2019 Rabbitoh News - Annual Player Awards

2019 Annual Player Awards

11th October 2019

George Piggins FG Player Of The Year - Damien Cook

Rabbitohs hooker Damien Cook has been awarded the George Piggins Medal for 2019, capping off another fantastic season which sees him crowned the Best and Fairest player for the second year in a row. In his 26 appearances for South Sydney this season, Cook scored three tries, had 18 try assists and further developed his short kicking game by forcing eight line drop outs. Cook’s strongest attribute - his running game - continued to build from last year, averaging the most running metres for a number nine in the competition, with just a tick under 80 metres per game. It wasn’t just with ball-in-hand that saw Cook step up in the vital moments of a game. Who could forget that crucial try-saver on a flying Corey Oates in Round 23? There’s no doubting his motor, having hit the 50+ tackle mark on nine occasions this year. His well-rounded game sees him as the benchmark for dummy-halves having now cemented his spot in the Blues jersey after another State of Origin series victory, and recently again being selected in the Kangaroos squad to play New Zealand. George Piggins was on hand at the event with Head Coach Wayne Bennett to present Cook with the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Damien on his stellar season and his awards.

Jack Rayner Players Player Of The Year - Cameron Murray

Rabbitohs lock Cameron Murray has capped off a breakout season in the red and green in 2019 by being awarded the Jack Rayner Players' Player Award for 2019. Expert Rugby League analysts and past players say there’s no greater sign of respect when the players next to you want to line up beside you and feel confident that you are going to deliver and never stop competing. Cameron Murray has been recognised by his teammates as that very person. Being awarded the 2019 Dally M Lock of the Year award, Murray had 26 appearances scoring 12 tries - including a 50 metre bust up field against the Dragons in round two, as well as a couple of crucial four-pointers in the Club’s must-win semi final against the Sea Eagles last month. Murray’s brilliant performances saw him selected for the Blues; playing a part in the winning try that saw New South Wales retain the State of Origin shield, in the very last moment of the series. Since Origin, Murray’s form thrived and has since earned himself a spot in the recently-announced Kangaroos squad. He has been deemed as having the quickest play-the-ball in competition, somehow always finding his front. Murray has also proven extremely solid in defence, whether in the middle or filling in on the edge. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Cameron on his award.

John Sattler Rookie Of The Year - Corey Allan

Rabbitohs young gun Corey Allan has been awarded the John Sattler Rookie of the Year for 2019 after a fantastic start to his NRL career. As a versatile outside back Allan made 19 first grade appearances, scoring three tries, breaking 28 tackles and averaging 69 metres per game. His highlight game was the round ten win over Canberra delivering two clutch plays in the dying moments, including knocking the ball out of Jarrod Croker’s hands which ultimately confirmed victory. While making his NRL debut in 2019, Allan made history last year becoming the first player to represent the Australian Prime Minister's XIII before making his NRL debut where he scored a try. Allan was presented with the award by Souths Juniors President Keith McCraw, becoming the 19th recipient of the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Corey on being named the John Sattler Rookie of the Year for 2019.

Roy Asotasi Members' Choice Award - Cameron Murray

Rabbitohs young lock forward Cameron Murray was voted by the members as their best player of the season. ON behalf of the members we would like to congratulate Cameron on a outstanding season in 2019.

Burrow Appreciation Award - John Sutton

Rabbitohs legend John Sutton has been awarded The Burrow Appreciation Award (NRL) for 2019. In his last ever NRL season, there was no slowing down for Sutton, averaging 103 metres and 21 tackles per game, as well as providing eight line break assists. Sutton has made the most Rabbitohs appearances of all-time, retiring on 336 games including 61 tries, seven goals and one field goal; spanning across centre, five-eighth, second row and lock. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate John on his award and thank him again for his service to the club for more than 16 seasons.

Bob McCarthy Clubman of The Year - Braidon Burns

Rabbitohs and Souths Cares advocate Braidon Burns has been awarded the Bob McCarthy Clubman of the Year for 2019 for his outstanding work around the Club and the community. Despite an injury-riddled season, Burns has had a tremendous impact on the club both on and off the field. As a rangy left centre, he gave the flick pass to Campbell Graham who scored in the very last play of the game to win against the Dragons in round 19. Off the field, Burns has done a mountain of community work with Souths Cares, including Sunshine Coast school, club and disability visits, providing a big presence at the annual Special Olympics Day, as well as Souths Cares annual NAIDOC festival. If you ask any of the players and staff, Braidon always makes time for everyone. Even when faced with adversity, he is always smiling and looking to make someone’s day. There’s no doubting Braidon Burns showcases what the South Sydney spirit is all about. Burns was appropriately presented the award by premiership-winning Club legend Bob McCarthy.

Reserve Grade(Canterbury Cup) - Player of the Year - Billy Brittain

Rabbitohs hooker Billy Brittain has been awarded the Canterbury Cup Player of the Year for 2019, captaining the side through to the Preliminary Finals in the Club’s re-entry to the premier NSWRL competition this year. It was a stellar year for Brittain who was awarded the competition’s best player as well as earning an NRL debut against the Parramatta Eels in round 12. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Billy on his terrific achievements throughout the year.

Reserve Grade(Canterbury Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Billy Brittain

Rabbitohs hooker Billy Brittain has been awarded the Canterbury Cup Players' Player for 2019, deserved recognition from his team mates throughout a strong season. Brittain was nominated by his teammates due to his consistent performances and willingness to put the team first. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Billy on this effort.

U20s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Player of the Year - Blake Taaffe

Rabbitohs half Blake Taaffe has been awarded the Jersey Flegg Player of the Year for 2019, leading the side to the Club’s first Jersey Flegg title since 1978. Taaffe was a standout for the premiership-winning Flegg team all year, saving his best performance for the big dance after slicing through for two tries and kicking two goals. He was awarded the man-of-the-match honours for his efforts. A La Perouse junior, the halfback also played in the Canterbury Cup which according to 2019 Jersey Flegg Head Coach, Ben Rogers, “took his [Taaffe’s] game to the next level.” In his 16 appearances in the Jersey Flegg, Taaffe scored five tries and kicked 60 goals for a total of 150 points. He also provided eight try assists and 15 line break assists. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Blake on his tremendous season.

U20s(Jersey Flegg Cup) - Players Player of The Year - Ky Rodwell

Rabbitohs forward Ky Rodwell has been awarded the Jersey Flegg Players' Player for 2019, despite only playing half of the season due to injury. While Rodwell only played eight games this year, such was his impact on the team, he was awarded the Players' Player award by his team mates for the premiership-winning 2019 season. Rodwell was selected in the NSW Under 20s side this year after averaging a staggering 144 metres per game, alongside 28 tackles and one try per outing. These efforts were noticed by his teammates. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Ky for this accolade.

Womens - Player of the Year - Karri Doyle

Rabbitohs utility Karri Doyle has been awarded the Women’s Player of the Year for 2019. A versatile and consistent player, Doyle featured in 10 games for the Women’s team, scoring three tries and having two try assists. “Karri can play any position and rarely makes mistakes,” said Head Coach, Danny Allende. As a main-stay in the Red and Green, Doyle has proven to be a leader amongst her teammates and thrives off playing a physical brand of footy. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award to Doyle. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Karri for her fantastic achievement.

Womens - Players Player of The Year - Kyla Gordon

Rabbitohs lock forward Kyla Gordon has been awarded the Womens' Players' Player for 2019. The powerful lock has had a great year for the red and green, breaking 13 tackles and making seven offloads. She also averaged 73 metres and 14 tackles per game. “She has had an outstanding first year since coming up from the Tarsha Gale Cup,” said Head Coach, Danny Allende. Rabbitohs’ General Manager of Football, Shane Richardson, was there to present the award. It is a tremendous effort from Kyla to be recognised by her teammates as somebody they respect and love playing with. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Kyla for her efforts.

Womens - Burrow Appreciation Award - Moniqca Mo'ale

Rabbitohs prop Moniqca Mo’ale has been awarded The Burrow Appreciation Award (Womens') for 2019. Mo’ale averaged 100 metres off eight runs per game. In nine games for 2019, she crossed over for five tries, while breaking 48 tackles. “She is a metre-eater and always took the ball up hard,” said Team Operations Assistant Michelle Cini. As a leader of the forward pack, Mo’ale became a fan favourite with her barnstorming runs, often taking multiple defenders with her in the process. The South Sydney Rabbitohs would like to congratulate Moniqca on her achievement.

Player Milestones Honored

John Sutton was honoured as our longest serving player with a special commerative plaque.

Premiership Winning U20s Squad

Our premiership winning U20s team was also honoured this evening.