"THE closest tally count the award has had for some years".
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That's how Central West Rugby Union Referees Association president Richard Madden described this year's race for the Blowes Clothing Cup player-of-the-year gong, after releasing the progressive tallies late on Tuesday afternoon.
The running count now goes behind closed doors before being announced on grand final day on August 24, and through 12 rounds there are three players tied in the lead with a plethora of others breathing down their necks.
(Emus') Andrew Selwood and (Bulldogs') Brad Glasson were runaway winners the last two years but this year's award will go down to the wire.
- Central West referees boss Richard Madden
After noting 58 players have polled votes - handed out by the referees following each game - this season, Madden released the names of the top tier's six front-runners, doing so in no particular order and not divulging which trio are in a share for the lead.
Having already been a part of the Central West Blue Bulls' Caldwell Cup winning campaign, Bulldogs duo Peter Fitzsimmons and Justin Mobbs are two of those who have earned good points thus far.
Emus skipper Nigel Staniforth, Forbes' Charlie French, Dubbo Kangaroos' Will Archer and Cowra's Tim Berry are also in the top six.
"That reflects a change in the style of rugby being played, with tight five positioned players attracting more votes than in previous seasons," Madden said, with Staniforth the only back among that group.
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"(Emus') Andrew Selwood and (Bulldogs') Brad Glasson were runaway winners the last two years, but this year's award will go down to the wire.
"The close race highlights the need for consistency in performance... in line with the principle of the award, players are not necessarily awarded points because they scored the most points in the match, or the most tries."
The New Holland up best and fairest race is equally as tight, with three players tied for the lead and three more deadlocked not far behind them.
CSU try scoring machine Regan Hughes and play maker Jack Keppell are two of those in the mix for the honour.
Blayney's Baz Hobby and Rick Scott, Mudgee's Tom Dunstan and Narromine's Craig Campbell and Jono Sharkey are also still in contention.
Madden also made a point of highlighting the Ferguson Cup's award, which has been established this year.
"We recognised the growth and strength of women's rugby in the Central West and believe the best players should be given equal recognition," he said.
CSU skipper Rachel Brown, who has helped the students be in the battle for the minor premiership, is one of those who have polled well thus far.
Her main rivals for the honours are Orange Emus' halfback Em McDonald, Temora's Nikki Jordan and West Wyalong duo Krystal Fyfe and Kenesha Stevens.