Dyldam Parramatta Eels hooker Isaac De Gois claimed the Jack Gibson NRL Coaches’ Award earlier this week at the Club’s prestigious Ken Thornett Medal.
Receiving the award from Eels’ Head Coach Brad Arthur, De Gois was shocked to be the recipient, paying credit to the rest of the playing squad.
“Very happy and proud. I am very humbled to receive the award but it’s unexpected,” De Gois said of receiving the coaches’ award.
“Anyone in the team could have got this award. We all put our bodies on the line, week in, week out so I am very honoured and humbled and appreciative of Brad for giving me this award.”
The hooker had praise for his Head Coach and the entire Eels coaching staff for the work they had done during the year.
“We all love playing for Brad and I am looking forward to a real big year next year,” De Gois said.
“It is the way he approaches you, the way he can talk to you as a footballer and as a mate.”
“He has that good communication, and with me personally, has been great since I joined the club, as have the assistant coaches Steve Murphy and Peter Gentle.”
“The coaching staff are fantastic, all the boys appreciate it and all the boys respect it and love playing for the Parramatta Eels.”
And whilst De Gois was humbled to receive the award, the hooker made special mention of the rest of his teammates and the tight bond they shared.
“The bond is great, all the boys are so close,” De Gois said.
“Every opportunity we get a break, or some sort of day off, we go out for a feed or a coffee, and when we go on away trips the bond is so tight and so close. It is very important in a football culture, but there is something pretty special we have here.”
“We all enjoy each other’s company and spending time with each other which is very important.”
“I do love the Blue and Gold. I was very happy to get it finalised [my next contract] and I’m looking forward to finishing out my career at the Blue and Gold.” De Gois added.
- Click here to see a full run down on all the 2016 Ken Thornett Medal winners.
- Hear from Ken Thornett Medallist Manu Ma'u
- Hear from NRL Rookie of the Year Bevan French
- Hear from Blue and Gold Army Members' Player of the Year Clinton Gutherson
