Dyldam Parramatta Eels second-rower Tepai Moeroa has wrapped up a break out 2014 season by winning the Steve Ella NYC Players' Player Award at the Eels' annual Ken Thornett Medal ceremony.
Presented with his award by Blue and Gold legend Steve Ella, Moeroa took home the Players' award with nothing less than a smile on his face.
“It’s something special coming from the boys," Moeroa said.
"Knowing that all the hard work that you’ve put in has been noticed by the boys.”
2014 also saw Moeroa make his NRL debut, becoming the 764th player to pull on the Blue and Gold jersey in first grade.
“[There's a difference] physically and it's faster," Moeroa said.
"After a few games I got used to it, though.”
Accompanying Tepai to the end-of-season celebration was his Mum, and Moeroa says choosing a date for the Ken Thornett Medal was an easy choice.
“I brought Mum, I wouldn’t be here without her so its only right that I brought her,” Moeroa said.
Click through to see the full list of award winners from the night!
