Knights famous person Kalyn Ponga has been topped the 2023 Dally M Medallist, capping off a sensational season in Newcastle.
Tamika Upton additionally received the NRLW Dally M Medal of the Year, capping off a stellar night time for Newcastle fullbacks.
Ponga, 25, overcome a concussion scare after an unsightly head knock towards the Tigers in Round 2.
There had been even fears he must cling up the boots prematurely, however upon his return to the NRL he was in scintillating kind and was the catalyst for the Knights’ finals cost.
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Ponga completed on 56 votes, and was chasing Shaun Johnson by eight factors after Round 23, clawing again the lead within the last spherical.
He joins Immortal Andrew Johns (1998, 1999, 2002) and Danny Buderus (2004) on Newcastle’s Dally M honour roll.
The Knights star took his mom to the ceremony and was clearly emotional when offered along with his first Dally M Medal.
“It’s a pretty crazy feeling standing up here in front of so much talent, there’s so much talent in this league and to be standing in front of them I feel very luck, humbled and honoured,”
“I have a lot of people to thank, my family, the coaching staff and my teammates. Without you this isn’t possible.
“And the way I felt and played this year isn’t possible without your support, love and belief in me.
“I had an early season holiday and while I was over there I decided I wanted to stop letting people down and start making people proud and I think I came back and did that.
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“Yeah, what a year. To the boys who are playing this weekend, I’m envious of you and all the best. Thank you everyone.”
Meanwhile, Upton hailed her workforce’s efforts this yr, bouncing again after dropping a number of big-name gamers together with Jakiya Whitfeld and Millie Boyle.
“Have a fair few people to thank for this, this is definitely not an individual award,” Upton mentioned.
“I’ll start with the Newcastle club, I think the moment I stepped foot there I’ve been supported by the staff and everyone involved.
“That spreads to my teammates, I’m pretty lucky to be surrounded by the most amazing staff and people. I’m really privileged to be a part of that club.
“As well as the Broncos girl, started my career there. So I’m very appreciative of that club as well.
“My family back home, I know they are supporting me back home, it’s pretty tough living away from home to be honest.
“But I need to send a special shout-out to the Southwell family too, having a home away from home is very special.
“But family and friends back home, they have always supported me so I can feel the love. Thank you very much.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
