Following the Penrith Panthers’ great season in 2014, Coach Ivan Cleary and hooker James Segeyaro have been recognised for their success with awards at last night’s Dally M Medal Presentation.
For leading the Panthers to a top four finish, just one win away from a Grand Final berth, Cleary was named Coach of the Year. He becomes the first Penrith coach to win the award since Tim Sheens in 1984. A lot of the success of the Panthers this year can be attributed to the work Ivan has done since joining the club in 2012 and his ability to attract quality players has ensured a first class playing roster.
Also recognised on the night was James Segeyaro who won Hooker of the year. After a strong season off the bench in 2013, James earned a starting spot early this year following an injury to Kevin Kingston and he took the opportunity with both hands. His speed and attacking prowess out of dummy half was a feature of the Panthers season and this award is well deserved.
The Panthers would like to congratulate both Ivan and James on their achievements as well as all of the other players who were nominated for various awards on the night.
Below is a full list of award winners from the 2014 Dally M Medal Presentation:
Dally M Player of the Year - Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels) and Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Captain of the Year – Jamie Lyon (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Coach of the Year – Ivan Cleary (Penrith Panthers)
Peter Moore Award for Rookie of the Year – Luke Brooks (Wests Tigers)
Best Representative Player – Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Fullback of the Year – Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Winger of the Year – Semi Radradra (Parramatta Eels)
Centre of the Year – Jamie Lyon (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Five Eighth of the Year - Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Halfback of the Year – Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles)
Lock Forward of the Year – Sam Burgess (South Sydney Rabbitohs)
Second Rower of the Year - Beau Scott (Newcastle Knights)
Front Rower of the Year – James Graham (Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs)
Hooker of the Year – James Segeyaro (Penrith Panthers)
Top Points Scorer – Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Top Try Scorer – Jarryd Hayne (Parramatta Eels)
Holden Cup Under 20’s Player of the Year – Kane Elgey (Gold Coast Titans)
Provan Summons People’s Choice Medal – Johnathan Thurston (North Queensland Cowboys)
Peter Frilingos Headline Moment – Laurie Daley (NSW Origin victory)
Click on the video to see all the highlights from last night's Dally M red carpet event at The Star!
