152 points his side has amassed in their past four matches. 

Addin Fonua-Blake (Warriors)

Coming in third to Dylan Edwards and Tom Trbojevic in run metres (192 average) and topping the competition in post-contact metres, the stats speak for themselves in just how much work AFB is getting through for Andrew Webster's side. Despite his side going down back-to-back in April, the Tongan international has done everything to keep his side in the contest, including two tries against the Titans on ANZAC Day. Having played over 60 minutes up front in each four games of April, Fonua-Blake has constantly reminded Warriors fans just what they'll miss when the 28-year-old joins the Sharks in 2025. 

Joey Manu (Roosters)

With his future settled, centre Joey Manu looks to be making the most of every numbered minute in a Tricolours jersey. Since his starring Round 1 performance in Las Vegas, the Kiwi international hasn't taken a step back and has ignited a great deal of spark to the Roosters' attack. With the second-most tackle breaks in the competition after round eight (45) as well as seven tries and three assists to start the season, the metre-eater has kept punters dreaming that 2024 is the year the star-studded Roosters can click into gear.