North Queensland Toyota Cowboy Johnathan Thurston has been awarded the coveted RLPA Players’ Player Medal for a third time at this year’s Rugby League Players' Association Players’ Awards in Sydney.
A strong finish to the season saw Thurston, who claimed the accolade in 2005 and 2013, retain the title ahead of 2009 medallist Jarryd Hayne, Anthony Milford, Jesse Bromwich and Gareth Widdop, who were all finalists for the award that is determined by votes lodged by players after each game of the NRL regular season.
"I pride myself on the way that I play so to be able to accept this award is truly humbling,” said Thurston, who sent a video message from Townsville where he is preparing with the Cowboys for this Friday's semi-final.
“In my eyes there is no higher honour in the game (than) to be voted one of the best by your peers, so I thank you for that.”
Earlier in the night Thurston was named the Australian Representative Player of the Year for his performances across World Cup, Test and Origin competition.
“It was a privilege to be nominated but to actually receive this is truly humbling,” said Thurston.
“It's a highly contested award and there’s a lot of great players out there in the representative arena.
“I’d like to thank those who voted. It’s no doubt an honour I will cherish for many years to come.”
2014 RLPA Players’ award winners:
- RLPA Players' Player Medal - Johnathan Thurston (Cowboys)
- RLPA Rookie of the Year - Luke Brooks (Tigers) NYC nominee 2013
- RLPA National Youth Competition (NYC) Player of the Year - Sione Mata’utia (Knights)
- Australian Representative Player of the Year - Johnathan Thurston
- New Zealand Representative Player of the Year - Shaun Johnson
- Rest of the World Representative Player of the Year - Anthony Milford - Samoa
- Welfare & Education awards
RLPA NYC Trade Player of the Year - Aaron Rockley (Broncos)
RLPA NYC Education Player of the Year - Adam Elliott (Bulldogs) & Christian Welch (Storm)
RLPA NRL Trade Player of the Year - Peni Terepo ( Eels)
RLPA NRL Education Player of the Year - John Morris (Sharks)
RLPA Education & Welfare Club of the Year - Melbourne Storm - RLPA Milestone Awards (300 Games) - John Morris, Brent Kite, Anthony Minichiello
- RLPA Chairman’s Award - Andrew Fifita, Boyd Cordner, Matt Gillett,Josh Papalii, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sam Moa, Peta Hiku, Isaac John, Ben Henry, Siliva Havili , Martin Taupau
