De Gois named Knights best for 2009

Newcastle Knights hooker, Isaac De Gois has been named 2009 Player of the Year at last night’s Senior Presentation Awards, finishing ahead of a quality field in his debut year at the club.

A sell-out 400 guests including players, sponsors and supporters attended the Wests New Lambton Starlight Room for the club’s annual awards evening, hosted by NBN’s Mike Rabbitt and Jim Callinan.

After a standout year on the field, the most prestigious accolade amongst team mates, the Player’s Player Award went to Knights and New South Wales Captain, Kurt Gidley, who this week was named in the Kangaroos Four Nations squad to tour England.

Gidley also accepted the Highest Point Scorer Award with a season tally of 160 points (five tries and 70 goals). Halfback/Five-eighth, Jarrod Mullen accepted the Top Try Scorer’s Award.

Head Coach, Rick Stone announced utility, Matt Hilder as the recipient of the 2009 Coaches Award following an outstanding year on the field, earning the tireless defender a new two-year deal.

In the Community category, injured front rower, Daniel Tolar took out the Clubman of the Year Award for outstanding services to the club and community.

Tolar was injured in the Knights opening encounter against the Gold Coast in Round One and spent the season on the sideline with complications related to a knee fracture.

The former Central Charlestown junior used his spare time to participate in the club’s community programs but extended his commitment to assist Camp Quality, spending every Tuesday night hosting families for limousine sightseeing tours, including the weekly standard ice cream stops at Newcastle Beach.

Dynamic centre, Junior Sau won the Charity Award while Ben Rogers took out the Community Alliance Award.

The Knights National Youth Competition Awards were also announced with Josh Ailoamai named Player of the Year.

Kevin Naiqama was named Player’s Player while Ben Wyborn won the 2009 Coaches Award.

2009 award winners are;

NRL
Highest Point Scorer: Kurt Gidley (160 points, 5 tries, 70 goals)
Leading Try Scorer: Jarrod Mullen
Clubman of the Year: Daniel Tolar
Charity Award: Junior Sau
Community Alliance Award: Ben Rogers
Coaches Award: Matt Hilder
Players Player: Kurt Gidley
Player of the Year: Isaac De Gois

NYC
Coaches Award: Ben Wyborn
Players Player: Kevin Naiqama
Player of the Year: Josh Ailoamai

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