HOW THE BEST WAS DON
The night a country boy went from cult hero to the Titans’ top gun
ANTHONY Don has transcended his status as a Titans cult hero to become the first winger in club history to win the Paul Broughton Medal.
Don, who made his representative debut this season, playing for NSW Country, was named the Titans’ player of the season at a gala dinner at the QT Hotel last night.
He won the coveted award – named after inaugural Titans chairman Paul Broughton – on 49 votes, two ahead of NSW Origin hooker Nathan Peats (47), with Maroons forward Jarrod Wallace (45) another two votes back.
Don turns 30 next week but only made his first grade debut at 25 after graduating from the Grafton Ghosts and Burleigh Bears.
He has become one of the club’s most popular players – and has gained cult hero status over the past couple of years with his own Facebook appreciation page and rave reviews from commentators for his aerial antics.
But Don’s efforts this season have made him more than just a fan favourite.
Despite a shoulder injury keeping him to just 20 appearances this season, Don won the support of Titans coaching staff and players under the 3-2-1 vote system employed after each game.
With 12 tries, including some of the best aerial takes in the game, Don edged past Peats, who played just 15 games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.
While Ashley Taylor finished the regular season as the league leader for try assists, he was a surprising omission from the top five in the medal count, with Kevin Proctor (42) and last year’s winner Ryan James (41) also finishing ahead of him.
Other award winners on the night included Peats, who took out the coaches’ award, after a strong year where he emerged as a leader and also made his Origin debut.
Centre Konrad Hurrell took home the members’ most valuable player and “The Preston” community award – named in honour of foundation player Preston Campbell – for his tireless efforts in the community.
Forward Morgan Boyle, recently re-signed until the end of 2020, was named rookie of the year after his strong debut season.
At NYC level, halfback Alexander Brimson and young prop forward Moeaki Fotuaika shared player of the year honours in the final year of the competition.
Back-rower Rory Lillis won the “True Titan’’ award as a player who shows tremendous work ethic and consistency.