DURING the 2011 grand final Manly's Glenn Stewart produced one of the most remarkable pieces of play that I have ever seen.

On the stroke of half-time in the biggest game of the year the back-rower grubber-kicked in his own 20m zone for left winger Michael Robertson, who had come across to the right side to take what he thought was a simple hit-up.

The kick was completely unexpected, as brave as it was audacious.

Robertson gathered the bouncing ball and hared downfield before passing to Matt Ballin. The hooker was tackled metres from the Warriors’ line but from the ensuing play-the-ball Daly Cherry Evans scored to ultimately extend Manly’s lead to 12-2 and put them well on the way to premiership success.

Do you agree with Sterlo's selections? What was your favourite play of the year? Tell us below and vote in our poll.

I will never forget the courage of Stewart in executing the most memorable of plays.

Last Friday night the shoe was on the other foot as Souths’ Adam Reynolds came up with the best play so far this year.

Fifty-five minutes into the hard-fought contest between the Rabbits and Eagles the halfback turned the game on its head.

Moments earlier Kieran Foran had provided a touch of pure class to find the in-goal from 40m out and force a line drop-out. With the score-line 10-6 in Manly’s favour it was a perfect opportunity to ram home their advantage.

That was until Reynolds saw an exposed sideline and with uncanny precision drove the restart into touch to regain possession for his team and release the enormous pressure they were under.

After wresting back the initiative the young half went down the other end of the field to secure an opposition drop-out and with the momentum turned it was Souths who were next to score and make their way to victory.

For someone who watches every game every week and sees a lot of predictable play, these unexpected gems are absolute breaths of fresh air.

This piece of Reynolds ingenuity caused me to reflect on what else has captivated me this year and with his effort as No.1, these are my top six in no particular order.

media_camera Wests Tigers winger David Nofoaluma leaps high before placing the ball down for a try that amazed the crowd against Manly at Campbelltown Stadium. Picture: Brett Costello

No.2 - Nofoaluma or Superman?

No highlight reel would be complete without the acrobatic effort by the Tigers’ David Nofoaluma to score against Manly at Campbelltown.

Seemingly defying the laws of gravity, the impressive young winger was able to catch a Benji Marshall cross kick and after contact with Jorge Taufua, spin 180 degrees before placing the ball inches inside the sideline.

Most of his body was still suspended outside the field of play and facing back towards his own try-line when he planted the ball.

In a tough season for the Tigers Nofoaluma has been a real find and a consistent try-scorer. None better than this one.

No.3 - Fifita's stunning long-ranger

God rest his soul but Dallas Donnelly must have turned in his grave after looking down on Andrew Fifita scoring his long-range try against the Tigers in round 17. I’m told that there are any number of actions that will get you kicked out of the front-rowers’ union and surely racing 55m to score is one of them.

Especially when it included a right foot sidestep to beat fullback James Tedesco in the process.

It was an incredible display of speed and athleticism from such a big man, who happened to score another try late in the contest, just to show he could also do it from close range.

No.4 - you can't run down Jennings - or can you?

There are few things more exciting than a match race between two players who boast pure speed.

Now holding the football does slow the carrier but how many times have you seen the explosive Michael Jennings run down from behind?

media_camera Adam Reynolds celebrates Souths' win over Manly. Photo by Tony Feder/Getty Images

I can recall just the once and it was the Warriors’ own flyer Shaun Johnson who pulled it off at Allianz Stadium in the upset round 14 win by the New Zealanders.

Following a wayward pass by Simon Mannering 10m from the Roosters’ line, Jennings scooped up the loose ball and it appeared a case of “shut the gate” until the Warriors halfback set off in pursuit. Sixty metres downfield Johnson launched himself to bring down the runaway centre.

It was over in seconds but an exhilarating contest between two true speedsters.

No. 5 - JT's perfect pass

You know something is special when Johnathan Thurston impresses himself and that was the case in Origin II this year.

With the Maroons already enjoying a healthy lead JT delivered a peach to set up winger Darius Boyd. It was a long cut-out pass which went across the face of both Billy Slater and Greg Inglis and completely caught out the Blues’ Nathan Merritt and Josh Morris who had been drawn in.

When Thurston let the ball go he knew immediately that it was worthy of points and whilst Boyd still had 10m to travel, Johnathan’s celebratory gesture was not premature.

No.6 - Reynolds and the fancy feet

Finally, we saw another piece of Adam Reynolds magic in Perth when Souths took on the Warriors.

A poor pass from Issac Luke out of dummy-half hit the ground in front of his halfback who was unable to reach out and gain control. Instead he deliberately kicked the ball in a half volley motion and chipped it over the advancing defensive line.

It bounced perfectly for Andrew Everingham to score.

Freakish.

These are the plays etched in my memory from this season and I’m sure you have your own.

I look forward to adding to them over the remaining seven weeks.