Hooker Robert Mears, easily the standout player for the Auckland Warriors rugby league club this year, is the club's player of the year.
The award caps off a remarkable change in fortunes for the 26-year-old.
The Warriors plucked him from the obscurity of Ourimbah in rural New South Wales just over a year ago.
"If someone had said I would become player of the year inside a season after coming here late last year I would have thought it crazy," Mears said.
"But I'm glad I've been able to repay the Warriors for showing faith in me when they did ask me to come over and cover for Jason Death."
He played the last 15 games of last year's season and throughout the 2000 season turned in consistent standout performances.
Recognition of Mears' contribution to the Warriors was made at the club's annual awards function last night.
Mears was also named forward of the year while David Myles, a former Gold Coast utility back who came to the Warriors this season, was named back of the year.
Centre Shontayne Hape, 19, was named rookie of the year ahead of Clinton Toopi, Henry Fa'afili and Monty Betham.
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