NYC Newcastle Knights fullback Matt Cooper is a pretty hard man to catch.
The young fullback recorded a list of top ten stats in the competition this season including 6th for tackle breaks and line breaks, 8th for all run metres and 6th for tries scored with 17.
“It is mainly off the back of all the boys' hard work,” said Cooper.
“I'm just backing up through the middle and they're passing it to me.”
His work on the field didn’t go unnoticed by his teammates, Cooper being awarded the NYC Players’ Player award at the Club’s presentation night on Thursday.
“I'm stoked to get this award,” Cooper commented.
“Especially since the boys voted each week and it could’ve gone to anyone.”
Cooper maintains 2017 has been a successful year for him and thankfully injury-free.
“I was lucky enough not to get injured and not miss any games,” said the Knights fullback.
“It was a good year."
Lucky for the Knights side, Cooper will still be eligible for Under 20s next year.
“I've still got another year in the 20s so hopefully I'll have another run and see how that goes,” he said.
Meanwhile, Heath Gibbs was pleased to get recognition from the coaching staff after being awarded the NYC Coaches Award.
“I just tried my best to lead the boys around and give whatever input there needed to be,” explained Gibbs.
“It is really good to get recognition from the coaches.”
