Mitch Barnett has won the Danny Buderus Medal for the second time.
The 25-year-old was crowned the nib Newcastle Knights’ Player of the Year for 2019 at NEX on Wednesday night.
The award is recognition for a standout and consistent season for the backrower.
Watch: Knights 2019 awards night live stream
Director of Football, Brian Canavan said not only is Barnett a player his teammates enjoy running into battle with but he’s developing into a leader of the squad.
“He epitomises the Danny Buderus label in that he is a real team performer,” Canavan said.
“He’s incredibly durable and there’s a saying that’s come out of the wars, that you’d go in the trenches with Danny Buderus. And you’d do the same with Mitch Barnett.
“Mitch has always led by actions and deeds but particularly in the latter part of the season, his leadership evolved into more overt and verbal leadership.
“With actions and words, both at the highest leader, you have a very high-level leader.”
In his 21 appearances this season, Barnett finished 2019 with seven tries, 22 tackle breaks and three goals.
The Wingham product averaged 81.9 metres per game and a tackle efficiency of 87.5 percent.