NRL: Broncos; Civoniceva is Bronc's player of the year

[Queenslander]

Medal to top prop
Steve Ricketts
October 06, 2006 12:00am

PETERO Civoniceva's ranking as the NRL's premier prop was enhanced last night when he added the Paul Morgan Medal to his 2006 premiership ring at the club's annual presentation ball at Brisbane Convention Centre.

Civoniceva follows in the footsteps of co-front-rower Shane Webcke, skipper Darren Lockyer and former skipper Allan Langer in becoming a dual winner of the club's player of the year award.
At 30, Fijian-born Civoniceva is at the peak of his powers after a season in which he stripped 6kg lighter than last year in order to meet the demands of an evolving game.

In addition to his 26 NRL matches, Civoniceva played all three State of Origin matches for Queensland and the trans-Tasman Test in May, and he was one of the first chosen for Australia's Tri-Nations campaign which starts with a Test against New Zealand in Auckland tomorrow week.

Civoniceva polled 41 points in Paul Morgan Medal voting, eight clear of Lockyer and Webcke, and 10 clear of Justin Hodges. The points are lodged after each match by Broncos players and a different guest former international each week.

Webcke, last year's winner, was named players' player for his efforts in his farewell season. Lockyer was best back and Brad Thorn best forward.

For the second year running young forward Sam Thaiday was named Most Improved, an indication of just how far the Townsville product has come in the last 24 months.

Thaiday, who also received an Encouragement Award, was the bolter in Australia's Tri-Nations squad with Brisbane's 15-8 win against Melbourne in last Sunday's grand final tipping the scales in his favour over Ryan Hoffman from the Storm.

Fellow Tri-Nations rookie Hodges was voted the club's most consistent player while winger Darius Boyd is rookie of the year.

Lock Tonie Carroll received the Hit of the Year award for a tackle on New Zealand Warriors fullback Brent Webb early in a round-26 match at Suncorp Stadium.

Lockyer, named People's Choice Player of the Year, also was recognised for his efforts against Wests Tigers at Suncorp Stadium in round 21 when he came up with a club record 113 "efforts" or involvements in play.

New football Manager Andrew Gee, a former long-serving prop with the club, was named Clubman of the Year.

Toowoomba Clydesdales award winners: Player of the Year, John Te Reo; players' player, Ben Vaeau; best forward, Derrick Watkins; Best back, Joel Moon; Most improved, Jamie Simpson; Most consistent, Chris Muckert.

The Courier Mail

[BRONCOS FAN]

Yeah good onhim. He had a awesome year..

[[BroncosGirl]]

Yeah sounds about right, he was excellent!

[TitanBronco]

Well deserved for big Petro.

[~Wild Child~]

Civvy is a quiet achiever..many congratulations to him :win:

[BrisbaneBroncosRule]

Well Done Big Civ, you deserved it :win:

[Darren Lockyer]

Yeah good onhim. He had a awesome year..

totally have to agree with you

[Boofhead]

Although Petro didn't recieve too many man of the match awards, he was always consistant through out the season, well deserved petro! :emp: :emp:

Petro + Webcke combination split is so devistating, ahh well. :dead:

[Capital_Shark]

Yeah Petero had his best season in a long time this year and certainly put my doubts to rest that he was getting over the hill. Well deserved, says alot considering the year the Broncos had, it would have been a tough job to pick the Broncos player of the year.

[Queenslander]

Big Petero really lift this year, as did the entire Broncos forward leaders who were being bagged for being too old and slow. Credit must go to Dean Benton who has help create better results out of the players bodies.