Gerringong's Reuben Garrick and Nowra-born Cody Walker were rewarded for their exceptional 2021 seasons on Monday night, by being named in the prestigious Dally M Team of the Year.
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Garrick, 24, who amassed 334 points from his 27 appearances this season, was named as one of two wingers in the Team of the Year. alongside Penrith's Brian To'o.
While Walker, who finished third in the Dally M Player of the Year vote behind winner Tom Trbojevic and second-placed Nathan Cleary, claimed the five-eighth of the year gong - after recording 44 line-break assists and 33 try-assists from his 24 appearances in 2021.
Joining the South Coast duo in the Team of the Year were props Payne Haas (Brisbane) and James Fisher-Harris (Penrith), back-rowers Viliame Kikau (Penrith) and Isaiah Papali'i (Parramatta), lock Isaah Yeo (Penrith), centres Matt Burton (Penrith) and Justin Olam (Melbourne), halfback Nathan Cleary (Penrith), hooker Brandon Smith (Melbourne) and fullback Tom Trbojevic (Manly-Warringah).
The other South Coast product recognised in Brisbane was Kiama's Josh Morris, with the retiring Roosters centre taking out the Provan-Summons Award.
Other major awards on the evening went to Roosters' Sam Walker (Rookie of the Year) and James Tedesco (Captain of the Year) and Storm's Craig Bellamy (Coach of the Year).
"Congratulations to every winner. Tonight we reflected on the people and moments of the season. The players. The coaches. The teamwork. The deep tribalism. The unmatched athleticism. The unforgettable moments of brilliance," NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said.
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