South Coast talents Reuben Garrick and Cody Walker were recognised by the NRL on Monday for their extraordinary 2021 seasons on the field.
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Gerringong product Garrick was named the competition's top point-scorer, for his record-breaking 304 points with the Sea Eagles during the regular season.
Since then, the Kiama High School alumnus has added an extra 18 points to his season tally, which includes 21 tries and 119 goals from his 26 games.
The 24-year-old's nearest rival is South Sydney halfback Adam Reynolds (256 points in 23 games) - who Garrick will go toe-to-toe with in Friday's preliminary final at Suncorp Stadium.
Garrick and his team were also awarded the 2021 Try of the Year, which culminated in Tom Trbojevic scoring after the final siren against the Cowboys in round 25.
The other three major award winners acknowledged during Monday's first half of the 2021 Dally M Awards were Rabbitohs' Alex Johnston (Ken Irvine Medal - top try-scorer), Broncos' Xavier Coates (Tackle of the Year) and Eels' Isaiah Papali'i (Hardest Working Player of the Year).
The night also saw Nowra-born Rabbitohs five-eighth Cody Walker shortlisted as one of five finalists for the 2021 Dally M Medal, alongside Sea Eagles duo Daly Cherry-Evans and Tom Trbojevic, Panthers' Nathan Cleary and Roosters' James Tedesco.
"We have begun the celebration of our best athletes, those that have defied impossible during one of the most challenging and unique seasons in our game's history,'' said NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo.
"With all the challenges we have faced this year, it is a wonderful opportunity to go deeper in celebrating the exceptional performances of 2021.
"I congratulate the winners for some of the most remarkable feats of the 2021 NRL premiership.
"We all cannot wait to see next week's count where we will crown our Dally M player of the year."
Next Monday will also see the announcement of the 2021 Dally M Team of the Year, Coach, Captain and Rookie of the Year.
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