Dan Pryor was named the player of the year for the second year running. Photo / John Stone
Dan Pryor was named the player of the year for the second year running. Photo / John Stone
While Dan Pryor was celebrating his first game with the Maori All Blacks in Japan, his Taniwha teammates were celebrating for him being named the Northland Player of the Year.
It is the second year running Pryor has claimed the title, again being recognised for his tireless effort on thefield which was often critical to Northland's performance.
Further reinforcing the extent of the Taniwha's record-breaking ITM Cup season, and Pryor's achievements, was the laid-back environment of last Friday's prize giving: The Northland Rugby Union gym.
In what was a reminder of the grassroots nature of the Taniwha side, and a far cry from the type of function most of Northland's competitors would have had, players and supporters met Pryor's naming as the player of the year with applause as he was described as a true athlete.
Also picking up awards were Matt Moulds, for most improved forward, Jone Macilai, for most improved back, Jack Ram, for player's player of the year, and Cam Eyre, for team man of the year.
Coach Derren Witcombe, who also commentated during the presentation, said it was fitting Pryor was on tour with the Maori All Blacks.
"He has a Super contract with the Highlanders but the Maori team is probably the only team he wanted to make [to follow in his grandfather Albie's footsteps as a Maori All Black]. He's had a great year."
Witcombe commended Ram and Macilai on their awards, saying they have both faced adversity in the past year and have come through it as better players.
Ram suffered a season ending knee injury last season, just as he started to become a regular fixture in the team, while Macilai dislocated his elbow three games into the season.
"[Macilai] is a bloody good character in the team," Witcombe commented of Macilai. "A bit of a laugh, but professional and goes about his job quietly.
"On the field he's lightning and sparks the team and inspires the guys around him."
Taniwha captain Eyre ended the season on a heartfelt thank you to Northlanders who had supported them throughout.
Eyre added a mention to employers who support Northland rugby players, who more often than not work fulltime throughout the year.
"It's a thrill playing for the fans - they actually make our dreams come true," Eyre said.
"For most of us to run out on the stadium with people cheering and yelling isn't something that's going to happen for the rest of our lives. It's a short window, and it's something that makes it special for us."
Ram also picked up the green card award for going out of his way to help the team.
