It’s been the most talked about hypothetical in rugby league for a number of years, and the hype for the fastest man in the NRL race has never been more palpable after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow chased down Josh Addo-Carr in one of the best moments of the season.
But the overwhelming favourites for the event say the planned event on grand final day may be flawed, with Manly’s Jason Saab and Roosters flyer Dom Young unsure if it will be a level playing field, with both men hoping they’ll be too busy to even compete.
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The two speedsters on the right wing would be the favourites for the 100m sprint based on what they’ve shown us on the field, with their long strides and perfect technique turning half-chances into certain tries.
Tabuai-Fidow roared into contention when he chased down Addo-Carr in Bundaberg despite the Bulldogs winger being described as the “fastest man on the planet”.
Alofiana Khan-Pereira would headline the list of other challengers, but Saab says there are a few issues with some players set to be unavailable if their team is in the decider, while others could be on holidays or booked in for surgery.
“I probably won’t participate in it because we’ll have a game that day,” he declared, hoping the Sea Eagles go all the way.
“The way they’re going about it seems pretty flawed, to be honest. I just think it’s interesting to do it on grand final day because I’m sure there’s bound to be a couple of players that are going to be playing.
“How do you crown the fastest person when the fastest people aren’t running in it?
“Some players might get a three-week rest (if their team hasn’t made the finals) while others might have a prelim final the week before. There are a few ways that mean it doesn’t work out too well, but maybe a separate event would be better.
“I’m just focused on playing finals. I’d love to not be there on grand final day.”
The NRL hasn’t confirmed whether the race will take place this year, but it is gathering momentum with fans desperate to see once and for all who the quickest player is.
Young will be very hard to beat after he torched the Eels with a hat-trick despite straining his hamstring two weeks ago, and he says the NRL must bring in incentives such as monetary prizes to ensure the best of the best participate.
“There has to be an incentive because no one is going to do it just for the sake of it,” the Englishman said.
“I don’t know what the right answer is, but I imagine there has to be an incentive for the winner and everyone else in the race.
“It’s definitely exciting for the fans, but deep down I think the players want to know who the quickest is. Hopefully, I’ll be busy on that day.
“I don’t know what my PB is, but I’m guessing the race will be on grass with us wearing boots, and I think that would suit me.
“I’m never going to put anyone above myself, but I’m sure it’ll be interesting.”
Saab revealed he was never the fastest kid when he was growing up but had noticed his speed increase naturally after putting in countless hours on top of his normal training sessions.
He also thinks the NRL should bring in incentives for the athletes, while he didn’t want to give a straight answer when asked whether he’d win the race that could include teammate Tolu Koula.
“I don’t think I have to make those opinions. You just have to ask around and you’ll get a very common answer,” he said.
“If it’s to ever happen, I’ll let the legs do the talking.”
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