Knights CEO Phil Gardner has labelled two-time Danny Buderus Medalist Mitch Barnett a "potential future captain" after he scooped the major gong at Wednesday night's Newcastle Knights awards presentation.
Barnett added another player of the year medal to the one he won at the club in 2017 with his strong finish to the season getting him the nod ahead of fellow nominees David Klemmer, Mitchell Pearce and Connor Watson.
Barnett also took home the Gladiator of the Year award with Pearce taking out Players' player honours. The best rookie award was won by Bradman Best, Connor Watson was named Community Player of the Year while highly respected club doctor Peter McGeoch picked up the Clubman of the Year prize.
All the photos: The 2019 Danny Buderus Medal
Gardner said 25-year-old backrower Barnett epitomised everything the club should stand for and declared he is a priority re-signing with negotiations already underway to extend his contract beyond the end of next season.
"To me, Barney looks like a knight," Gardner said. "He epitomises that toughness and all the sorts of attributes we want in our players.
"He loves the town, loves the club, the players love him - he bleeds blue and red and anyone who saw how badly he was hurting after those losses at the end of the season would have recognised how much it meant to him.
"He is so important to us and a real inspirational figure and is certainly a priority re-signing for us going forward. "
Knights director of football Brian Canavan added: "He epitimises the Danny Buderus label in that he is a real team performer who has always led by actions and deeds."
Meanwhile, the Knights also announced major sponsor nib health funds have extended their long association with the club for a further three years.
"We've been there since the very beginning working closely with the club. It's a strong partnership that is an important part of our overall brand strategy, providing great exposure in what is traditional rugby league heartland," nib managing director Mark Fitzgibbon said.
The complete list of award winners
NRL:
- Rookie of the Year - Bradman Best
- Club Person of the Year - Doctor Peter McGeoch
- Players' Player of the Year - Mitchell Pearce
- Gladiator of the Year - Mitch Barnett
- nib Inspiring Moment - Mitch Pearce kissing the logo as the Knights beat the Roosters at home
- Community Player of the Year - Connor Watson
- Player of the Year (Danny Buderus Medal) - Mitch Barnett
NSW Cup:
- Players' Player - Jacob Saifiti.
- Player of the Year - Tex Hoy
Jersey Flegg:
- Players' Player - Mathew Croker.
- Player of the Year - Luke Huth.
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