Having gone back-to-back in September's grand final, their incredible season received further validation after Newcastle-Hunter Rugby Union gave their off-field efforts the tick of approval too.

President and coach Michael Hall was at the presentation to receive the award, and said it was a great feeling to know their hard work had been noticed, having also won it in 2017.

"To be recognised again is really good, the committee and volunteers and supporters have put in a lot of work to run it as professionally as we can without having full time staff," he said.

He was also adamant the effort has been ongoing for a number of years which is why they are gaining this sort of appreciation on such a consistent basis.

The newly updated facilities at Highbrook Park are a key reason behind the award according to Hall.

Despite winning virtually everything there was to win this season, he admitted it was still a struggle to hold both the coaching and presidency roles throughout the year, with work often meaning he had to spend time away.

However, he was full of praise for his team's skipper Cameron Young, who helped him significantly throughout the campaign.

"He has stepped up and ran a lot of the coaching and assistant coaching throughout the year."

In terms of the on field triumph, he admitted it was a surreal feeling to go back-to-back for the first time in almost three decades.

Having taken over three years ago and seen the side make the grand final each season since then, it would be understandable to assume he has some kind of advanced coaching philosophy, but he said the key to success is quite simple.

"All I've wanted to do for myself is let the guys have them fun playing rugby, and I think ultimately having fun is winning games," he stated.

There are a number of players flirting with retirement, with grand final day's best on ground performer Doug Rafael officially hanging up the boots, but with a crop of young talent coming through Hall still believes the club has a bright future.