HE’S THE MAN

Late Tuivasa-Sheck run seals Dally M

QUEENSLAND Origin sensation Kalyn Ponga was left heartbroken last night after Warriors rival Roger TuivasaSheck produced an 11th-hour magic act to steal the prestigious Dally M Medal.

In one of the most gripping finishes in the Dally M Medal’s 38-year history, Tuivasa-Sheck (pictured) leapfrogged Ponga in the final round of voting to become the first Warrior to clinch rugby league’s top gong.

Ponga’s dream season, which included a sublime Origin debut in June, was poised for a fairytale finish when he headed into the final round leading the medal count by one point.

But Tuivasa-Sheck swooped in Round 25, delivering a manof-the-match display against Canberra to break the heart of young gun Ponga (inset).

Aged 20 years and 180 days, Newcastle ace Ponga would have usurped Mick Potter and Greg Alexander as the youngest ever Dally M Medallist.

Instead, New Zealand Warriors skipper “RTS” finished triumphant on 29 points, eclipsing Ponga (27), thirdplaced Tigers bolter Luke Brooks (26) and Sharks flyer Valentine Holmes (25).

The 25-year-old TuivasaSheck became just the third Kiwi to win the Dally M Medal, joining former Roosters halfback Gary Freeman (1992) and New Zealand-born Cowboys hulk Jason Taumalolo (2016).

It was a magnificent season from ex-Roosters fullback Tuivasa-Sheck, who piloted the Warriors to the finals on the back of flashy footwork which inspired 112 tackle busts and 4102 running metres.

Ultimately, Ponga was left to rue an injury-plagued finish to the NRL season.

Separate hamstring and ankle injuries sidelined him for five games between rounds 16 and 25, robbing him of the chance to hold an unassailable Dally M lead in the decisive final week.

When voting went behind closed doors after Round 12 in late May, Ponga was equal second on 16 points and a month later, he was handed a shock debut for Queensland.

His magical Maroons debut should have been the springboard to Dally M glory but just six days later Ponga injured his hamstring in his first game back for the Knights.

■ BRISBANE Broncos hooker Brittany Breayley, 27, won the . Dally M Female Player of the Year at her third attempt.

■ BRONCOS winger Jamayne Isaako was named Rookie of the Year.

■ GOLD Coast Titans captain Ryan James was awarded the Ken Stephen Medal for his offfield work.