Barba win Dr George Peponis Medal

by NRL

Fullback Ben Barba has capped off a massive year, earning the highest accolades in the game and being named the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 2012 NRL Player of the Year at the Club's annual Presentation Night held on Wednesday at Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf.

Barba was awarded the Dr George Peponis Medal after being judged to have made the most outstanding on field contribution to the Bulldogs over the course of the NRL season by his team mates and coaching staff.

23 year old Barba, who has progressed through the Bulldogs junior ranks and is one of the longest serving Bulldogs players, was a standout in each of the 29 games he played this season.

Barba's brilliance this season has been acknowledged at every level of the game with Barba also being awarded the prestigious Dally M medal.

Harlan Alaalatoa was crowned the winner of the Terry Lamb Medal for NSW Cup player of the year, completing a season in which he was also awarded NSWRL NSW Cup Player of the year.

Junior Kangaroo Dave Klemmer has taken out the Hazem El Masri medal as the Bulldogs Toyota Cup player of the year, an outstanding effort for a player who is just 18 years of age. Klemmer was also awarded for his outstanding efforts in his debut season with a place in the Toyota Cup Team of the Year.

Second rower Josh Jackson was recognised for a breakout season in the NRL by taking out the Steve Mortimer Medal as the Bulldogs Rookie of the Year.

Corey Payne can add the prestigious Les Johns Medal for Club Man of the Year to his resume, for his outstanding efforts both on and off the field.

Bulldogs 2012 Ken Stephen Medal nominee Dene Halatau has once again claimed the Peter Warren Medal for his work for community causes.

Both Aiden Tolman and James Graham's outstanding on field performances throughout the season couldn't be separated with both players awarded the inaugural 2012 Coaches' Award.

The Club Man of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards are decided upon by a voting panel that includes Chief Executive Officer Todd Greenberg, senior players and members of the Bulldogs coaching staff.

The Presentation night also represented a farewell of sorts to departing players, as well as those who have achieved significant milestones during season 2012.

The Winners - Bulldogs 2012 Presentation Night

Dr George Peponis Medal; Bulldogs 2012 NRL Player of the Year
Ben Barba

Terry Lamb Medal; Bulldogs 2012 NSW Cup Player of the Year
Harlan Alaalatoa

Hazem El Masri Medal; Bulldogs 2012 Toyota Cup Player of the Year
Dave Klemmer

Steve Mortimer Medal; Bulldogs 2012 Rookie of the Year
Josh Jackson

Les Johns Medal; Bulldogs 2012 Club Man of the Year
Corey Payne

Peter Warren Medal; Bulldogs 2012 Community Award
Dene Halatau

Coaches' Award:
Aiden Tolman and James Graham

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