Dyldam Parramatta Eels Captain Tim Mannah says he was blindsided by being voted the 2015 Ken Thornett Medallist by his teammates at the Blue and Gold.
Named after the iconic Parramatta fullback, the annual Ken Thornett Medal recognises the NRL Players’ Player, awarded to the player who tallies the most points across the season based on 3-2-1 voting after each Premiership game.
“It was definitely unexpected, and very humbling,” Mannah said.
“I thought a lot of our guys in our team had really good seasons this year and it could have gone to a number of players, and to get recognition from the players is always something that means a lot.”
The Eels skipper confessed that a pre-season chat with Head Coach Brad Arthur spurred him to build the intensity and consistency in his week-to-week performances.
“It was probably my most complete, best season I’ve had in my career, which is what you want to do, keep getting better,” Mannah said.
“I thought the coaches have done a great job with helping me develop my game and not letting me get complacent as a player.”
The prestigious Ken Thornett Medal was one of three awards for Mannah on the night, alongside the Ray Price NRL Community Award, and the Michael Cronin Club Person of the Year.
“I’m definitely feeling much love from the club,” Mannah said.
“And I’ve got a lot of people to thank. I think we’re very fortunate as a club to have so many great
players and people in this team and that’s why I’m so excited about where we’re heading.”
“It’s a place I really enjoy being at, I’ve been here for a long time and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’m very grateful to be blessed with the opportunity I am to be here.”
Click through for the full list of winners from the Eels Ken Thornett Medal awards night
Click through for the Ken Thornett Medal red carpet gallery
