Tom tops Townsville's players awards

Author: Townsville Blackhawks Media
Timestamp: Mon 16 Sep 2019, 10:58 AM

After an outstanding debut season in the Intrust Super Cup, North Queensland Cowboys allocated player Thomas Gilbert claimed the player of the year honours for the Townsville Blackhawks.

Gilbert took home the 2019 Mendi Blackhawks Player of the Year honours at the club’s recent awards night.

Blackhawks coach Aaron Payne described the young forward as “consistent and reliable” all season, winning the award based on the coach's ‘3,2,1’ points system awarded after each regular game.

"For a young guy, Tom plays big minutes in a tough position in the middle of the field and gets through a lot of work," Payne said.

"He's consistent, reliable and has had a real break-out year at Intrust Super Cup level.

"Thomas is a real workhorse, always competes, and really deserves this award."

Not far on points behind Gilbert were Josh Chudleigh and Temone Power, both players who have had outstanding years.

"Josh and Temone are a big part of the reason why we have had a successful year so far," Payne said.

"They are also both consistent and very important parts of our side.

"Coming back from a serious injury with his knee reconstruction, Josh has really gained confidence again defensively and tightens up our middle.

"Temone is a guy that all of his teammates love playing alongside with."

Power received two awards and was named forward of the year and the players’ player.

"Temone does a lot of the one percenters that on the outside doesn't go as noticed, but certainly doesn't go unnoticed by his team mates,” Payne said.

"Whether it's kick pressure, supporting roles or chasing someone who has made a break, Temone is always the one doing it and that's why his teammates loved playing with him so much and ultimately receiving the Players Player award."

The back of the year award was won by the Kyle Laybutt, another player Payne said has had a fantastic year so far.

"Kyle has been really beneficial to us this year, the fact that he can play so many different positions," Payne said.

"He's given us some flexibility and has played equally as well in the halves as he has in the centres.

"It's really unfortunate the injury that he copped, but we are still hopeful that if we play deep into the finals he will still be a part of it."

Payne also paid special mentions of other backs unlucky not to get the award who have had really good seasons, including Shaun Nona and Jaelen Feeney.

Hastings Deering Colts star Adam Cook was named the 2019 Player of the Year for the Under 20 age group.

Coach Dave Elliott said Cook had taken his game to another level this year, which has come off the back of his ultra-competitive nature and an incredible amount of hard work and perseverance.

“In an era whereby players specialise very early, Adam was able to show his unique ability as a footballer to seamlessly move from the halves to fullback late in the season,” Elliott said.

“As his coach, it exemplified not only his confidence but more importantly his selflessness and team first attitude.”