IT'S raining awards at the Muswellbrook Heelers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First, a second consecutive premiership, then the Newcastle and Hunter Rugby Union Club of the Year award, and now one of their stars has picked up the Cyril Burke Medal for the sixth time in seven years.
That most recent honour belongs to captain Cameron Young, who now has two in a row and three out of the past four, which is a testament to his consistency.
The 26-year-old has cemented his spot as one of the competition's best players in recent times, and said it was a great way to cap off a successful season.
"It's a big achievement, I'm very happy with picking it up again," he said.
"It wasn't a goal at all this season, going back-to-back was more of a goal but to pick it up was great for the club as well."
Although the playmaker possesses much individual talent, he insisted the high calibre of players around him were the reason he was able to show such dependable form throughout the campaign.
That sentiment is supported by the 2019 Cyril Burke Medal count, which saw five Heelers' players poll in the top 10.
Despite having won the prize before, Young didn't hesitate in his response when asked whether it was made sweeter by winning the grand final in the same year.
"By far, to captain a premiership winning side and pick up best and fairest of the competition is above and beyond my expectations of what I could've done this year," he said.
To captain a premiership winning side and pick up best and fairest of the competition is above and beyond my expectations of what I could've done this year
- Cameron Young
Coach Michael Hall was full of praise for his star player, and said his abilities on and off the field were equally impressive.
"For Cameron, he's a quality player and I'm very pleased for him to have that recognition, because he puts his body on the line every week and if you take him out of that team then you certainly miss him," he said.
"He has stepped up and ran a lot of the coaching and assistant coaching throughout the year."
The half-back was cautious in committing to playing again next year, but the supporters will no doubt be hoping he does.