Dyldam Parramatta Eels NYC captain Ryan Matterson says receiving the NYC Coaches' Award at the annual Ken Thornett Medal dinner has capped off a challenging and satisfying year at the Blue and Gold.
The 2014 season was a jam-packed one for the five-eighth, who spent time both captaining the Under 20s side, running out for a handful of rounds in VB NSW Cup with the Wentworthville Magpies, and even earning a place on the bench in the NSW Under 20s Blues.
“It’s been pretty challenging this year and the opportunity to play NSW Cup and Under 20s this year has been great," Matterson said.
"I just want to thank Justin [Holbrook] for the award.”
And with the Eels' NYC side finishing the season 3rd and defeating the Brisbane Broncos in their first Holden Cup final, Matterson and the Under 20s Parramatta players are just one game away from the Holden Cup grand final.
For Matterson, it's his first taste of finals footy for years.
“This is the first semi-final I’ve played since under 13s!" Matterson said.
"I’m very excited for the upcoming games and hopefully we can take home a win.”
“The whole year was really good and I just can’t wait to graduate from NYC and move forward.”
Tepai Moeroa took home the second NYC award of the night for Players' Player, while NRL halfback Chris Sandow took home the eponymous Ken Thornett Medal for NRL Player's Player. Click through to see the full list of winners!
